Kenvue hails overall bump in Q3 2026 results despite mixed beauty sales

Despite Kenvue’s Q3 2026 net sales rising 3.2% to $3.8 billion, the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) spinoff consumer health company’s skin health and beauty sales division only saw sales increase by 0.1%

Kenvue, the consumer health company, has maintained its upward financial trajectory for 2026 with bumper net sales in its third quarter of trading.

Q3 2026 net sales increased 3.2% to US$3.8bn, and for the first nine months of 2026, net sales increased 3.6% to $11.7bn, compared with $11.34bn in the same period last year.

The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) spinoff consumer health company also saw gross profits jump 4% to $2.3bn, up from $2.2bn in 2025.

“We are pleased to have delivered our fourth consecutive quarter of net and organic sales growth, with strong performance in self-care and essential health, along with margin expansion and strong cash generation,” said Kirk Perry, Kenvue CEO.

“Our results reflect continued momentum from disciplined execution, ongoing productivity initiatives, and investment in our brands and innovation.

“We are strongly on track to deliver our business transformation that we began last year.

“I want to thank our entire organisation for their dedication to delighting our consumers and customers, disciplined execution, and delivering what was promised.”

Despite the strong Q3 results, Kenvue’s skin health and beauty sales only increased by 0.1% during this time, and reflected an organic sales decline of 0.5% and a foreign currency benefit of 0.6%.

Hair care remained a key growth driver during the quarter, however, delivering low double-digit organic sales growth, led by Rogaine, which achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of market share gains.

Kenvue also benefited from the expansion of North America sun care with the launch of Neutrogena Cloud Tech featuring BEMT (bemotrizinol) last month – the brand’s first first sunscreen technology featuring the new FDA-approved UV filter.

The Q3 2026 trading update follows Kenvue's announcement of its acquisition by Kimberly-Clark in a $48.7bn deal last year.

The tie-up will see Kenvue’s health and beauty brands, such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, OGX and Listerine, sit under the same umbrella as Kimberly-Clark’s personal care brands.

Due to the pending transaction with Kimberly-Clark, Kenvue has not provided forward-looking guidance for the year in this quarterly update.

Perry added: “As we near the completion of our value -creating combination with Kimberly-Clark and bring together our two companies, the team is excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Kenvue kicked off a strategic review of its business in July 2025 amid falling sales and job cuts.

The initiative aims to optimise its operating model, transform its supply chain, reduce complexity and drive operational efficiencies, while strengthening core capabilities.