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Ten years after acquiring skincare label Kate Somerville, Unilever announced on Tuesday that it will be sold to Rare Beauty Brands. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Rare Beauty Brands, which also owns the skincare brand Patchology and nail-care brand Dr. Dana, will acquire the brand’s skincare line and its facial studio in Los Angeles.
“Over the past 18 months, the team has worked diligently to accelerate Kate Somerville’s turnaround,” said Mary Carmen Gasco-Buisson, chief executive of Unilever Prestige, in a statement. “As the brand enters a new chapter, we believe that its continued growth and success will be best supported by new ownership better aligned to its evolving needs.”
Unilever acquired Kate Somerville in 2015. Its first half earnings in July 2025 noted flat sales in the prestige beauty segment. It shuttered another brand in the category, Ren Clean Skincare, in July 2025, after announcing the closure in May.
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Chris Hobson, chief executive of Rare Beauty Brands, described the acquisition as a “significant milestone” for the parent company in a statement.
“Together, we see a bright future ahead, with new opportunities to grow and reach even more consumers who share our passion for highly efficacious, luxurious skincare.”
Learn more:
Unilever to Shutter Ren Skincare Business
The consumer goods company cited internal challenges that were exacerbated by market conditions.
