In Review, May 2025: Headline highlights from REN, Rhode, MAC Cosmetics and more...

Sophie Smith

30 May 2025

May was another busy month for the UK beauty industry, marked by a flurry of activity - from business closures and acquisitions to new store openings, retail expansions, and leadership appointments.

Adding to the excitement, TheIndustry.beauty revealed the shortlist for its prestigious 'The Innovator' Awards, spotlighting an exciting mix of established names and bold new talent.

Here's a round-up featuring May's big beauty headlines from businesses including Rhode, REN Clean Skincare, Wonderskin, MAC Cosmetics, and more, as well as the top features content from TheIndustry.beauty.

ren

REN Clean Skincare to cease trading after 25 years

REN Clean Skincare will cease trading later this year, citing a mix of internal challenges and market difficulties that have made it unable to sustain long-term success in recent years. Following the conclusion of a collective consultation period, it has taken the decision to begin formal steps to close the business. While there is no fixed date for final closure, the brand expects to cease trading by the end of Q3 2025.

Hailey Bieber sells Rhode to E.l.f. Beauty in landmark $1bn deal

Hailey Bieber gave beauty its latest billion-dollar moment, selling her viral skincare and colour cosmetics brand Rhode to E.l.f. Beauty in a blockbuster deal valued at $1 billion. As part of the deal, Bieber will step into an expanded role as Chief Creative Officer and Head of Innovation, while also acting as a strategic advisor to the group.

Skin Rocks secures investment to drive 'next phase of growth'

Skin Rocks, the results-driven skincare brand founded by Caroline Hirons, secured investment to accelerate its product innovation, community building, and global expansion. The investment was led by consumer-focused firms Redrice Ventures and JamJar, with additional participation from Saffie Investments.

MAC Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics names Global Creative Director

MAC Cosmetics named Nicola Formichetti as Global Creative Director, setting the stage for a "new era of innovation and self-expression" at the brand. In this role, Formichetti will shape the strategy, conceptualisation and execution of MAC’s creative vision, elevating the brand’s global image and impact across every touchpoint - from campaigns and social media platforms to product, packaging, and immersive retail experiences.

Revolution Beauty initiates sale process amid strategic review

Revolution Beauty initiated a formal sale process after receiving a preliminary takeover approach. The process is being managed by Panmure Liberum, with the UK-based company expecting to receive expressions of interest from potential parties by 11 June 2025.

Wonderskin set to become "next iconic beauty brand" after securing $50m investment

Wonderskin, best known for its innovative blue Lip Stain Masque, secured $50m in a Series A funding round and plans to accelerate its retail expansion and product development. The funding round was led by top-tier private equity house Insight Partners and comes as the brand reveals it has signed a retail deal with Boots in the UK.

Tursian

Introducing Tursian: A new luxury skincare brand honouring legacy and innovation

A new-to-market brand, founded by Riyadh Swedaan - former partner of the late Deciem founder Brandon Truaxe - launched with the bold ambition to "redefine" luxury skincare. Swedaan, a former executive at Canadian beauty giant Deciem, has drawn on his experience to launch Tursian - a skincare brand rooted in his dedication to innovation, quality, and elevated formulation.

Beauty industry unites for nationwide UV safety campaign

The British Beauty Council is uniting beauty businesses through a new initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of UV safety while promoting consumer education and improving access to SPF products. The new initiative marks the first cross-industry collaboration focused on enhancing and amplifying UV safety messaging. It will also provide evidence on the subject to policymakers and industry leaders to help drive "meaningful" change.

Boots unveils new skincare training for pharmacists, alongside AI-powered tool

Boots rolled out dermatology training for its pharmacists and pharmacy team members in over 150 stores nationwide, with plans to expand to additional locations in the coming months. It coincided with the launch of Boots' new AI-powered skin tool, available through its Online Doctor.

Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols puts jobs at risk in move to prioritise beauty and fashion

Harvey Nichols put jobs at risk as it considers dropping its own food products and hampers in a strategic shake-up designed to sharpen its focus on fashion, beauty, and hospitality. It comes as the department store business undergoes a three-year turnaround programme under recently-appointed boss Julia Goddard.

Unilever to invest £80 million in new UK fragrance facility

Unilever is investing £80 million to expand its in-house fragrance capabilities in the UK, including the construction of a new "state-of-the-art" fragrance facility in Port Sunlight - home to three of the company’s global R&D hubs. It aims to accelerate growth and boost productivity through advanced fragrance design and strategic ingredient sourcing, while continuing close collaboration with key global fragrance partners.

Superdrug expands online marketplace with 60 fashion brands

Superdrug expanded its online marketplace with a curated collection of 60 fashion brands, broadening its offering beyond health and beauty. Selected for their popularity, the 60 brands cater to high-demand categories such as stylish plus-size and inclusive options - "ensuring that every customer finds something that fits their style and needs".

Oscar Emil

17-year-old perfumer launches debut fragrance line Oscar Emil

Debuting with a six-piece collection, a new fragrance brand - born from a journey through love, loss, and self-discovery - launched, created by 17-year-old perfumer Oscar Hedegaard. Each fragrance represents a chapter in an emotional journey, reflecting the excitement of first love, the pain of heartbreak, the strength of self-transformation, and the serenity of inner peace.

Sephora is heading to Wales with new store in Cardiff

Sephora UK confirmed the opening of its first store outside of England, bringing its renowned beauty experience to Cardiff, Wales, later this year. This latest announcement marks a "major milestone" in the global beauty retailer's continued growth, with Cardiff becoming home to its first store in Wales.

Byredo to open first standalone store outside of London

Luxury brand Byredo is opening a new store at Victoria Leeds, marking its first UK location outside of London. Following its success as a concession within Harvey Nichols in Leeds, the brand has signed for a 2,154 sq ft space at the shopping centre’s Victoria Quarter.

Belif

K-beauty brand Belif enters UK market

Korean skincare brand Belif launched into the UK market, bringing its cult-favourite Aqua Bomb collection to British beauty lovers for the first time. The bestselling range landed at UK retailers including Skin Cupid, Glam Touch, Beauty Bay, and Amazon.

MAC Cosmetics bolsters customer experience with new 'Club MAC' retail concept

MAC Cosmetics introduced a new retail concept - Club MAC- at its Carnaby Street store, transforming the space into an immersive, experience-led beauty destination. Designed as a community-first space, the new concept aims to bring a "fresh approach" to beauty retail in an effort to increase customer engagement and drive store footfall.

Rituals to bring 'Mind Oasis' spa concept to UK

Premium wellbeing brand Rituals is opening its first UK Mind Oasis, promising a "next-level" wellness experience in the heart of London's Oxford Street. Scheduled to open in October 2025, the space will blend science-backed treatments with immersive design - inviting visitors to escape the city's hustle and bustle through multi-sensory experiences, deep relaxation, and a mental reset.

Coty 'not satisfied' with revenue performance as it advances growth plans

Coty reported a 6% decrease in revenue to $1.299 billion (£978 million) for the third quarter ending 31 March, but anticipates a return to growth as it advances efforts to streamline operations. The company shared its "robust" plans to accelerate the prestige growth in FY26 and beyond, including "blockbuster" new launches, the extension of one of its "major" brands into the US, and opportunities in fragrance.

Pureseoul to open largest store yet on Carnaby Street

Korean beauty retailer Pureseoul opened a new flagship store on London's Carnaby Street, marking a major milestone in its ongoing expansion. Following the launch of eight UK stores, the new 3,000 sq ft location represents the company's largest retail space to date.

Estée Lauder sales drop but forecasts growth comeback

The Estée Lauder Companies reported a 10% decrease in sales to $3.5 billion (£2.6 billion) for the third quarter ending 31 March 2025, but forecasts a return to growth in FY26. It came after the company launched a new strategic plan in February 2025 to restore sustainable growth and recover profit.

Mylee

Mylee unveils biggest product launch in its history

The era of the effortless at-home manicure has arrived. First, Nails.INC recently launched its 4-in-1 nail polish, providing a gel-like finish in just one step. Now, Mylee is taking it a step further with a new "first-to-market" innovation that doesn’t even require nail polish. From basic nail varnish to complete gel kits, there's no shortage of options for home use. But one thing is certain: consumers crave convenience. And that’s exactly what Mylee’s latest launch is hoping to provide.

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