The rise of 'Brit Beauty'

No7, the UK’s #1 skincare brand[1] reveals the revival and global appetite for British beauty brands and expertise.

  • No7 reveals its iconic products have been flying off the shelves in the US with two day creams sold every minute[2]
  • On average, women in the US buy from a British beauty brand 24 times a year[3]
  • Still a firm favourite at home, No7 is also the number one skincare brand at Boots[4]
  • The brand’s famous line of Age-Defying Day Creams including Protect & Perfect, Lift & Luminate and Restore & Renew continue to be its best-selling products on both sides of the pond[5]
  • 196% increase in searches for ‘British Beauty’ in the last quarter as a result of the ‘Platinum Jubilee Effect' [6]

No7, the UK’s No1 skincare brand[1], has supported women’s skin for generations with 87 years of skincare science. Its iconic products sell once every two seconds in the UK[4]. Now, the rest of the world has discovered the products taking pride of place in millions of homes across Britain with two of its iconic day creams flying off the shelves in the US every minute [2].  

In a first of its kind trans-Atlantic beauty report, it seems that ‘Brit Beauty’ is on its way to a cult-status like the previously loved French Pharmacy and K-Beauty Brands. On average, women in the US buy from a British beauty brand 24 times a year, with 1 in 10 US women describing British beauty as ‘game-changing’ [3]. Two-thirds reported that they would happily buy from a British beauty brand in the future with the impressive scientific innovation and reliable results of products being cited as the two biggest contributing factors3. The survey of 2,000 women in the UK and US respectively also explored the different beauty habits in each market and found that British women spent an average of £130 on beauty and skincare products[7] per year compared to their North American counterparts at $221 (£182) [3].

Our beauty industry is now worth around £30 billion to the UK economy” adds Millie Kendall O.B.E, CEO of the British Beauty Council. “Global consumers value the craftsmanship and quality of British beauty brands that have a trusted and reputable heritage, something we’ll see continue as we approach the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It’s fantastic to see brands like No7 trailblaze British Beauty globally with accessible innovations.”

Results of a new instrumental skin hydration study showed No7’s Age Defying Day Creams hydrate better than moisturizers that cost 10x more[8], something which has wowed skincare shoppers in the US with No7 Restore and Renew Multi Act Day Cream and No7 Lift & Luminate Day Cream performing as the two top selling products in the US5. In a side-by-side comparison, No7’s Lift & Luminate Triple Action Day Cream, specifically, hydrated better that the #1 day cream on the market.[9]

No7’s Skincare Expert, Dija Ayodele adds, “The innovation coming out of the UK is fantastic and British brands like No7 are spearheading accessibility and the democratisation of beauty. With the sky rocketing cost of living, it couldn’t be more important for shoppers to find the latest skincare innovations and ingredients in their local retailers at amazing value. The rise of Brit Beauty is also paving the way for smaller independent British brands to be recognised on a global platform.

No7’s Pro Derm Scan service is the latest scientific innovation from the brand. Founded in 1935, No7 is committed to making premium skincare and cosmetic products inclusive, accessible and affordable for everyone. From initiatives such as its CIBTAC endorsed Skin School training programme for No7 Beauty Advisors, to its industry-leading Creator Collective initiative that aims to tackle misinformation in skincare and cosmetics in the influencer space, No7 continues to lead the way in accessible clinical beauty. 

 

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE No7 BRIT BEAUTY RESEARCH…
US UK
Best-selling No7 products in the US include No7 Restore and Renew Multi Act Day Cream and No7 Lift & Luminate Day Cream and No7 Line Correcting Booter Serum Best-selling No7 products in the UK include No7 Line Correcting Booter Serum and No7 Restore & Renew Face and Neck Serum
US perceptions of British beauty brands include credible, impressive and exciting UK perceptions of British beauty brands include good value, trustworthy and high quality
43% of women in the US thought British Beauty Brands were good value for money 71% of women in the UK thought British Beauty Brands were good value for money
27% of women in the US said it was getting easier to find products for their skin type and tone Nearly a third (31%) of women in the UK said it was getting easier to find products for their skin type and tone
Only 2% of women in the US said sustainability was the most important factor when selecting beauty products & brands 27% of women in the UK said what works for their skin type was the most important factor when selecting beauty products & brands
The skincare product women in the US just can’t live without is moisturisers The skincare product women in the UK just can’t live without is moisturisers
Vitamin C and Retinol top the list of ingredients US skincare shoppers look for Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid top the list of ingredients UK skincare shoppers look for
Dryness and wrinkles are the key skin concerns for women in the US Dryness and anti-ageing are the key skin concerns for women in the UK

[1] Source: Kantar Total Market | 52 w/e 26th December 2021 | Boots No.7 Value Share of Mass Female/Unisex Skincare

[2] Two No7 Day Creams sold every minute in the US. Average sales from all US retailers between 2nd May 2021 to 30th April 2022.

[3] Consumer survey data of 2,125 US women commissioned by No7, 6.05.2022-11.05.2022

[4] Based on Boots sales value data 52 weeks ended 16/04/2022

[5] Based on value of sales from all US retailers between 2nd May 2021 to 30th April 2022.

[6] Searches of ‘British Beauty’ according to Google Trends, comparing searches from 27th February-5th March 2022 to 8th May – 14th May 2022.

[7] Consumer survey data of 2,025 UK women commissioned by No7, 6.05.2022-11.05.2022

[8] Based on US Facial Moisturizer IRI unit sales data, 52 week ending Jan 2, 2022

[9] Based on US Facial Moisturizer IRI unit sales data, 52 week ending Jan 2, 2022

For further information, quotes or imagery, please contact:

No7pressoffice@thepharmglobal.com

- Ends -

No7 Beauty Company, part of Walgreens Boots Alliance, is a new and dynamic consumer-led beauty business launched in April 2021 which holds iconic international beauty brands. For 86 years, since No7 launched in 1935, its ambition has been to support and empower people across the world through premium but affordable skincare. Alongside No7, the Company is home to Liz Earle Beauty Co., Soap & Glory, Botanics, YourGoodSkin, and Sleek MakeUP. Some of its hero products include Liz Earle’s multi-award-winning Cleanse and Polish™, No7 Protect & Perfect, and No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate.