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A Melbourne-based skincare brand that prides itself on combining effective skincare and sun care has secured a deal with cosmetics giant Sephora, leading to its upcoming launch in nearly 600 stores across the US.
Founded in 2019 by product developers Ava Matthews and Bec Jefferd, Ultra Violette is a premium SPF brand known for its ‘SKINSCREEN’ products that are designed for daily wear with other skincare and makeup products. The range is designed to be applied after moisturiser and before foundation, but can also be worn without other products.
Under the agreement, Ultra Violette will launch in 592 Sephora stores across the US on March 27, featuring six products, including the exclusive US launch of Vibrant Screen.
The range also includes Supreme Screen, two mineral formulations - Velvet Screen (Lean Screen) and Future Screen (Future Fluid) - and the Sheen Screen lip balm in two shades. The brand’s products will be made available online to US consumers by March 12.
Ultra Violette is currently available in more than 30 markets globally, including the key regions of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Among the retailers stocking its products are Sephora, Adore Beauty, David Jones, SpaceNK, Cult Beauty, Harrods, Boots and Liberty London.
“Launching into the US is the most significant brand moment for us since we first introduced Ultra Violette to the world from my kitchen bench in Melbourne 6 years ago,” Matthews says.
“The enthusiasm from US consumers has been emphatic from day one whether via social DMs, website enquiries, or discovering us in one of our 29 other markets, they were crying out for a well-formulated sunscreen they could wear every day along with their other skincare and makeup products.”
News of the expansion comes more than a year since the company secured a $15 million investment from US-based consumer growth equity firm Aria Growth Partners to drive the company’s retail debut into North America.
The co-founders were frustrated by the heavy and sticky sunscreens available in Australia and spent three years testing 107 samples to develop a product that provided high protection without undesirable textures.
Ultra Violette says its products are formulated and tested in Australia "under the harshest UV conditions on the planet" and aided by Australia’s reputation as a global leader in sunscreen innovation.
“This is a hugely transformational moment for the business,” Jefferd says.
“Due to varying global regulations around sunscreen, we weren’t sure if or when the day would come. We are so thankful to the Sephora US team who have been hugely supportive and so hands on in helping to navigate the complexities of launching into the world’s largest beauty market.”
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