Unilever’s plans to boost its personal care portfolio are moving along nicely, with news the company has acquired skincare brand Dermalogica this week for an undisclosed amount.
In recent years, Unilever shed its food brands in favour of personal hygiene products, leading to the purchase of REN Skincare, Kate Somerville Skincare, and now Dermalogica.
Founded in 1986 and sold in more than 80 countries worldwide, Dermalogica has operations in the UK, Australia, Ireland and Canada.
“Dermalogica enjoys an outstanding reputation and incredible awareness among skincare professionals and consumers alike, and has a clear positioning as a superior skin health brand that perfectly complements the rest of our prestige offering,” says Unilever CEO Paul Polman.
"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 has great distribution and presence globally; and I am pleased that Jane and Raymond [Wurwand, founders] have retained an interest in the company and will continue to work with us to grow the brand.”
Dermalogica Australia general manager Suzette Cassie adds: "Today, Dermalogica announced it had been acquired by Unilever, a company with a long-standing history in growing brands and championing philanthropic initiatives. This is a very exciting day in Dermalogica’s journey and one we welcome with open arms. 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.
"It is still business as usual for us in Australia and our international markets, and as always we remain committed to our mission to bring respect and success to the professional skin therapist. As part of the Unilever Prestige Division, Dermalogica will continue to manufacture, operate and work out of our global headquarters in Los Angeles, California; and locally we will continue to work out of our head office in Crows Nest."
