Following the conclusion of a strategic review, Unilever has made the decision to begin formal steps to close the REN Clean Skincare business that it acquired 10 years ago.WHO: REN Clean Skincare was founded in 2000 in East London by Rob Calcraft and Antony Buck, pioneering the clean skincare movement with a focus on bioactive ingredients and a strict NO list of potentially irritating substances. REN had built a committed consumer base around its motto of performance, purity, pleasure. Most recently, the brand added "clean" as part of its moniker, doubling down on its Clean to Planet positioning. The company had met its zero-waste promise by the end of 2021, with its fully recycled, recyclable, or reusable packaging.WHY: The decision has been attributed to internal challenges compounded by market conditions in recent years, which have rendered the brand incapable of maintaining long-term success.IN THEIR OWN WORDS: In a statement Unilever said, "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 and thank them as they continue to support us through this closure."DETAILS:Unilever to shutter REN Clean Skincare.There is no fixed date for final closure, but trading is expected to cease by the end of Q3 2025.In August 2024, reports emerged that Unilever was working with PricewaterhouseCoopers to consider the sale of both REN Clean Skincare and Kate Somerville.Unilever acquired the business in May 2015, becoming part of Unilever's Prestige Brands portfolio.