Unilever has signed an agreement to acquire leading digital-led skin care brand Paula’s Choice from TA Associates.

The brand, which was founded by Paula Begoun in 1995, will join Unilever’s Prestige skincare business.

Renowned for its high performing products and jargon-free science, Paula’s Choice’s digital content includes an array of tools designed to demystify the science behind skin care, including an extensive “Ingredient Dictionary” that breaks down the research behind nearly 4,000 ingredients, plus a curated online hub of skin care and ingredient knowledge.

Unilever EVP and CEO of Prestige Vasiliki Petrou, said: “We are thrilled that Paula’s Choice will join our Unilever Prestige family.

“Paula’s Choice is a true pioneer in the digital space for beauty and has created a mission-based brand rooted in truth and transparency. We can’t wait to introduce the brand and its iconic products to an even bigger audience.”

Brand founder Paula Begoun added: “I am so excited that Unilever and Paula’s Choice are joining forces, and I want to thank Vasiliki and the Unilever team for believing in us, our mission and our values.

“With Unilever we can build on our work and vision spanning 26 years of creating brilliant products, and by giving people the self-confidence that comes from knowing they are taking the best care of their skin possible.”

TA managing director Jeffrey Barber said “We are proud to have played a part in Paula’s Choice’s growth story where it has become a leading direct-to-consumer global skin care brand.

“We are excited to see what the company can accomplish in partnership with Unilever.”

The brand is distributed through global DTC and select prestige retailers in North America, Europe and Asia.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2021.