Who Owns Pond's?
Pond's is owned by Unilever, a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods corporation. Founded in 1846 by pharmacist Theron T. Pond, Pond's became part of Unilever when the company acquired Chesebrough Manufacturing Company in 1987. The brand is known for its cold cream and skincare products.
Parent Company
Unilever plc
Acquired
1987
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
Who Owns Pond's?
- Parent Company: Unilever plc
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1987
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: LSE: ULVR
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pond's | Unilever plc | Wholly owned |
History of Pond's
- Founded: 1846
- Founders: Theron T. Pond
- Acquired by Unilever plc: 1987
Pond's Cream was invented in the United States in 1846 as a patent medicine by pharmacist Theron T. Pond of Utica, New York. Mr. Pond created an extract from witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.) which he discovered could heal small cuts and other ailments. The product was originally named "Golden Treasure."
After Pond died in 1852, the product became known as "Pond's Extract." In 1849, the T. T. Pond Company was formed with Pond and other investors, though Pond sold his portion due to failing health before his death.
In 1914, the company was incorporated under the name Pond's Extract Company. The company then moved to Connecticut, establishing its manufacturing center there, and later moved its sales office to New York City.
In 1886, Pond's began advertising nationally under the name "Pond's Healing" until 1910. By the twentieth century, the company's main emphasis shifted to cosmetics products. Pond's Vanishing Cream and Pond's Cold Cream marked the entrance of Pond's products into the facial care industry.
Throughout the early to mid-20th century, Pond's continued to innovate in skincare, introducing new products and formulations. The company's focus on scientific skincare and beauty innovations helped establish it as a trusted brand in the beauty industry.
In 1955, Pond's merged with the Chesebrough Manufacturing Company, which owned Vaseline. The merged company was later acquired by Unilever in 1987, bringing both Pond's and Vaseline into Unilever's portfolio.
Today, Pond's products are sold around the world, with the largest markets being in Spain and Asia, including India, Japan, and Thailand. The brand continues to focus on skincare innovation and has evolved to include modern formulations while maintaining its heritage of quality and effectiveness.
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 Pond's Made / Based?
- Headquarters: London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, India, Indonesia, Global Unilever facilities
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Pond's Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Over 175 years of skincare expertise backed by Unilever's extensive R&D investment
- +Heritage brand with trusted reputation for quality and effectiveness
- +Strong global distribution through Unilever's established retail channels
- +Continuous innovation in skincare formulations and anti-aging technology
- +Premium quality assurance supported by corporate resources and scientific research
Considerations
- -Premium pricing compared to store-brand alternatives
- -Competition from other skincare brands and natural/organic alternatives
- -Dependency on Unilever's supply chain and corporate policies
- -Need to adapt to modern consumer preferences for clean beauty formulations
- -Competition from specialized skincare brands targeting specific concerns
Frequently Asked Questions About Pond's
Where to Buy
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Pond's on AmazonCompetitors to Pond's
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: Pond's 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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