Unilever reaffirms full-year outlook as sales rise in Q1

Unilever reported underlying sales growth of 3.8% for the first quarter of 2026, with its Beauty & Wellbeing division up 3.6%.

As part of this, the company saw haircare deliver high single-digit growth. This reflected continued momentum in Dove, which achieved growth following the launch of its Fibre Repair technology range.

The prestige brand K18 also posted volume-led growth. These gains were partly offset by the impact of delisting some unprofitable haircare brands in the US, in line with a strategy to focus on core “Power Brands”.

Skincare grew at a low single-digit rate. Growth was driven by Vaseline, as well as prestige brands including Hourglass, Tatcha and Dermalogica.

However, wellbeing declined at a low single-digit rate during the quarter, reflecting a strong prior-year comparison. Unilever expects performance to improve as initiatives to expand usage of Liquid I.V. take effect.

Elsewhere, the Personal Care division grew 3.7%, thanks to mid-single-digit increases in deodorants and skin cleansing, supported in part by premium product innovation. Oral Care remained flat.

Overall turnover was €12.6 billion, a decline of 3.3% year-on-year, as underlying sales growth of 3.8% and net contributions from acquisitions and divestments were offset by a negative currency impact of 7.7%.

Looking ahead, the company maintained its full-year 2026 outlook, expecting underlying sales growth at the lower end of its 4-6% range.

Fernando Fernandez, CEO of Unilever, said: "We continue to move at speed to build a simpler, sharper Unilever with a structurally higher growth profile and a brand portfolio fit for the future.

"Despite heightened macroeconomic uncertainty, the progress we are making to elevate our brands through Desire at Scale and improve operational execution means we remain confident of delivering on our guidance for the year ahead."