August 05, 2024 7 min read

British cosmetics brands have always been and remain major players in the global beauty and cosmetic industry. 

From big names like Pai Skincare to smaller independent brands like the Inkey List, we compiled a list of the best British cosmetics brands with great products ranging from skincare, makeup and fragrances. 

Our list also features the luxurious as well as the affordable ones. 

So stick with us as we unveil them.

 

16 Top Beauty Brands in The UK

 

1: Neal's Yard Remedies

Starting with one of the oldest brands, we have Neal's Yard Remedies, A UK based retail cosmetics company founded in 1981 that sells a range of skincare products, essential oils and cosmetics both here in the UK and as well as in over 23 countries. 

They opened shop in a tiny covent Garden in London and there, they sold dried herbs, essential oils, homoeopathic products, Bach flower remedies as well as a range of toiletries. 

Since it began operating in the 1980s, Neal's Yard Remedies has gone on to become a pioneer of eco-friendly and sustainable products making them the first company to be certified by the Organic Charity and Soil Association and also the very first company to be certified as carbon neutral.

 

 

2: Charlotte Tilbury

When you think of top British makeup brands, Charlotte Tilbury definitely comes to mind. Charlotte Tilbury made a smooth transition from a 20 year successful career as a celebrity makeup artist to an even more successful career as a brand owner, producing her very own line of makeup products from the iconic Flawless Setting Spray to their Pillow Talk Lipstick. 

Each product has been met with great reviews and even greater sales. It's safe to say that the Charlotte Tilbury brand will remain a constant in every makeup lover's beauty bag.

 

3: Evolve Organic Beauty

 If you're a lover of organic products with eco friendly reusable packaging then the evolve Organic Beauty brand is one you should try out. 

Evolve Beauty is based in a small wind powered studio in Hertfordshire and produces small fresh batches of creams, shampoos, body butters, deodorants and facial serums including the Climate Defence Facial Cream, Protect and Hydrate Duo and of course the bestselling hyaluronic serum 200.

Evolve Beauty products are 100 percent vegan and made with biodegradable ingredients showing  the brand’s commitment to preserving nature through sustainable practices.

 

At Hollywood Mirrors, we complement these iconic brands by offering dressing table mirrors with light, vanity mirrors, and Hollywood mirrors that enhance your beauty experience and make up routine.

 

4: Pai Skincare

When we think of a brand that caters solely to the needs of people with sensitive skin, Pai Skincare is what comes to mind. 

Sarah Brown began her journey into skincare production when she couldn't find a lasting remedy to her acne-prone, irritated and hypersensitive face despite having tried a lot of acclaimed organic and hypoallergenic products in the market. 

Out of frustration, she began researching natural ingredients and nourishing products that would solve her skin issues and not further irritate them and so Pai Skincare was born. A luxurious yet effective brand that fulfils its promise of restoring and calming sensitive skin especially for people with conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

 

 

 

5: OSKIA

OSKIA is a British skincare brand that describes themselves as a 'nutri-cosmeceutical' brand that specialises in producing products that provide skin nutrition at a bio cellular level.

The brand was founded in 2009 by Georgia Cleve and was originally a food supplement brand which was created by her father Dr  Stanley Jacob before they pivoted to manufacturing nutritional skincare products.

Their clean luxurious formulations are based on bioavailable ingredients plus a special compound known as MSM, a naturally occurring sulphur that helps to improve blood circulation , promote collagen and reduce inflammation.

OSKIA boasts of a range of products including SPFs, masks, lotions and oils all meant to perform two main functions and that is to smooth out uneven skin tones and reduce visible signs of ageing.  

The name OSKIA is derived from ancient Greek meaning "beauty" and "delivering nutrients" . The brand has stayed through to its name and has over 135 international awards including wards for the Best Natural Brand and Best British Brand.

 

 

6: REN Clean Skincare

24 years after it was founded in the year 2009 by Rob Calcraft, Ren Clean Skincare still remains one of the top British brands for all things skincare.

From products that treat dullness and dryness to products that soothe and treat sensitive, acne-prone and stressed skin. The company's  "clean to skin and clean to planet" philosophy has made it a favourite in British households.

Their products are made from mineral based, toxin and cruelty free products aimed to protect and repair the skin.

 

 

7: Bamford

Carole Bamford launched the Bamford brand from her famous Daylesford organic farm in the Cotswolds where she grows 115 different species of geranium in her greenhouse. 

According to Carole, geranium is her favourite scent and so it makes sense to make the natural uplifting scent of the plant as the signature scent for her various products including hand and body washes to scented candles.

 

 

 

8: ESPA

ESPA is the leading spa brand in the UK and was founded in 1992 by Sue Harmsworth right in her kitchen. The company focuses on the use of aromatherapy for effective skincare that results in wellness and relaxation. 

Their heavenly scented body, hair and skincare products are made from a blend of oils like sandalwood , myrrh and frankincense, all clinically proven to calm the mind. Their products are manufactured and sold in the UK but can be found in spas all across the world.

 

 

9: Medik8

Medik8 is one of the top brands frequently recommended by beauty experts and professionals because of its simple approach to skincare. The brand was founded by Elliot Isaacs in 2009 and was solely based on the CSA Theory. 

This theory according to Elliot after much research, concluded that the basis of any skin care routine must be formed on three key ingredients and these are vitamin C, Sunscreen and Vitamin A (Retinoids) having these core ingredients in your routine ensures that your skin has the basic nutrients its needs to stay healthy without doing to much to mess up your skin barrier. 

This has made their products a favourite for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.

 

 

10: Rhug Wild Beauty

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate has always been an organic farmer and sustainability pioneer. And with his numerous estate in Wales boasting of rich organic plants, it was only a matter of time before he diverted his sustainability campaign into a new industry. 

This led to the creation of the luxurious skincare brand known as Rhug Wild Beauty. All the ingredients for his skincare collection are foraged and handmade from his estate and is nothing short of luxury.

 

 

 

11: Molton Brown

The Molton Brown brand all began from a collaboration between Michael Collis and Caroline Burstein. 

Both were hairstylists who opened up shop in South Molton Street, Mayfair London in 1971 and they attracted a steady flow of celebrity clients because of their unique range of handmade botanical hair products and in 1984, introduced their signature scent known as Orange & Bergamot. products. 

They have since upheld the quality of their products and this has earned them the recognition of Queen Elizabeth I I who awarded them a Royal Warrant. Molton Brown products are popular all across England and you can definitely expect to see them in luxury hotel bathrooms.

  

 

12: The Inkey List

Even as a newbie in the skincare industry, the Inkey List is surely giving a lot of these big brand names a run for their money. 

Since it was launched in 2018 by Mark Curry and Collette Laxton, Inkey List products have become a bestseller especially because of its affordability, transparent and easy to use ingredients featuring hyaluronic acid and niacinamide as their base ingredients.

 

 

13: Dizziak

Dizziak was born out of need and necessity and according to its founder Loretta De Feo, she wanted to freely and easily wash, and care for hair without worrying about too many harsh chemicals that may end up damaging it any further. 

So she created Dizziak, a brand that caters to different skin and hair types including curly, afro and dry hair.

Their range of body and hair care products are all specially formulated to provide intense moisture and hydration. This it does with ingredients such as Shea butter, inca inchi oil, babassu and argan oil.

 

 

14: Liha Beauty

When two university students Liha Okunniwa and Abi Opeyitan saw the endless possibilities and benefits of Shea butter, they came up with the idea to create a brand that uses shea butter as its main ingredient in making products for skin, hair and nails and so Liha Beauty was created.

By combining English aromatherapy and locally sourced ingredients Liha Beauty has been able to create a small yet effective range of oils, cleansing balms, soaps, candles and of course the original yoruba style gold and ivory shea butter pots.

 

 

15: Floris London

The Floris London brand which was found in 1730 on shop 89 Jermyn Street holds two Royal Warrants and you can say it's a favourite scent among old Hollywood celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch, Marilyn Monroe. 

The brand even boasts of the Queen and Prince Charles as loyal customers. The company till date produces and sells luxury perfumes and soaps that are floral inspired.

 

 

16: Neom Organics

From candles to diffusers to sleep mists and body butter, Neom Organics specialises in all things wellness. Their products contain rich blends of essential oils that will help soothe the mind and body.

 

 

Final Thoughts 

British cosmetic brands continue to shape the UK global beauty landscape, offering products that balance tradition with innovation. From sustainable skincare to luxurious fragrances, these brands demonstrate a dedication to quality and style.

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