Unilever has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Los Angeles-based professional skin care brand Dermalogica for an undisclosed sum. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

The deal is Unilever Prestige division’s third acquisition in as many months. The brand bought out Kate Somerville Skincare in May and purchased REN Skincare in March.

Launched in 1986 by husband and wife team, Jane and Raymond Wurwand, Dermalogica is currently the global number one professional skin care brand, sold in 80 countries worldwide, and posted a turnover of US$240m last year.

Paul Polman, Unilever CEO, commented: “We are delighted to be adding Dermalogica to the Unilever Prestige personal care portfolio. Dermalogica enjoys an outstanding reputation and incredible awareness among skin care professionals and consumers alike, and has a clear positioning as a superior skin health brand that perfectly complements the rest of our Prestige offering. Importantly, it is a company founded on strong values and a common belief, shared by Unilever, in the role of business as a force for good in society. Dermalogica has great distribution and presence globally; and I am pleased that Jane and Raymond have retained an interest in the company and will continue to work with us to grow the brand.”