Who Owns Sunsilk?
Sunsilk is owned by Unilever, a British-Dutch multinational consumer goods corporation. Launched in 1954 in the United Kingdom, Sunsilk was developed by Unilever as an innovative hair care brand. The brand is available in over 69 countries worldwide.
Parent Company
Unilever plc
Founded
1954
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
Who Owns Sunsilk?
- Parent Company: Unilever plc
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: LSE: ULVR
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sunsilk | Unilever plc | Wholly owned |
History of Sunsilk
- Founded: 1954
- Founders: Unilever (internal development)
Sunsilk was launched in the United Kingdom in 1954, and in the same year, it became available in 45 countries. At the time of its launch, Sunsilk had a significant advantage over other shampoos in the market as it only needed one application, meaning it washed less natural oils from hair compared to competing products.
In 1954, Sunsilk cream shampoo for dry hair was introduced, establishing the brand's focus on addressing different hair care needs. The brand quickly expanded its product range and innovations throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Key milestones in Sunsilk's development include:
- 1960: Launch of Sunsilk Tonic shampoo containing Allantoin for skin healing
- 1961: Re-launch of Sunsilk Liquid shampoo as Sunsilk Beauty
- 1962: Marketed as a range of shampoos for different hair types
- 1964: Launch of Sunsilk hair spray
- 1971: Introduction of Sunsilk conditioner with three variants for dry, normal, and greasy hair
- 1982: Launch of 2-in-1 shampoo with conditioner
The brand continued to innovate through the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, introducing new formulations, packaging improvements, and expanding into new markets. In 2001, Sunsilk entered the hair colorant market for Asian-type dark hair, launching in India, Pakistan, and Thailand.
In 2009, Sunsilk introduced the social networking site "Gang of Girls" in India, demonstrating the brand's focus on connecting with younger consumers. In 2010, the brand was relaunched as "Sunsilk Co-Creations," and in 2022, it was relaunched again as "Sunsilk Activ-Infusion."
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 Sunsilk Made / Based?
- Headquarters: London, UK / Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Manufacturing / Operations: United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, Global Unilever facilities
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Sunsilk Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Nearly 70 years of hair care expertise backed by Unilever's extensive R&D investment
- +Wide product range for different hair types and needs
- +Strong global distribution through Unilever's established retail channels
- +Continuous innovation in hair care formulations and technology
- +Premium quality assurance supported by corporate resources and scientific research
Considerations
- -Premium pricing compared to store-brand alternatives
- -Competition from other global hair care brands and local market preferences
- -Dependency on Unilever's supply chain and corporate policies
- -Environmental impact of packaging and chemical formulations
- -Need to adapt to diverse hair types and cultural beauty standards across markets
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunsilk
Where to Buy
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Sunsilk on AmazonCompetitors to Sunsilk
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: Sunsilk 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
Jobs at Unilever plc
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