Uni, a Los Angeles-based body care brand, has appointed model and actress Kaia Gerber as its first Creative Partner in Residence, coinciding with the brand's expansion into over 1,600 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide starting July 12. For overseas buyers and distributors, this signals Uni's aggressive retail scaling and potential for new product collaborations, making it a brand to watch for supply-chain opportunities in premium body care.
Brand and partnership details
Uni founder and CEO Alexandra Keating said Gerber's role will span campaigns, partnerships, events, and product development, though specifics remain in the "discovery phase." Gerber fronts a new campaign featuring Uni's bestselling 24-Hour Body Serum, Plush Marine Shower Oil, and Microalgae Body Oil, photographed by Theo Wenner for Ulta Beauty displays. The partnership originated after Keating learned Gerber was already using Uni products, leading to direct collaboration without intermediaries.
Market performance and growth
Uni projects a 309% year-over-year increase at Ulta Beauty by end of 2026, with overall revenue up 300% year-over-year. The brand's growth is driven by its $43 24-Hour Body Serum, which recently inspired a $72 fragrance called Sunset launched after customer demand. Uni has streamlined retail distribution to focus on one partner per market, including Ulta Beauty in the U.S., Mecca in Australia, and Space NK in the U.K.
Sourcing and supply-chain context
Uni's products are formulated with marine-inspired ingredients and packaged in recyclable aluminum bottles with reusable pumps. The brand previously raised a $4 million seed round from Sound Ventures and investment from L'Oréal's venture arm Bold, which supported Ulta expansion. Keating noted Uni is closing an additional funding round to scale retail and operations. The company employs about 16 internal staff plus contracted sales support for Ulta Beauty.
What buyers should watch
Uni maintains a 50/50 split between wholesale and direct sales channels, including its website, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and social commerce. The U.S. is its largest market, followed by Australia and the U.K. Keating plans to keep the Creative Partner in Residence role long-term, with Gerber potentially identifying future partners. For distributors and clinic buyers, Uni's focus on single-retailer partnerships and premium body care positioning may offer niche sourcing opportunities in the medical aesthetics adjacent market.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 18, 2026