Who Owns Clear?
Clear is owned by Unilever, a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods corporation. Launched in 1975 as Clinic shampoo and rebranded as Clear in 1982, Clear has been part of Unilever's portfolio for over 45 years and is a leading global anti-dandruff brand.
Parent Company
Unilever plc
Founded
1975
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
Who Owns Clear?
- Parent Company: Unilever plc
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: LSE: ULVR
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | Unilever plc | Wholly owned |
History of Clear
- Founded: 1975
- Founders: Unilever (internal development)
Clear was launched in 1975 by Unilever as Clinic shampoo, positioning itself as a medicated hair care solution. The brand was rebranded as Clear in 1982, marking a strategic shift toward a more consumer-friendly positioning while maintaining its anti-dandruff focus. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for effective anti-dandruff solutions while establishing a distinctive hair care approach that would define the category for generations.
From its inception, Clear broke the mold for anti-dandruff shampoo advertising by featuring celebrities in commercials and focusing on resilience and results rather than the fear of flakes. This approach differentiated Clear from competitors who typically emphasized the negative aspects of dandruff. This innovative marketing strategy demonstrated Clear's exceptional ability to create positive brand associations while establishing a competitive advantage in the anti-dandruff market.
The brand has been sold under different names in various markets:
- **Clear** in most global markets
- **Ultrex** in Greece
- **Linic** in Portugal
- **Pure Derm** in India
- **Clinic Clear** in Thailand until 2010
- **Clinic** in Thailand before the early 2000s
This regional branding approach demonstrated Clear's exceptional ability to adapt to local market preferences while maintaining consistent product quality and performance standards across different geographic regions.
Throughout its history, Clear has featured numerous celebrity ambassadors, including Agnes Monica, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jackson Yee, helping the brand maintain relevance and appeal across different demographics. This strategic use of celebrity endorsements demonstrated Clear's exceptional ability to create aspirational brand positioning while maintaining broad market appeal.
In 2012 and 2013, Clear sponsored the Lotus Renault F1 Team, expanding its marketing reach into motorsports and demonstrating the brand's global ambitions. This strategic sponsorship demonstrated Clear's exceptional ability to enter new marketing channels while maintaining its premium brand positioning.
In recent years, Clear has evolved from a purely anti-dandruff shampoo to a comprehensive scalp care expert. The brand has grown consistently for the past three years post-pandemic, reflecting successful adaptation to changing consumer needs and preferences. Clear's formulations have advanced significantly, incorporating scalp care ingredients like piroctone olamine combined with root-strengthening zinc salt. These ingredients not only strengthen the scalp barrier and help healthy hair growth but also help reduce excessive hair loss. This continued evolution demonstrates Clear's exceptional ability to adapt to changing scientific advancements and consumer preferences while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to effective, quality hair care solutions.
About Unilever plc
What does Unilever own?
Unilever owns a portfolio of over 400 brands across four business groups: Beauty and Wellbeing (Dove, Vaseline, TRESemme, Pond's), Personal Care (Axe/Lynx, Rexona/Sure, Lux, Lifebuoy, Close Up), Home Care (Domestos, Cif, Surf, Omo, Comfort), and Nutrition (Knorr, Hellmann's, Lipton, Marmite). Following the 2025 demerger of its Ice Cream business, Unilever no longer owns Magnum, Walls, Ben & Jerry's, or Breyers. The company also owns approximately 61% of Hindustan Unilever Limited, a publicly listed subsidiary in India.
Is Unilever publicly traded?
Yes, Unilever plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange under ticker ULVR and on Euronext Amsterdam under ticker UNA. American Depositary Receipts are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker UL. The company does not have a controlling shareholder, and its shares are held primarily by institutional investors. Unilever simplified its dual-listed structure in 2020, consolidating its legal headquarters in the United Kingdom.
Who founded Unilever?
Unilever was formed in 1929 through the merger of Lever Brothers, a British soap company founded by William Hesketh Lever in 1885, and Margarine Unie, a Dutch margarine producer formed through the merger of the Jurgens and Van den Bergh companies in 1927. The founders of the predecessor companies include William Lever, James Darcy Lever, Antonius Johannes Jurgens, and Samuel van den Bergh.
Where is Unilever headquartered?
Unilever is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company's registered office and principal executive offices are located in London. Unilever simplified its dual-listed structure in 2020, consolidating its legal headquarters in the United Kingdom and ending the separate Unilever N.V. Dutch entity. The company's shares continue to trade on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam.
How many brands does Unilever own?
Unilever owns a portfolio of over 400 brands across four business groups: Beauty and Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, and Nutrition. The company's largest brands by revenue include Dove, Hellmann's, Knorr, Axe/Lynx, Rexona/Sure, Lipton, Vaseline, Domestos, and Cif. Following the 2025 demerger of its Ice Cream business, Unilever's portfolio no longer includes ice cream brands such as Magnum, Walls, Ben & Jerry's, and Breyers.
Who owns Unilever?
Unilever plc is a publicly traded company with no controlling shareholder. The company's shares are held primarily by institutional investors including major asset managers and index funds. No single shareholder holds a majority stake in Unilever. Fernando Fernandez serves as CEO, having been appointed in March 2025 following the departure of Hein Schumacher. The company's board includes a majority of independent non-executive directors.
- Founded: 1929
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: LSE: ULVR
Where Is Clear Made / Based?
- Headquarters: London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Manufacturing / Operations: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Global Unilever facilities
Brands Owned by Unilever plc
- Axe - Male grooming brand owned by Unilever, known for body spray and deodorant produc...
- Ben & Jerry's - American ice cream company known for unique flavors and social activism, owned b...
- Best Foods - American mayonnaise and condiment brand owned by Unilever, known as Hellmann's e...
- Bovril - Heritage British beef extract brand owned by Unilever, invented in 1870 and know...
- Brooke Bond - British tea brand owned by Unilever, known for Red Label and PG Tips tea product...
- Cif - Global cleaning products brand owned by Unilever, launched in 1969 and known for...
- Close-Up - Global oral care brand owned by Unilever, launched in 1967 as the world's first ...
- Comfort - Global fabric softener brand owned by Unilever, launched in 1969 as the world's ...
- Degree - North American deodorant and antiperspirant brand owned by Unilever, the US bran...
- Domestos - British household cleaning brand owned by Unilever, known for its bleach-based t...
- Dove - Personal care brand owned by Unilever, known for beauty bars and skincare produc...
- Hellmann's - American mayonnaise and condiment brand owned by Unilever, known as Best Foods w...
- HelloFresh - Meal kit delivery service brand owned by Unilever, providing pre-portioned ingre...
- Knorr - German food brand owned by Unilever, specializing in soups, seasonings, and read...
- Lancôme - Luxury beauty brand owned by Unilever, known for premium skincare, makeup, and f...
- Lifebuoy - Heritage health and hygiene soap brand owned by Unilever, created in 1894 as a c...
- Lipton - Global tea brand primarily owned by Lipton Teas and Infusions (CVC Capital Partn...
- Lux - Global beauty soap and body wash brand owned by Unilever, known as the world's f...
- Magnum - Premium ice cream brand owned by Unilever, known for chocolate-coated ice cream ...
- Maizena - Global corn starch brand owned by Unilever, founded in 1856 and used as a versat...
- Marmite - British savoury yeast extract spread owned by Unilever, known for its "Love it o...
- Noxzema - American skincare brand owned by Unilever, founded in 1914 and known for its med...
- Omo - Global laundry detergent brand owned by Unilever, launched in the 1950s and Unil...
- Pepsodent - Global toothpaste brand owned by Unilever outside North America, founded in 1915...
- PG Tips - British tea brand owned by Unilever, known for its pyramid tea bags and advertis...
- Pond's - Global skincare brand owned by Unilever, founded in 1846 as a patent medicine an...
- Pot Noodle - British instant noodle brand owned by Unilever, known for its quick preparation ...
- Rexona - Global deodorant and antiperspirant brand owned by Unilever, founded in Australi...
- Seventh Generation - Plant-based cleaning, laundry, and personal care brand committed to sustainabili...
- Simple - Skincare brand owned by Unilever, known for gentle, dermatologist-tested product...
- St. Ives - American skincare brand owned by Unilever, known for its natural ingredient form...
- Sunsilk - Global hair care brand owned by Unilever, launched in 1954 in the United Kingdom...
- Surf - Global laundry detergent brand owned by Unilever, launched in 1953 and known for...
- TRESemmé - Global salon-quality hair care brand owned by Unilever, founded in 1947 and know...
- Vaseline - American petroleum jelly and skincare brand owned by Unilever, known for its hea...
- Wall's - Ice cream brand owned by Unilever, known for ice cream bars, cones, and frozen t...
Clear Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Over 45 years of anti-dandruff expertise backed by Unilever's extensive R&D investment
- +Strong global distribution through Unilever's established retail channels
- +Advanced scalp care technology with clinically proven ingredients
- +Celebrity endorsements and premium brand positioning
- +Continuous innovation in hair and scalp care formulations
Considerations
- -Premium pricing compared to store-brand anti-dandruff alternatives
- -Competition from other global hair care brands and specialized scalp treatments
- -Dependency on Unilever's supply chain and corporate policies
- -Need to adapt to different hair types and cultural beauty standards globally
- -Environmental impact of chemical formulations and packaging
Frequently Asked Questions About Clear
Where to Buy
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Clear on AmazonCompetitors to Clear
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1983 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Clorox | USA | 1984 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Nexus Capital Management | USA | 2011 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Walmart | USA | 1986 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1937 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1956 | Mass Market | North America | Male |
Learn More About Competitors
Always
Owned by Procter & Gamble
American feminine hygiene brand known for its menstrual pads, panty liners, and feminine care products.
Burt's Bees
Owned by The Clorox Company
American personal care brand specializing in natural and organic skincare, lip care, and personal grooming products made with beeswax and natural ingredients.
Dollar Shave Club
Owned by Nexus Capital Management
American direct-to-consumer razor and grooming brand known for its subscription model and viral marketing.
Equate
Owned by Walmart Inc.
Walmart's flagship health and beauty private label brand with 75% U.S. household penetration, ranking as the second most popular store brand in America, offering over-the-counter medications and personal care products at affordable prices.
Old Spice
Owned by Procter & Gamble
American men's grooming brand known for its deodorants, antiperspirants, body washes, and distinctive nautical-themed marketing campaigns.
Secret
Owned by Procter & Gamble
American women's deodorant and antiperspirant brand known for its pH-balanced formulations and marketing focused on women's confidence and strength.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Clear competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Unilever plc Stock Information
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