Elemis Sells Cleansing Balm Every 10 Seconds

Elemis co-founder and CEO Noella Gabriel revealed the brand sells one Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm globally every 10 seconds. The product recently won the Product Icon: Skincare award at TheIndustry.beauty Innovators Awards 2026. In an interview with the publication, Gabriel attributed the balm's enduring success to a combination of clinically proven results and a sensorial ritual. She highlighted the recent Pro-Collagen Body Cleansing Balm as an example of how the brand can extend the range without altering the core formula. For more on the brand's performance, see our stats page.

"The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has earned its place because it consistently delivers," said Gabriel. "It’s unlike anything else on the market."

Weleda Skin Food Turns 100

Another iconic product, Weleda Skin Food, is celebrating its centenary this year after being first formulated in 1926. Weleda UK boss Jayn Sterland reflected on its lasting appeal and notable celebrity support. "Earlier this year, Bella Hadid posted about buying eight tubes of Skin Food a month!" Sterland told TheIndustry.beauty. "You cannot buy this kind of love." She also discussed the challenges of building a genuinely sustainable beauty business and shared thoughts on the future of natural beauty.

New Launches and Market Entries

The British LED phototherapy specialist Dermalux is preparing for its consumer debut. The brand will launch a £449 LED face mask for at-home use on 1 September 2026. Co-founder Louise Taylor described the move as a very considered decision, noting the need to uphold the brand's strong professional reputation. Managing Director Niall Young pointed to consumer education as the biggest opportunity in a crowded market, explaining the mask's off-the-skin LED design and three-wavelength approach.

Saudi-born haircare brand Clara, which won Best New Brand at the Innovators Awards, was also featured. Managing Director Simon Smith discussed its integrated ecosystem of electrical styling tools and vegan haircare products. The brand has opened its first retail space at Westfield White City and is planning further retail partnerships and international growth. Check the latest brand line-ups on our squad page.

Trailblazers and Career Reflections

Make-up artist and entrepreneur Ruby Hammer looked back on a career spent championing inclusivity long before it entered the mainstream. She recounted mixing custom foundations for models of colour and, alongside Millie Kendall OBE, launching the inclusive Ruby & Millie line at Boots. "Honestly, at the time, we didn't think of it as a 'statement' at all," Hammer said. "We were just two women who respected each other's work ethic, shared a vision, and wanted to build something incredible together." She now calls for fairer funding and retail pathways for independent, female-led brands through her own line, Ruby Hammer Beauty.

Neal's Yard Remedies co-owner Anabel Kindersley, a Hall of Fame Award honouree, spoke about combining sustainability with commercial success. She emphasised the non-negotiable nature of staying true to the brand's founding values linking personal and planetary health. Kindersley also highlighted her Stand By Bees campaign and shared advice for her younger self to trust her instincts.

TGIN CEO Aris Singleton discussed leading the textured-haircare company founded by her late aunt, Chris-Tia Donaldson. She outlined the brand's recent launch in Boots UK and argued that true success will come when textured hair is viewed as essential, not a specialty. Singleton also spoke about navigating grief while steering the business and identified opportunities in the UK market.

Building Brands with Community and Curation

Teen skincare brand indu, winner of the Engagement award, was built through deep community involvement. Co-founder Aaron Chatterley explained the 1,000-teen research project that shaped the brand and its active teen advisory board. "We genuinely see our community as an extension of the indu team," Chatterley stated, noting around 80 highly engaged members help shape plans through workshops and feedback.

Harvey Nichols Beauty Buying & Merchandising Director Lucy McPhail, who started her career at Harrods, discussed her focus on discovery and curation over convenience. Gisou Chief Commercial Officer Emma Bunyard, formerly of Charlotte Tilbury, shared views on empathetic leadership and the impact of AI on consumer engagement in the UK's diverse retail landscape.