REN Clean Skincare to Close

In a move that marks the end of an era in British beauty, Unilever has announced plans to close Ren Clean Skincare. The decision, shared directly by the brand, comes after a challenging period shaped by internal pressures and broader market difficulties.

“Following the conclusion of a collective consultation period, we have taken the difficult decision to begin formal steps to close the Ren business,” Unilever said in a statement. “A combination of internal factors, compounded by market challenges in recent years has left the brand unable to sustain success in the long term.”

Founded in 2000 by Rob Calcraft and Antony Buck — inspired by Buck’s wife’s search for gentle, effective skincare during pregnancy — Ren emerged at a time when ‘clean beauty’ was virtually unheard of. The brand carved out a niche with its commitment to bioactive-rich, irritation-free formulas and sustainable packaging.

Over the years, Ren built a global cult following with bestsellers such as the Evercalm range and Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. In 2015, the brand was acquired by Unilever and folded into its Prestige division, joining a portfolio of premium skincare brands including Dermalogica, Kate Somerville, and Murad. The acquisition was seen as a strategic step in expanding Unilever’s presence in the conscious beauty space.

Despite a series of repositioning efforts — including a streamlined range focused on sensitive skin and renewed efforts to grow in the US market — Ren struggled to regain commercial momentum. With no clear path to long-term sustainability, Unilever has opted to initiate closure proceedings.

“We are proud of the REN team for all they have accomplished during 25 years of business, putting clean skincare on the agenda and creating positive change for both people and planet,” the brand said.

While no firm closure date has been confirmed, Ren is expected to cease trading by the end of the third quarter of 2025.