Unilever has bought professional skin care brand Dermalogica for an undisclosed sum.
Marking Unilever’s third acquisition in the skin care category in just four months, the latest takeover confirms a change in the Anglo-Dutch consumer giant’s strategy; all three takeovers have fallen under Unilever’s prestige personal care portfolio. Unilever has been on an acquisition spree since March, when it acquired skin care brand REN, shortly followed by Kate Somerville Skincare in May.
Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, said: “We are delighted to be adding Dermalogica to the Unilever Prestige personal care portfolio. Dermalogica enjoys an outstanding reputation and incredible awareness among skin care professionals and consumers alike, and has a clear positioning as a superior skin health brand that perfectly complements the rest of our Prestige offering. Importantly, it is a company founded on strong values and a common belief, shared by Unilever, in the role of business as a force for good in society.”
Dermalogica, which had a turnover of US$240m in 2014, was launched to market in 1986 in LA by Jane and Raymond Wurwand. Today its range of at-home and specialist products is sold in over 80 countries.
Polman added: “Dermalogica has great distribution and presence globally, and I am pleased that Jane and Raymond have retained an interest in the company and will continue to work with us to grow the brand.”
Jane Wurwand, Dermalogica Founder and Chief Visionary, said: “This partnership will provide Dermalogica with the opportunities and resources to take the brand to even greater heights and help us continue our legacy in supporting the next generation of professional skin therapists and women entrepreneurs worldwide.”
