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: Brand division
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: LSE: ULVR
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | Unilever plc | Brand division |
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?
As of April 2026, 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, pending transfer to McCormick upon deal close). Unilever no longer owns ice cream brands (Magnum, Walls, Ben & Jerry's, Breyers) following the 2025 Ice Cream demerger. The March 31, 2026 McCormick combination, expected to close mid-2027, will transfer Hellmann's, Knorr, Frank's RedHot, French's, Cholula, and Maille to the expanded McCormick entity. 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 currently owns over 400 brands across Beauty and Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, and Nutrition. Following the completion of the McCormick Foods combination (expected mid-2027), Unilever's portfolio will narrow to its HPC brands, with the largest being Dove, Axe/Lynx, Rexona/Sure, Vaseline, Domestos, Cif, Surf, and Omo. The company's food brands (Hellmann's, Knorr) are included in the McCormick deal and will transfer upon close.
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, England, United Kingdom
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: LSE: ULVR
- Revenue: approximately €59.7 billion (FY2025)
- Employees: Approximately 128,000
Where Is Clear Made / Based?
- Headquarters: London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Manufacturing / Operations: China, Indonesia, Thailand, Global Unilever facilities
Clear Sustainability & Ethics
Clear operates under Unilever's comprehensive sustainability framework, implementing specific initiatives focused on responsible ingredient sourcing, packaging sustainability, and environmental impact reduction. The brand has integrated sustainability into its product development while maintaining its position as a leading anti-dandruff shampoo brand.
Packaging Sustainability: Clear has implemented sustainable packaging initiatives as part of Unilever's broader packaging goals. The brand focuses on using recycled materials in packaging design and reducing plastic waste through innovative packaging solutions. Clear supports Unilever's commitment to making all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
Carbon Reduction Commitments: Clear contributes to Unilever's science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the product lifecycle. The brand has implemented energy-efficient manufacturing processes and works to reduce the carbon footprint of its production facilities and supply chain operations.
Responsible Ingredient Sourcing: Clear sources active ingredients and formulation components through responsible supply chains, emphasizing ethical procurement practices. The brand works with suppliers who meet Unilever's sustainability standards and conducts regular audits to ensure compliance with environmental and social criteria.
Water Conservation Initiatives: As a hair care brand, Clear has implemented water conservation programs in manufacturing processes and product formulations. The brand focuses on developing water-efficient production methods and formulations that minimize water usage while maintaining product effectiveness.
Supply Chain Ethics: Clear operates under Unilever's Supplier Code of Conduct, which includes requirements for fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and environmental protection. The brand conducts supplier assessments and audits to ensure compliance with ethical business practices throughout its supply chain.
Awards & Recognition
Clear has received significant recognition for market leadership, product innovation, and brand partnerships in the hair care industry. The brand's position as the world's best-selling shampoo for men and its innovative marketing strategies have been acknowledged by industry organizations and business publications.
Market Leadership Recognition: Clear is recognized as the world's best-selling shampoo for men and the No.1 anti-dandruff shampoo brand in three of Unilever's biggest haircare markets. This market leadership has been acknowledged by industry analysts and retail partners, highlighting Clear's dominant position in the anti-dandruff category.
Product Innovation Excellence: Clear's scientific approach to scalp care has received recognition for developing advanced anti-dandruff formulations. The brand's research into male scalp biology, which revealed that men's scalps produce 60% more sebum than women's, has been acknowledged as innovative consumer insight driving product development.
Strategic Partnership Recognition: Clear's 2026 global partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing has been recognized as an innovative cross-industry collaboration. As the team's first-ever official hair care partner, Clear's branding on the RB22 Formula One car and driver balaclavas represents a breakthrough in sports marketing for hair care brands.
Brand Marketing Awards: Clear's marketing campaigns and celebrity endorsements have received recognition for effectively reaching target demographics and building brand awareness. The brand's ability to combine scientific credibility with engaging marketing has been highlighted as a competitive advantage.
Consumer Trust Awards: Clear has received recognition for building consumer trust through clinically proven effectiveness and transparent communication about product benefits. The brand's focus on science-based solutions has been acknowledged as a factor in building credibility with consumers seeking reliable anti-dandruff solutions.
Global Expansion Recognition: Clear's successful expansion into global markets has been acknowledged by business publications, particularly its ability to adapt formulations and marketing strategies for different cultural contexts while maintaining consistent brand positioning and product effectiveness.
Clear Recalls & Controversies
Clear has faced challenges related to product safety concerns and regulatory compliance, particularly regarding preservative issues in specific product formulations. These incidents have led to product recalls and increased scrutiny of the brand's safety protocols.
Clear for Men Product Recall (2024): Unilever recalled several Clear for Men SKUs due to preservative safety concerns. The recall was initiated after regulatory reviews identified potential issues with preservative formulations used in specific Clear for Men products. This incident led to increased scrutiny of the brand's ingredient safety protocols and quality control processes.
Regulatory Compliance Challenges: The preservative issues highlighted challenges in maintaining consistent regulatory compliance across different global markets. Clear had to navigate varying regulatory requirements for preservative ingredients in different regions, leading to product reformulations and updated safety protocols.
Consumer Safety Concerns: The product recall raised consumer concerns about the safety of Clear's formulations, particularly regarding preservative ingredients. The brand had to implement enhanced safety testing and disclosure practices to rebuild consumer trust in product safety.
Quality Control Enhancements: Following the recall, Clear implemented more rigorous quality control measures and ingredient safety testing protocols. The brand enhanced its supplier verification processes and increased testing frequency for preservative ingredients and final product formulations.
Supply Chain Transparency: The preservative controversy led Clear to increase transparency about ingredient sourcing and safety testing procedures. The brand provided more detailed information about its safety protocols and ingredient selection criteria to address consumer concerns.
Brand Reputation Impact: The product recall temporarily impacted Clear's reputation for product safety and reliability, particularly in the men's grooming segment. The brand had to invest in rebuilding consumer trust through enhanced safety communications and quality assurance commitments.
Industry-Wide Preservative Scrutiny: Clear's preservative issues were part of broader industry scrutiny of preservative ingredients in personal care products. The incident contributed to increased regulatory attention to preservative safety across the cosmetics and personal care industry.
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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
Sources & Further Reading
- Clear Official Website
- Unilever Investor Relations
- Unilever Sustainability Report
- SEC EDGAR: Unilever (UL) filings
- LSE: Unilever (ULVR) stock
- NYSE: Unilever (UL) stock
- CosmeticsDesign Asia: Red Bull Racing Partnership
- Unilever News: Clear Brand Evolution
- Cosmetics Business: Product Recall
- Beauty Packaging: Scalpceuticals Range
- Finance Yahoo: Scientific Anti-Dandruff Series
- Campaign: Clear Anti-Dandruff Awards
- Wikipedia: Clear (shampoo)
- Scribd: Clear Shampoo Analysis
Where to Buy
Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchasesCompetitors 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lvmh | Italy | 1916 | Luxury | Global | Unisex | |
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1983 | Mass market | Global | Womens | |
| Clorox | USA | 1984 | Premium | Global | Unisex | |
| Nexus Capital Management | USA | 2011 | Premium | United states | Mens | |
| Walmart | USA | 1986 | Mass market | United states | Unisex | |
| Procter Gamble | USA | 1937 | Mass market | Global | Mens |
Learn More About Competitors

Acqua di Parma
Owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE
Italian luxury fragrance and grooming brand founded in Parma in 1916, owned by LVMH since 2001 and renowned for its signature Colonia fragrance.

Always
Owned by Procter & Gamble Company
Procter & Gamble's feminine hygiene brand launched in 1983, holding approximately 27% global market share in menstrual pads and sold in more than 100 countries.

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 Company
American men's grooming brand known for its deodorants, antiperspirants, body washes, and distinctive nautical-themed marketing campaigns.
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.
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