
On Wednesday, Johnson & Johnson brand Band-Aid announced in an Instagram post that it would begin selling bandages in a wider range of colors to better accommodate a diverse range of skin tones.
Like, uh, no more pink bandages on brown skin?
The brand which was founded 100 years ago in 1920, had come under criticism for not selling bandages that reflected the diverse culture purchasing them. This led to other brands emerging such as Ebon-Aide, Browndages and Tru-Colour.
“Band-Aid is dedicated to inclusivity and providing the best healing solutions in colors that recognize a range of skin tones,” said Megan Koehler, communications leader at Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health. “We’ve made a commitment to launch a range of bandages in light, medium and deep shades of brown and black skin tones.”
In the post, the brand said it wants to “embrace the beauty of diverse skin,” and created four new shades of its bandages to uphold that goal.
“We are dedicated to inclusivity and providing the best healing solutions, better representing you,” the Instagram post read. Band-Aid also said it would donate to the Black Lives Matter movement.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by BAND-AID® Brand Bandages (@bandaidbrand) on
The company previously had created a line of bandages in 2005 that more reflective of. diverse community, but was discontinued due to a lack of interest.
“In 2005, we were proud to launch a line of bandages in the U.S. to blend with multiple skin tones called Band-Aid Brand Perfect Blend Adhesive Bandages. These bandages were later discontinued due to lack of interest at the time. We are excited to bring back a similar product with improved comfort and flexibility,” the statement said.
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Twitter Reacts With Skepticism
While noting this is indeed progress, the Twitterverse reacted to Band-Aid’s announcement with skepticism. One user tweeted, “I’m serious about not letting these brands pimp us. Yes, it’s good Band-Adi is now making a variety of tones but I question the intentions of why now.”
I’m serious about not letting these brands pimp us. Yes, it’s good Band-Aid is now making a variety of tones but I question the intentions of why now.
— Breigh-Ann Walls (@breighannwalls) June 12, 2020
this is the funniest part.
— montego bae (@ShenaeCurry) June 13, 2020
band-aid was founded 100 years ago but NOW they see niggas. ok. https://t.co/diZheGc7I2
About time, Band-Aid! https://t.co/D4x7jJqoGM
— The Real (@TheRealDaytime) June 12, 2020
Our grandkids will be like, “What grandma??!!” “You had to wear peach band-aids?”. ME: Yes, sugar I did. For a very long time but then 2020 happened and it changed everything…
— JacqB (@Girl1JRiv) June 13, 2020
The Band-Aid brand announced it will also donate $100,000 to the Black Lives Matter foundation. Parent company Johnson & Johnson said on June 2 that it plans to allocate $10 million over the next three years to fight racial injustice in America.
At J&J, we believe racism in any form is unacceptable. Black Lives Matter.
— Johnson & Johnson (@JNJNews) June 2, 2020
Johnson & Johnson is committing $10 million to fight racism & injustice in America—a pledge that will span the next three years. Learn more from Alex Gorsky, Chairman & CEO, #JNJ: https://t.co/7Ur6bXRe8u pic.twitter.com/Rd8HzAllAD
Time will tell if this decision by Band-Aid was a Brand-Aid for J&J.
SOURCE: Johnson & Johnson