The Impact of Cyber Attacks on the UK Cosmetics Industry

Recent Challenges in the Beauty Sector

As the global economic turbulence caused by the ‘Trump tariffs’ rumbled on through May, another crisis threatened business success and stability. High-profile retailers, including Marks & Spencer and Harrods, both with beauty departments, fell victim to an unprecedented cyber attack. This incident raised significant concerns about the security of brands in our industry. High profile European brands being targeted by cyber attackers

At the end of the month, the surprise news that e.l.f. Cosmetics had acquired Rhode Skin for a stunning $1 billion became a major talking point across media and social channels. This acquisition comes shortly after Unilever’s decision to close REN Clean Skincare. The roller coaster fortunes of brands, celebrities, and mergers and acquisitions are subjects of much debate.

Celebrating Our Milestones

Back to CCUK matters, on June 17, we will celebrate our 5th anniversary during our in-person networking day at the University of Bradford. Bradford is the UK City of Culture for 2025, and we are delighted to be there during this exciting year.

Focusing on Education & Skills, one of our four key pillars, we will introduce our updated website. Additionally, we will launch the third version of our education and careers survey and publish the white paper from our Totally Made in the UK project. We are also beginning a new ‘meet the team’ LinkedIn series, starting with director Rachael Davison-White.

Upcoming Events and New Members

After a fabulous ChemUK event, we look forward to many more exciting events in our calendar, which you can read about later. This month, we welcome new members 42T and The Green Chemist into our network. If you are interested in joining us too, please click on the button below. We appreciate your continuing support!

To read the full May 2025 CCUK newsletter, click here. If you would like to enquire about joining CCUK, click here.

Best wishes from the CCUK Team