Tylenol

Tylenol is one of the world's most recognized over-the-counter pain relief and fever reducer brands, with acetaminophen (paracetamol) as its active ingredient. The brand name was generated by McNeil from the chemical name N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP). Johnson & Johnson bought McNeil in 1959, making the drug available over the counter the following year.

Tylenol has been a household name for decades, offering products for adults and children including Extra Strength, Rapid Release Gels, PM formulations for nighttime relief, and specialized pediatric formulations. The brand is known for being gentle on the stomach while providing effective pain relief and fever reduction.

In November 2021, Johnson & Johnson announced it would spin off its consumer health division as a separate company. The new company, Kenvue, was registered as a corporation in Delaware in February 2022, and Johnson & Johnson announced the name 'Kenvue' in September 2022 - combining 'ken' (a Scottish word for knowledge) and 'vue' (evoking sight). Kenvue's IPO took place on May 4, 2023, with shares priced at $22, implying an initial valuation of about $41 billion.

In November 2025, Kimberly-Clark announced it was acquiring Kenvue for a total enterprise value of $48.7 billion, bringing Tylenol under the same corporate umbrella as Kleenex, Huggies, and other household brands. The acquisition is expected to close around the second half of 2026.