Kate Somerville has a new owner.
Unilever said Tuesday that it has sold the skin care brand to Rare Beauty Brands, which also owns Patchology and Dot Dot Dash. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, apart from the sale will include a clinic on Melrose Place in Los Angeles.
Founded by the L.A.-based aesthetician Kate Somerville, the brand became known for its innovation and performance and was sold to Unilever in 2015. But in recent years it has struggled to maintain relevance in a crowded market.
Mary Carmen Gasco-Buisson, chief executive officer of Unilever Prestige, said: “Over the past 18 months, the team has worked diligently to accelerate Kate Somerville’s turnaround. 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.”
Chris Hobson, president and CEO of Rare Beauty Brands, said the acquisition of Kate Somerville is a significant milestone for the group.
“We have long admired the brand’s innovative spirit and its commitment to results-driven skin care, which aligns perfectly with our mission to create products that delight, communities that empower, and brands that inspire,” he continued. “We see a bright future ahead, with new opportunities to grow and reach even more consumers who share our passion for highly efficacious, luxurious skin care.”
It has been rumored for some time that Unilever was searching for a buyer for Kate Somerville as it looks to divest from underperforming assets and rejig its portfolio.
Last year the group sold Elida Beauty, a cluster of more than 20 brands, including Q-tips, Caress, Timotei and Tigi, to Yellow Wood Partners. In 2023, it offloaded Suave North America, also to Yellow Wood.
Nevertheless, during its most recent earnings release, the consumer goods company stressed that it will prioritize beauty, well-being and personal care products.
“Looking ahead, our priorities are clear: more beauty and well-being and personal care; disproportionate investment in the U.S. and India, and a sharper focus on premium segments and digital commerce,” said chief executive officer Fernando Fernandez.
Unilever’s beauty and well-being division generated 21 percent of group turnover in the first half, with underlying sales growing 3.7 percent. Some 1.7 percent came from volume, with 2 percent coming from price.
Unilever’s most recent beauty transactions include British deodorant brand Wild and men’s grooming brand Dr. Squatch.
The Kate Somerville transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
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