6 corporations tracked

Corporate Ownership Database

Many "clean" and "natural" brands have been acquired by large corporations. This database tracks ownership changes, formula modifications, and helps you make informed purchasing decisions.

Why This Matters

When a small, independent brand is acquired by a multinational corporation, several things often happen:

  • Formula changes to reduce costs (cheaper ingredients, synthetic preservatives)
  • Sourcing changes (switching from local/organic to industrial suppliers)
  • Mission drift (profit over values)
  • Loss of founder control (original vision diluted)

Not all acquisitions result in negative changes — but transparency matters. You deserve to know who you're really buying from.

Major Parent Corporations

The Clorox Company (CLX)

Medium Controversy

Acquired Burt's Bees in 2007. Some consumers report quality decline.

1 brand owned

Colgate-Palmolive (CL)

Medium Controversy

Acquired Tom's of Maine in 2006.

1 brand owned

Mondelez International (MDLZ)

High Controversy

Acquired Hu Kitchen in 2021. Consumer reports of formula changes after acquisition.

1 brand owned

Nestlé (NSRGY)

Very High Controversy

Infamous for water rights controversies. Avoid.

Procter & Gamble (PG)

High Controversy

Frequently changes product formulas post-acquisition. Known for aggressive cost-cutting.

1 brand owned

Unilever (UL)

High Controversy

One of the largest CPG companies. Often reformulates products post-acquisition.