Unilever to Close REN Clean Skincare After 25 Years

Unilever has announced plans to shut down REN Clean Skincare, the British brand renowned for pioneering the "clean beauty" movement. The decision follows internal challenges and market conditions that have rendered the brand unsustainable in the long term.

Founded in 2000 by Rob Calcraft and Antony Buck, REN gained acclaim for its commitment to eliminating parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and petrochemicals from its products. The brand's offerings, such as the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic and the Evercalm range, cultivated a loyal customer base.

Unilever acquired REN in 2015, aiming to expand its global reach. Under the leadership of Prestige Brands director Vasiliki Petrou, REN's turnover rose significantly. However, following Petrou's departure, the brand experienced a decline in profits and reduced its product line by a third in an attempt to modernise and appeal to the U.S. market.

Despite efforts to revitalise the brand, including a reported attempt to sell REN alongside Kate Somerville in 2023, no sale materialised. Unilever now expects REN to cease trading by the end of the third quarter of 2025.

The closure marks the end of a brand that set early standards for environmentally conscious skincare, influencing numerous companies in the industry.