Q1 2023 Unilever beauty and well-being sales totaled €3.1 billion, a 13.3% jump year-over-year, while personal care sales increased 12.6% to €3.4 billion.
Looking ahead, Unilever expects to be at the upper range of its 3-5% growth projection for full-year 2023.
Underlying sales growth was driven by price, while, volume increased 2.6%, particularly due to prestige beauty and health and well-being, which combined account for 5% of total turnover. Highlights in that sector included Paula’s Choice, Hourglass and Liquid IV.
Hair care grew across all regions and increased volume, in part led by the Sunsilk relaunch. Other growth areas included TRESemmé and the Clear Anti Hair Fall offerings in China.
Skin care sales were driven by strong performances in South Asia and Southeast Asia, though undercut by a double-digit decline in North Asia. Vaseline and Pond’s delivered double-digit growth, in part supported by the introduction of the Gluta-Hya serum.
Personal care sales gains were also driven by increased prices, as well as 3% volume growth, which was led by refillable deodorants.
Personal care grew in Latin America, South Asia, Europe and North America, with deodorants growing in the high double-digits due to the markets of Europe and the Americas.
Rexona benefited from the introduction of its 72-hour protection technology, per Unilever, while the Axe Fine Fragrance range contributed to double-digit growth for the brand.
Skin cleansing growth was driven by Latin America and South Asia, while Lux grew in part due to the relaunch of its bars.
Finally, oral care growth was driven by pricing, while Close Up's double-digit rise was led by South Asia and Africa.
Of the results, CEO Alan Jope said, "We continue to shift our portfolio into higher growth spaces, with the delivery of another quarter of double-digit sales growth in prestige beauty and health andellbeing, and the announced sale of Suave in North America."
