Hayden Panettiere’s death on Aug. 16 has led to renewed controversy surrounding her long-time skincare brand Neutrogena. In her 2026 memoir and May 2026 interviews, Panettiere claimed the cosmetics brand, owned by Kenvue, attempted to terminate their partnership after she spoke about her postpartum depression during a 2015 appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael. Her allegations have sparked widespread backlash, particularly on social media.

Allegations of Contract Termination

Panettiere wrote in her memoir that Neutrogena canceled her contract after she revealed her diagnosis, calling it “another blow in a year that practically gave me nothing good,” according to The Independent en Español. The actress had appeared in Neutrogena commercials for years and was a well-known ambassador for the brand. The timing of the alleged contract termination — less than a year after she gave birth to her daughter Kaya, has become a focal point of the controversy.

Her remarks drew immediate criticism in May, but the backlash intensified following her death. A Reddit post proposing a boycott of Neutrogena received more than 5,000 upvotes, and another post with over 34,000 likes accused the brand of hating women. Users expressed disappointment, with some calling Panettiere’s commercials a “core memory” for millennials.

Public Reaction and Social Media Outcry

Neutrogena’s official social media accounts have been flooded with comments condemning the brand’s alleged treatment of Panettiere, while Fans and critics alike have called for the company to re-evaluate its practices. Carole Radziwill, a cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City, publicly endorsed the criticism on one of the brand’s posts, writing, “They deserve the backlash. #Hayden.”

Online sentiment has been largely negative, with users suggesting they will now seek out Neutrogena-free skincare routines. The controversy has also been amplified by fans resurfacing Panettiere’s past interviews, including her 2015 appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael, where she said she could “very much relate to” her character Juliette Barnes’ postpartum depression on Nashville.

Neutrogena’s Response and Ongoing Silence

Neutrogena has not publicly addressed the allegations or responded to inquiries from USA Today or The Independent en Español, but the company also has not issued a statement regarding Panettiere’s death. In contrast, Neutrogena recently launched a new skincare campaign titled “All Things Beautiful Come From Nature,” according to ADWEEK, but the campaign highlights the natural ingredients used in its WASO line and features a lush, colorful visual aesthetic.

However, the campaign has not shifted public focus away from the controversy surrounding Panettiere, but Instead, it has been overshadowed by the ongoing criticism of the company’s alleged handling of her public health struggles. Fans and critics continue to call for transparency, with many questioning whether the company valued its brand ambassador’s well-being over its public image.

As the debate continues, it remains unclear how Neutrogena will respond, as For now, the brand’s silence has allowed the conversation to grow, with social media users and celebrity advocates amplifying the call for accountability.