Latest news with #personalcare
Wall Street Journal
4 days ago
- Wall Street Journal
How Three Friends Built a Multimillion-Dollar Brand by Making Sunscreen Fun Again
Vacation, a pandemic-born personal-care startup, has pursued a simple strategy to make some room in its core category: putting the fun back in sunscreen. The brand design looks like the love child of Club Med and Margaritaville. Discount pop-ups on its website evoke magazine coupons from 1986, down to the dotted lines for scissors. Its SPF 30 mousse comes in a whipped-cream canister. And the handle on its new 20-ounce 'jug' detaches to be worn as a bracelet.
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Finally, a women's razor that's actually as good as a man's
If you had told me as a teenager – awkward, Greek, and growing hair well before anyone else in my class – that one day I'd genuinely be excited about a razor, I would've laughed. From an early age, shaving always felt more like something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. I would eye off my dad's razor brand, only to sneak one into mum's shopping trolley when she wasn't looking. Now, as an adult, I've been known to 'borrow' my husband's men's-grade blades for myself. They've just always felt sharper, more solid, and simply better for my thick, dark hair, which I've been genetically blessed with. Women's razors, on the other hand, have always seemed more like an afterthought – ultralight and flimsy, not particularly sharp, and always a ton more expensive. The condescending 'pink tax' has never felt more obvious than when looking through the shaving aisle in the supermarket. Rows of razors in feminine shades, promising a 'smooth' and 'silky' experience, but what they actually deliver is just ingrowns. And I'm not the only one who has been fed up with this mediocrity. Georgia Geminder, the founder of Aussie personal care brand Gem, tells she saw the same gap. 'There's always been this unspoken belief that men need a 'tougher' shave, and so the industry has historically prioritised blade sharpness and durability for men's razors – while women's razors focus more on aesthetics or comfort,' she said. 'What's frustrating is that women deserve both: performance and beauty.' She wanted to bring something 'innovative, different and millennial-focused' to market, with thoughtful ingredients, beautiful packaging, while still keeping the price accessible. And she did just that. Earlier this month, Gem launched its 'category-disrupting razors' and shaving gels into Coles, after two years in the making. And fans of the brand are already going crazy for them, with one product selling every minute. When I spotted them on the shelves, I was so curious to try them out, having already been converted to their delicious-smelling deodorants. In my eyes, Gem can do no wrong, but having been burned in the past by so many women's shaving brands, I approached with caution. However, after using the Skin-Loving Shaving Kit, which retails for $20, I've fallen in love. It features a durable razor infused with Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin E, and Aloe Vera, a chic holder for the shower and a blade refill. The razor itself feels luxurious in both design and weight, and the five sharp blades and pivoting head gave me the smoothest shave I've ever had. When used with the Skin-Loving Shaving Gel, $10, which lathered generously, my shave lasted about two weeks. Usually, I'm back at it every few days. My husband even commented on how smooth my legs were, which, to be fair, is a rare occurrence (that I have smooth legs, not that he complimented me!). While you might be thinking, 'So what? It's just a razor.' For me, this feels revolutionary to my beauty routine. If you've been anywhere on TikTok recently, you'll have seen that shaving is having a moment right now and being rebranded as 'self-care'. And after using the Gem razor, I'm fully on board with this idea … that shaving can be something we can actually take pleasure in. It's one of those small luxuries that can make a world of difference to your confidence, without involving an expensive, multi-step routine. As Ms Geminder puts it: 'What once felt like a chore is now an opportunity to pause, reset, and feel good in your skin. 'The rise of self-care culture has encouraged people to romanticise the 'mundane' and shaving is the perfect example. 'When you're using beautifully-scented products, enriched with skin-loving ingredients, it becomes less about just hair removal and more about creating a moment for yourself.' It's not just Gem that has realised women want 'tougher' shaves, with other brands also reclaiming this traditionally unsexy ritual, making it feel relevant again. Recent statistics show the Australian shaving market valued at over $528 million in 2024 and expected to reach $785 million by 2034. While a survey from Philips found more than half of women (53 per cent) head to the men's aisle for their shaving needs. For me, Gem razors have made shaving less of a hassle and more of a ritual I actually look forward to. No more waiting for my 'everything shower' to feel put together – because now having smooth legs is an everyday thing. It's about time.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
From Beauty Counter to Boardroom: Ex-Clinique Manager Rori Johnson Builds Intimate Skincare Empire From the Ground Up
Miami, FL - What started with a single jar of cream and a deep understanding of women's unspoken skincare needs has blossomed into one of the most talked-about rising brands in women's wellness. Former Clinique counter manager Rori Johnson has officially broken the mold with her bold, bootstrapped venture: Dear Kitty, a direct-to-consumer intimate skincare and women's wellness brand that's rewriting the narrative around personal care—one product at a time. Having spent years working in the department store as a trusted Clinique beauty advisor and manager, she saw firsthand the gap in the market: women were investing hundreds into their faces, while silently struggling with hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, and confidence issues in more intimate areas. 'No one was talking about it,' says Johnson. 'And what little was available was either clinical and cold, or overly gimmicky. I wanted to create products that were effective, gentle, and gave women their power back.' Launched from her small home office with savings, samples and a vision, Dear Kitty has grown organically through word of mouth, social media and an emotionally resonant brand voice that's equal parts cheeky and clinical. The Hero Product? The Dear Kitty Intimate Brightening Cream, a hydroquinone-free formula that has already gained a cult following among women who are tired of hiding their bodies—and their concerns. Ordering Information The Dear Kitty Intimate Brightening Cream is available exclusively via the official website: Buy Now – Dear Kitty Intimate Brightening Cream Orders ship discreetly within the United States to ensure customer privacy. What sets Johnson apart isn't just her eye for formulas or branding, but her ability to talk to women the way other brands don't. 'I've been in fitting rooms with women crying over dark underarms,' she shares. 'It's deeper than skin. It's about dignity, everyday confidence, and feeling seen.' The Dear Kitty Movement As demand surges and customer testimonials pour in, Johnson remains focused on scaling Dear Kitty without compromising her mission: transparency, inclusivity, and results-backed care. With additional SKUs in development and a growing community of women championing the brand, industry insiders are taking notice. 'She's creating a Glossier-level moment for a completely overlooked part of the industry,' says one VC beauty analyst. 'And she's doing it without outside funding.' With a clear vision and a fearless voice, Rori Johnson is proving that intimate skincare can be powerful, profitable, and profoundly personal. About Dear Kitty: Dear Kitty is a USA-based, intimate skincare and wellness brand created to help women feel confident in every part of their body. Founded by Rori Johnson, a former Clinique beauty manager, the brand is rooted in transparency and inclusivity. On a mission to destigmatize intimate care, Dear Kitty is redefining personal care from the inside out. From beauty Counter to Boardroom, Dear Kitty is leading a movement in women's wellness. Press Contact: [email protected] Media Contact Company Name: Dear Kitty Contact Person: Rori Johnson, Founder Email: Send Email Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: From Beauty Counter to Boardroom: Ex-Clinique Manager Rori Johnson Builds Intimate Skincare Empire From the Ground Up
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Northampton care provider for adults put in special measures
A provider of personal care for people with learning disabilities and autism has been placed in special measure by Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Social Care Solutions Limited (Northampton) as inadequate following an inspection in CQC found some people in the service's care were at risk of pressure ulcers and staff did not support people to keep their homes safe and Care Solutions Limited said it accepted the findings of the report and was "sorry that these services have fallen below the high-quality standards we expect". The company provides a supported-living service, assisting people in their homes where they have their own tenancy of its service users have a physical disability or sensory impairment, the CQC CQC said the service supported 19 people with personal care across eight supported-living schemes at the time of the previously served a warning notice on the service in May for failing to meet the regulations related to good CQC's inspectors found five breaches of regulation related to dignity and respect, safe care and treatment, good management, staffing, and fit and proper persons employed. It issued a warning notice in relation to good management, and has told the service to submit an action plan showing what action it will be taking in response to these concerns. 'Simply unacceptable' Craig Howarth, the CQC deputy director of operations in Northamptonshire, said: "Although people were generally happy with the care they received, we found it wasn't safe and failed to meet expected standards."Staff didn't report all incidents, preventing thorough investigations to identify learning opportunities and improvements."He added the CQC would "monitor the service closely to make sure they improve and keep people safe".Mike Reader, the Labour MP for Northampton South, said: "This is a shocking failure. Vulnerable people in Northampton have been badly let down by this private sector supplier."He said the "inadequate" rating was "simply unacceptable".A spokesperson for Social Care Solutions Limited said: "We have taken swift action to address the concerns raised in the CQC report, including changes in leadership and retraining staff at the service to embed and ensure lasting improvement."We are committed to continually improving and, where we fall short, we act decisively to make it right." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unilever Expands Personal Care Portfolio With Acquisition of Dr. Squatch
Unilever's personal care division is continuing its acquisition spree. After snapping up British deodorant brand Wild, it has signed an agreement to acquire men's personal care and grooming brand Dr. Squatch from private equity firm Summit Partners. More from WWD Michael Bosstick's Dear Media Acquires Fitness Platform Obé Fitness The 3 Best Self-Tanners for Beginners to Get a Faux Glow Like a Pro, Tested by Editors The Best Bronzing Drops That Deliver an Instant Glow and Improve Your Natural Complexion, Tested by Editors The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the brand's sales are understood to be in excess of $400 million. Of the deal, Fabian Garcia, president of Unilever Personal Care, said: 'Dr. Squatch has built a solid foundation and loyal following with highly desirable products and clever digital engagement strategies. Building on its success in the U.S., we are excited to scale the brand internationally and complement our offering in the fast-growing men's personal care segment.' Josh Friedman, chief executive officer of Dr. Squatch, added: 'Our mission at Dr. Squatch is to inspire and educate men to be happier and healthier, and we're excited about our ability to amplify our brand and mission in this next chapter with Unilever. We're just getting started at Dr. Squatch, and we are thrilled about the opportunity to advance the brand's scale, reach new heights internationally, and entertain and positively connect with more consumers seeking high-quality, natural products around the world.' The brand was founded in 2013 in California by Jack Haldrup with handmade soaps, before expanding into deodorant, hair care, colognes and more. In 2019, it raised a seed round and in 2022, Summit Partners took a majority stake in the business. According to various reports, it has been exploring sale options for around a year, hoping for a $2 billion valuation. Most recently, it has partnered with celebrities including Sydney Sweeney and Nick Cannon and debuted a Super Bowl ad in 2024. It is distributed through digital commerce, retail and direct-to-consumer channels, primarily in North America and Europe. In April, Unilever acquired Wild for a reported 230 million pounds. Wild was founded in 2020, with deodorant in reusable aluminum cases and biodegradable refills. It subsequently expanded its range to include body wash, hand wash and lip balms, all featuring refillable packaging. But as it snaps up new brands, Unilever has also been shuttering or divesting others. In May, it closed Ren Clean Skincare, blaming a combination of 'internal factors, compounded by market challenges. And last summer, Yellow Wood Partners completed the acquisition of Elida Beauty brands from Unilever, which included Q-tips, Caress, Ponds and St. Ives. CEO Fernando Fernandez has also outlined plans to offload underperforming food brands. Best of WWD Sesame Oil Skin Care: The Secret to Hydrated Skin or a Recipe for Clogged Pores? How Grooming Is Introducing Men to Self-care and Redefining Masculinity Clean Beauty Brand Ignae Makes Big U.S. Push With a New Look Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
