---
title: UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – August 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Health & Beauty Retailers
period: August 2026
coverage_start: '2026-08-01'
coverage_end: '2026-08-31'
date_published: '2026-09-01'
last_updated: '2026-09-01'
organisations: 9
articles_analysed: 370
mentions: 349
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/data.json
summary: Boots had the highest average monthly share of coverage (41.5%) among 9 brands
  in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of Sephora UK (16.9%)
  and Superdrug (14.9%).
---

# UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker: August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026)

> Boots had the highest average monthly share of coverage (41.5%) among 9 brands in UK earned media from 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, ahead of Sephora UK (16.9%) and Superdrug (14.9%). The Perfume Shop had the most favourable net tone (+89). Omniscan analysed 370 articles containing 349 mentions of the brands tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08

## UK Health & Beauty Retailers ranking by share of coverage, August 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Boots | 41.5% | 145 | 71% | 21% | 8% | +63 |
| 2 | Sephora UK | 16.9% | 59 | 90% | 8% | 2% | +88 |
| 3 | Superdrug | 14.9% | 52 | 65% | 25% | 10% | +56 |
| 4 | Space NK | 12.3% | 43 | 89% | 9% | 2% | +86 |
| 5 | Holland & Barrett | 5.4% | 19 | 53% | 5% | 42% | +11 |
| 6 | Lush | 4.9% | 17 | 88% | 12% | 0% | +88 |
| 7 | The Perfume Shop | 2.6% | 9 | 89% | 11% | 0% | +89 |
| 8 | Savers | 0.9% | 3 | 0% | 67% | 33% | −33 |
| 9 | The Body Shop | 0.6% | 2 | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0 |

## Brands in detail

### Boots

**Boots leads amid beauty, healthcare and ownership coverage**

Boots ranked 1st of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (41.5%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 145 mentions and a net tone of +63.

Share rose to 41.5% in August. August 2026: share rose 3.3 points to 41.5% as volume increased by two; stories included the Jo Malone London launch and the private gonorrhoea vaccination service. August 2026: Boots launched Jo Malone London in dozens of stores and online, reported by Retail Week. Boots has launched 2026 beauty, skincare and fragrance advent calendars, with prices ranging from £70 to £150. The article lists the products and brands included in each calendar and assesses their value proposition. British refillable deodorant brand Make Waves has launched in 385 Boots stores and on Boots.com. The rollout follows its selection for the Boots Breakout Beauty UK accelerator programme. Boots has opened a new store at Belfast City Airport, creating 13 permanent jobs. The travel-location store offers health, beauty and wellness essentials to passengers.

Key messages:

- Boots has launched 2026 beauty, skincare and fragrance advent calendars, with prices ranging from £70 to £150. The article lists the products and brands included in each calendar and assesses their value proposition.
- British refillable deodorant brand Make Waves has launched in 385 Boots stores and on Boots.com. The rollout follows its selection for the Boots Breakout Beauty UK accelerator programme.
- Boots has opened a new store at Belfast City Airport, creating 13 permanent jobs. The travel-location store offers health, beauty and wellness essentials to passengers.
- Boots will begin offering NHS flu vaccinations to the first eligible groups, including pregnant women and young children, from 1 September. The wider eligible-adult rollout is due to begin on 1 October.
- Boots has reduced its Macmillan 24 Days of Joy Beauty Advent Calendar from £90 to £44 as a limited-time Star Gift promotion. The calendar includes Boots-owned brands including No7 and Soap & Glory, with £2 per sale donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 40.0% of Boots's coverage (theme index 1.48, net tone +86)
- Pricing, Value & Promotions: 20.0% of Boots's coverage (theme index 8.16, net tone +90)
- Stores & High Street: 9.0% of Boots's coverage (theme index 0.29, net tone +38)

Notable positive coverage:

- 19 August 2026, independent.co.uk: [I've had a first look at Boots's 2026 beauty advent calendars - here's what to expect](https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/christmasgifts/advent-calendars/boots-beauty-skincare-fragrance-advent-calendar-2026-b3035550.html). Boots has launched 2026 beauty, skincare and fragrance advent calendars, with prices ranging from £70 to £150. The article lists the products and brands included in each calendar and assesses their value proposition.
- 12 August 2026, theindustry.beauty: [Make Waves secures Boots rollout amid refillable beauty demand](https://theindustry.beauty/make-waves-secures-boots-rollout-amid-refillable-beauty-demand/). British refillable deodorant brand Make Waves has launched in 385 Boots stores and on Boots.com. The rollout follows its selection for the Boots Breakout Beauty UK accelerator programme.
- 10 August 2026, businesseye.co.uk: [New Boots Store Opens At Belfast City Airport](https://www.businesseye.co.uk/news/new-boots-store-opens-at-belfast-city-airport/). Boots has opened a new store at Belfast City Airport, creating 13 permanent jobs. The travel-location store offers health, beauty and wellness essentials to passengers.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 August 2026, independent.co.uk: [Burnham vows fake discount crackdown, but it may come too late for Black Friday](https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/black-friday/andy-burnham-fake-discounts-b3030963.html). The government proposes tougher rules against misleading discount claims under the DMCCA. Which? found an Oral-B toothbrush listing on Boots' website used an RRP that it said had not been charged online during its investigation.
- 19 August 2026, thegrocer.co.uk: [Boots censured by watchdog over 'free No7 face lotion' newspaper ad](https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/boots-censured-by-watchdog-over-free-no7-face-lotion-newspaper-ad/722545.article). The ASA censured Boots over a newspaper voucher promotion for free No7 lotion after a customer could not redeem it because a store had run out of stock. The watchdog ruled that Boots had not adequately forecast or manage promotional availability.
- 19 August 2026, retailgazette.co.uk: [ASA bans Boots promotion for causing 'unnecessary disappointment'](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2026/08/asa-boots/). The ASA banned a Boots and No7 free-lotion promotion after ruling that stock availability arrangements could cause customers unnecessary disappointment. Boots said it had taken reasonable measures, but the watchdog found the promotion breached multiple CAP Code rules.

- [Boots deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=boots&view=deep-dive)
- [Boots PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/boots.pdf)

### Sephora UK

**Sephora UK gains ground as expansion coverage broadens**

Sephora UK ranked 2nd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (16.9%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 59 mentions and a net tone of +88.

In August 2026, Sephora UK recorded 59 mentions, 16.9% of cohort coverage and rank #2, with net sentiment of +88. Coverage focused on Stores & High Street. August 2026: share edged down by 0.2 percentage points to 16.9%, while rank improved to second; stories included the Glasgow opening and plans for Brent Cross. August 2026: Sephora UK opened its first Glasgow store at Silverburn — Retail Gazette. Sephora UK is scheduled to open a 4,500 sq ft store at Brent Cross in North London this winter. The opening is part of the shopping centre's redevelopment and will be Sephora's sixth location in Hammerson's portfolio. Rhode will expand into Sephora stores and online across 19 additional European countries from 30 September, building on its 2025 UK launch. Sephora UK will also carry exclusive Rhode items as part of the wider partnership.

Key messages:

- Sephora UK is scheduled to open a 4,500 sq ft store at Brent Cross in North London this winter. The opening is part of the shopping centre's redevelopment and will be Sephora's sixth location in Hammerson's portfolio.
- Rhode will expand into Sephora stores and online across 19 additional European countries from 30 September, building on its 2025 UK launch. Sephora UK will also carry exclusive Rhode items as part of the wider partnership.
- Sephora is offering Clinique's Day-To-Night Anti-Ageing Skincare Giftset at a discounted price, with the article highlighting customer feedback on the included products. Reviews were broadly favourable, although one shopper cited the serum's price as a drawback.
- Sephora UK managing director Sarah Boyd says the retailer's new Edinburgh and Glasgow stores have attracted thousands of shoppers, with rhode a leading seller in Edinburgh. The stores offer Beauty Scan technology that assesses skin characteristics to support tailored product recommendations and foundation matching.
- Sephora has revealed seven further items in its 2026 25-day beauty advent calendar, which will contain 41 products and is valued at more than £1,000. The retailer's waitlist is open, following four consecutive annual sell-outs.

Leading themes:

- Stores & High Street: 55.9% of Sephora UK's coverage (theme index 3.86, net tone +100)
- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 27.1% of Sephora UK's coverage (theme index 0.81, net tone +75)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 10.2% of Sephora UK's coverage (theme index 1.34, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 26 August 2026, ww.fashionnetwork.com: [Sephora, Hollister to open at London's Brent Cross](https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Sephora-hollister-to-open-at-london-s-brent-cross,1861146.html). Sephora UK is scheduled to open a 4,500 sq ft store at Brent Cross in North London this winter. The opening is part of the shopping centre's redevelopment and will be Sephora's sixth location in Hammerson's portfolio.
- 19 August 2026, london-now.co.uk: [Major beauty retailer confirmed to open at Brent Cross Shopping Centre](https://www.london-now.co.uk/news/26477185.beauty-brand-sephora-open-brent-cross-shopping-centre/). Sephora UK is set to open a 4,500 sq ft store at Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London. The store will offer beauty brands, personalised services and immersive experiences.
- 31 August 2026, via.ritzau.dk: [rhode Announces Official Launch Date for Its Retail Expansion in Europe with Sephora](https://via.ritzau.dk/pressemeddelelse/15126994/rhode-announces-official-launch-date-for-its-retail-expansion-in-europe-with-sephora?publisherId=90456&lang=en). Rhode will expand into Sephora stores and online across 19 additional European countries from 30 September, building on its 2025 UK launch. Sephora UK will also carry exclusive Rhode items as part of the wider partnership.

Notable negative coverage:

- 13 August 2026, scottishdailyexpress.co.uk: [Folk singer Iona Fyfe calls for Scots to 'boycott' Glasgow's new Sephora shop over Israel link](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/folk-singer-iona-fyfe-calls-37546603.amp). Folk singer Iona Fyfe called for a boycott of Sephora's new Glasgow shop, citing an alleged Israel link. The article reports that the Silverburn store opened amid strong consumer interest and expected queues.

- [Sephora UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=sephorauk&view=deep-dive)
- [Sephora UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/sephorauk.pdf)

### Superdrug

**Superdrug ranks second as stores, health and beauty shape coverage**

Superdrug ranked 3rd of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (14.9%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 52 mentions and a net tone of +56.

In August 2026, Superdrug recorded 52 mentions, 14.9% of cohort coverage and rank #3, with net sentiment of +56. Coverage focused on Stores & High Street. Superdrug has launched its first Troublemaker x Squishmallows beauty collection, featuring character-themed makeup and lip products priced from £4. The range is available through Superdrug. Superdrug is stocking Jerome Russell Bblonde Hi Lift Colour and Gloss for £9.99, a no-bleach at-home colour product promoted as a gentler way to lighten hair. The article includes positive early customer feedback, although one review reported mixed results. Superdrug is selling Rimmel London's new Oh My Gloss! Butter Me Up Lip Butter Balm shades for £9.99, with the product receiving a 4.8-star average from more than 900 shoppers. The article also compares bestselling lip glosses at Boots and Sephora UK.

Key messages:

- Superdrug has launched its first Troublemaker x Squishmallows beauty collection, featuring character-themed makeup and lip products priced from £4. The range is available through Superdrug.
- Superdrug is stocking Jerome Russell Bblonde Hi Lift Colour and Gloss for £9.99, a no-bleach at-home colour product promoted as a gentler way to lighten hair. The article includes positive early customer feedback, although one review reported mixed results.
- Superdrug is selling Rimmel London's new Oh My Gloss! Butter Me Up Lip Butter Balm shades for £9.99, with the product receiving a 4.8-star average from more than 900 shoppers. The article also compares bestselling lip glosses at Boots and Sephora UK.
- Superdrug has opened a 4,285 sq ft store in Altrincham, featuring an expanded beauty offer, premium fragrance and a Beauty Studio. The opening supports its plan to open 30 new stores during 2026 and creates local jobs.
- Superdrug will expand its Harlequin Watford store by 37% to 11,503 sq ft, adding broader beauty, healthcare, fragrance and wellness ranges. The upgraded store will include a Beauty Studio and is expected to create jobs.

Leading themes:

- Stores & High Street: 28.8% of Superdrug's coverage (theme index 1.43, net tone +100)
- Health, Pharmacy & Services: 17.3% of Superdrug's coverage (theme index 4.28, net tone +56)
- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 17.3% of Superdrug's coverage (theme index 0.49, net tone +67)

Notable positive coverage:

- 22 August 2026, buzzfeed.com: [Squishmallows Just Launched A Beauty Range, And It’s As Cute As You’d Expect](https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeeduk/squishmallows-troublemaker-superdrug-range-explained). Superdrug has launched its first Troublemaker x Squishmallows beauty collection, featuring character-themed makeup and lip products priced from £4. The range is available through Superdrug.
- 17 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [£10 hair product is backed by Victoria Beckham's stylist for 'wow' results](https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/shopping-deals/jerome-russell-bblonde-hair-lightener-37559636). Superdrug is stocking Jerome Russell Bblonde Hi Lift Colour and Gloss for £9.99, a no-bleach at-home colour product promoted as a gentler way to lighten hair. The article includes positive early customer feedback, although one review reported mixed results.
- 8 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Women 'feel instantly put together' with 'divine' £10 lip gloss](https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/shopping-deals/superdrug-shoppers-divine-lip-gloss-37524134). Superdrug is selling Rimmel London's new Oh My Gloss! Butter Me Up Lip Butter Balm shades for £9.99, with the product receiving a 4.8-star average from more than 900 shoppers. The article also compares bestselling lip glosses at Boots and Sephora UK.

Notable negative coverage:

- 21 August 2026, gazetteherald.co.uk: [Three women arrested after cross county 'theft'](https://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/news/26483374.three-arrested-theft-superdrug-northallerton/). Three women were arrested on suspicion of stealing cosmetics from a Superdrug store in Northallerton. North Yorkshire Police said retail crime remains a priority and the investigation is continuing.

- [Superdrug deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=superdrug&view=deep-dive)
- [Superdrug PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/superdrug.pdf)

### Space NK

**Space NK coverage combined launches, store expansion and ownership**

Space NK ranked 4th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (12.3%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 43 mentions and a net tone of +86.

August brought the Lakeside opening and beauty advent calendar alongside reporting on Space NK’s contribution to Ulta Beauty’s results and pressure on gross margin. August 2026: Space NK opened a 3,665 sq ft Lakeside store using its latest concept — Retail Gazette. Space NK is reported to be planning a relocation to a larger flagship site on Dublin's Grafton Street, subject to planning approval. Brown Thomas has objected, citing concerns over an excessive concentration of beauty retailers; Boots and Holland & Barrett are listed as existing local retailers. Millie Mackintosh names Space NK's Duke of York Square store as her favourite physical shop, praising its shopping experience, brands and product discovery. She also says she previously worked for Space NK as a makeup artist. Sarah Creal Beauty will launch in the UK through Space NK, targeting consumers aged over 40 with makeup formulated for mature skin. Space NK's makeup and fragrance director discusses the brand's clear positioning and appeal.

Key messages:

- Space NK is reported to be planning a relocation to a larger flagship site on Dublin's Grafton Street, subject to planning approval. Brown Thomas has objected, citing concerns over an excessive concentration of beauty retailers; Boots and Holland & Barrett are listed as existing local retailers.
- Millie Mackintosh names Space NK's Duke of York Square store as her favourite physical shop, praising its shopping experience, brands and product discovery. She also says she previously worked for Space NK as a makeup artist.
- Sarah Creal Beauty will launch in the UK through Space NK, targeting consumers aged over 40 with makeup formulated for mature skin. Space NK's makeup and fragrance director discusses the brand's clear positioning and appeal.
- Space NK is offering Biossance's 100% Squalane Oil at a 20% discount, reducing its price from £27 to £21.60. The article describes the vegan sugarcane-derived oil's skincare and haircare uses.
- The article reviews Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, available at Space NK for £18, and describes consumer feedback on their skincare performance. It notes the product's five-star Space NK customer rating.

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 41.9% of Space NK's coverage (theme index 1.35, net tone +83)
- Stores & High Street: 23.3% of Space NK's coverage (theme index 1.09, net tone +100)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 11.6% of Space NK's coverage (theme index 1.55, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 28 August 2026, thejournal.ie: [Brown Thomas objects to plans for new 'premium beauty retailer' in central Dublin](https://www.thejournal.ie/brown-thomas-planning-objection-space-nk-7145391-Aug2026/). Space NK is reported to be planning a relocation to a larger flagship site on Dublin's Grafton Street, subject to planning approval. Brown Thomas has objected, citing concerns over an excessive concentration of beauty retailers; Boots and Holland & Barrett are listed as existing local retailers.
- 25 August 2026, theguardian.com: [How I Shop with Millie Mackintosh: 'It reminds me to get enough sleep!'](https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2026/aug/25/how-i-shop-with-millie-mackintosh). Millie Mackintosh names Space NK's Duke of York Square store as her favourite physical shop, praising its shopping experience, brands and product discovery. She also says she previously worked for Space NK as a makeup artist.
- 25 August 2026, ft.com: [Sarah Creal makes make-up for 40-plus skin. Everyone wants in](https://www.ft.com/content/560f77c6-c970-492e-9664-37028b3690c3). Sarah Creal Beauty will launch in the UK through Space NK, targeting consumers aged over 40 with makeup formulated for mature skin. Space NK's makeup and fragrance director discusses the brand's clear positioning and appeal.

Notable negative coverage:

- 29 August 2026, finance.yahoo.com: [Ulta Beauty (ULTA). Sales Jumped 8.9%, but Space NK Pressured Gross Margin. Is the Deal Paying Off?](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/ulta-beauty-ulta-sales-jumped-032641889.html). Ulta Beauty's sales rose 8.9%, while the performance of its acquired Space NK business reportedly pressured gross margin. The article questions whether the acquisition is delivering value.

- [Space NK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=spacenk&view=deep-dive)
- [Space NK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/spacenk.pdf)

### Holland & Barrett

**Holland & Barrett’s uneven visibility broadened beyond supplements**

Holland & Barrett ranked 5th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (5.4%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 19 mentions and a net tone of +11.

In August 2026, Holland & Barrett recorded 19 mentions, 5.4% of cohort coverage and rank #5, with net sentiment of +11. Coverage focused on Wellness & Supplements. Dr Alex George discusses neurodivergence, mental health and managing summer burnout as part of a Holland & Barrett campaign. The retailer promoted its hydration range and hosted a Wellness Tap activation. Holland & Barrett has launched a £31 Kids Family Essentials Bundle offering five wellness and lunchbox products at a stated 40% saving. The retailer says the offer runs online until the end of September. Holland & Barrett has added FuelHub chef-prepared meal bundles to its online marketplace, marking FuelHub’s first meal-prep marketplace listing. The bundles offer nutritionist-designed meals with calorie and macronutrient information for home delivery. Holland & Barrett has been shortlisted for both Supply Chain Initiative of the Year and Sustainable Retailer of the Year at the RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026. Its supply-chain nomination is for the Krill to Protect the Penguins initiative.

Key messages:

- Dr Alex George discusses neurodivergence, mental health and managing summer burnout as part of a Holland & Barrett campaign. The retailer promoted its hydration range and hosted a Wellness Tap activation.
- Holland & Barrett has launched a £31 Kids Family Essentials Bundle offering five wellness and lunchbox products at a stated 40% saving. The retailer says the offer runs online until the end of September.
- Holland & Barrett has added FuelHub chef-prepared meal bundles to its online marketplace, marking FuelHub’s first meal-prep marketplace listing. The bundles offer nutritionist-designed meals with calorie and macronutrient information for home delivery.
- Holland & Barrett has been shortlisted for both Supply Chain Initiative of the Year and Sustainable Retailer of the Year at the RG Retail Excellence Awards 2026. Its supply-chain nomination is for the Krill to Protect the Penguins initiative.

Leading themes:

- Wellness & Supplements: 31.6% of Holland & Barrett's coverage (theme index 17.37, net tone +33)
- Stores & High Street: 15.8% of Holland & Barrett's coverage (theme index 0.72, net tone −67)
- Retail Crime & Security: 10.5% of Holland & Barrett's coverage (theme index 4.96, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 15 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [Love Island's Alex George says he battled grief and anger after OCD diagnosis](https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/dr-alex-george-adhd-diagnosis-37539707). Dr Alex George discusses neurodivergence, mental health and managing summer burnout as part of a Holland & Barrett campaign. The retailer promoted its hydration range and hosted a Wellness Tap activation.
- 20 August 2026, vergemagazine.co.uk: [HOLLAND & BARRETT LAUNCHES BACK-TO-SCHOOL KIDS WELLNESS BUNDLE WITH 40% SAVING!](https://vergemagazine.co.uk/holland-barrett-launches-back-to-school-kids-wellness-bundle-with-40-saving/). Holland & Barrett has launched a £31 Kids Family Essentials Bundle offering five wellness and lunchbox products at a stated 40% saving. The retailer says the offer runs online until the end of September.
- 11 August 2026, retailtimes.co.uk: [FuelHub to bring premium, chef-prepared meal bundles to Holland & Barrett online marketplace](https://retailtimes.co.uk/fuelhub-to-bring-premium-chef-prepared-meal-bundles-to-holland-barrett-online-marketplace/). Holland & Barrett has added FuelHub chef-prepared meal bundles to its online marketplace, marking FuelHub’s first meal-prep marketplace listing. The bundles offer nutritionist-designed meals with calorie and macronutrient information for home delivery.

Notable negative coverage:

- 6 August 2026, independent.co.uk: [The 'high strength' omega-3 supplements with surprisingly low amounts](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/omega-3-supplements-capsules-strength-b3028388.html). Which? found that Superdrug and Holland & Barrett omega-3 products marketed as high strength contained EPA and DHA levels below its benchmark and, in Holland & Barrett's case, below SACN's cited daily guidance. Both retailers said their labelling complied with applicable nutrition and health-claims rules.
- 21 August 2026, dorsetecho.co.uk: [High street store announces permanent closure after more than a decade in the town](https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/26483250.holland-barrett-ferndown-close-10-years/). Holland & Barrett will permanently close its Ferndown, Dorset branch on 2 September after more than a decade. The company did not confirm a reason for the closure and directed customers to nearby stores.
- 6 August 2026, gloucestershirelive.co.uk: [Warning over 'high strength' over omega-3 supplements](https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/health/warning-over-high-strength-over-11094249). Which? found that Superdrug and Holland & Barrett omega-3 products marketed as high strength contained EPA and DHA levels below its benchmark and, in Holland & Barrett's case, below SACN's cited daily guidance. Both retailers said their labelling complied with applicable nutrition and health-claims rules.

- [Holland & Barrett deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=hollandbarrett&view=deep-dive)
- [Holland & Barrett PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/hollandbarrett.pdf)

### Lush

**Lush recovered visibility as products, activism and experiences diversified coverage**

Lush ranked 6th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (4.9%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 17 mentions and a net tone of +88.

August sustained the sixth-place position as the agenda incorporated the Moomin collaboration, Autumn Gourmand collection, Lush Fest and a paid London spa apprenticeship scheme. August 2026: TheIndustry.beauty reported Lush’s first externally recruited London spa apprenticeship scheme. Lush's 29½ High Street Advent Calendar contains 25 bath products and is available for £135, with delivery from late August. The article highlights Snow Fairy and other festive products in the range. Lush has launched a Moomin collaboration spanning bath, shower, body-care and fragrance products. The collection is available via the Lush app and stores, with one body spray restricted to the app and selected flagship shops. Lush has launched package-free shower gummies, solid shower gels and shampoo bars in the UK and Ireland. The retailer says its naked-format products have avoided more than 15,000 metric tons of plastic since 2005.

Key messages:

- Lush's 29½ High Street Advent Calendar contains 25 bath products and is available for £135, with delivery from late August. The article highlights Snow Fairy and other festive products in the range.
- Lush has launched a Moomin collaboration spanning bath, shower, body-care and fragrance products. The collection is available via the Lush app and stores, with one body spray restricted to the app and selected flagship shops.
- Lush has launched its first apprenticeship scheme for therapists at its London spa locations, offering paid work and Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy qualifications. The wider article examines youth employment and the potential effect of employment reforms on retail jobs.
- Lush has launched package-free shower gummies, solid shower gels and shampoo bars in the UK and Ireland. The retailer says its naked-format products have avoided more than 15,000 metric tons of plastic since 2005.

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 41.2% of Lush's coverage (theme index 1.29, net tone +71)
- Leadership & Strategy: 17.6% of Lush's coverage (theme index 5.86, net tone +100)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 17.6% of Lush's coverage (theme index 2.34, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 16 August 2026, nationalworld.com: [The five 2026 beauty advent calendars I'm already excited for from M&S, Lush and more](https://www.nationalworld.com/recommended/the-five-beauty-advent-calendars-2026-im-most-looking-forward-to-ms-lush-lookfantastic-8916738). Lush's 29½ High Street Advent Calendar contains 25 bath products and is available for £135, with delivery from late August. The article highlights Snow Fairy and other festive products in the range.
- 5 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: [I unboxed the Lush x Moomin bath and shower products & already have a favourite](https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/unboxed-lush-x-moomin-bath-37515534). Lush has launched a Moomin collaboration spanning bath, shower, body-care and fragrance products. The collection is available via the Lush app and stores, with one body spray restricted to the app and selected flagship shops.
- 27 August 2026, theindustry.beauty: [Youth NEET numbers fall but youth employment challenge remains, BRC warns](https://theindustry.beauty/youth-neet-numbers-fall-but-youth-employment-challenge-remains-brc-warns/). Lush has launched its first apprenticeship scheme for therapists at its London spa locations, offering paid work and Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy qualifications. The wider article examines youth employment and the potential effect of employment reforms on retail jobs.

- [Lush deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=lush&view=deep-dive)
- [Lush PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/lush.pdf)

### The Perfume Shop

**The Perfume Shop broadened its profile beyond seasonal promotions**

The Perfume Shop ranked 7th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (2.6%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 9 mentions and a net tone of +89.

August’s lower 2.6% share nevertheless contained primary coverage of fragrance layering, boutique-store performance and expanded premium and niche ranges. In August 2026, The Perfume Shop recorded 9 mentions, 2.6% of cohort coverage and rank #7. Stories included The Power of Perfume, fragrance layering and boutique-format performance. August 2026: the boutique concept’s premium and niche range expanded to more than 223 perfumes across 22 brands, reported by FashionNetwork. The Perfume Shop discusses the growing fragrance-layering trend, saying customers are using combinations of scents for different moods and occasions. The feature frames the trend as an opportunity for fragrance retailers to drive exploration across formats. The Perfume Shop says its two boutique concept stores at Brent Cross and Lakeside have performed strongly in their first year, supported by growing demand for premium and niche fragrances. The retailer is reviewing opportunities to extend the format within its estate but has not announced further locations.

Key messages:

- The Perfume Shop discusses the growing fragrance-layering trend, saying customers are using combinations of scents for different moods and occasions. The feature frames the trend as an opportunity for fragrance retailers to drive exploration across formats.
- The Perfume Shop says its two boutique concept stores at Brent Cross and Lakeside have performed strongly in their first year, supported by growing demand for premium and niche fragrances. The retailer is reviewing opportunities to extend the format within its estate but has not announced further locations.
- The Perfume Shop says customers are increasingly layering fragrances with other perfumes, body products and hair mists to create personalised scent combinations. The retailer links the trend to social-media discovery and opportunities for complementary purchases.
- The Perfume Shop has introduced The Power of Perfume, a new brand positioning focused on fragrance's emotional role in confidence, identity and memories. The campaign will run across film, digital, social and in-store channels, alongside its recently relaunched loyalty scheme.

Leading themes:

- Product, Brands & Beauty Trends: 33.3% of The Perfume Shop's coverage (theme index 1.03, net tone +100)
- Marketing, Partnerships & Customer Experience: 33.3% of The Perfume Shop's coverage (theme index 4.53, net tone +100)
- Market & Consumer Trends: 11.1% of The Perfume Shop's coverage (theme index 6.3, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 21 August 2026, theindustry.beauty: [Editors' Top Reads: News from Ruby Hammer, The Perfume Shop and more...](https://theindustry.beauty/editors-top-reads-news-from-ruby-hammer-the-perfume-shop-and-more/). The Perfume Shop discusses the growing fragrance-layering trend, in which consumers combine scents and product formats for different occasions. Its head of buying says customers are becoming more creative in how they wear perfume.
- 24 August 2026, ww.fashionnetwork.com: [Perfume Shop says niche products demand up as boutique concept celebrates first year](https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Perfume-shop-says-niche-products-demand-up-as-boutique-concept-celebrates-first-year,1860318.html). The Perfume Shop says its Boutique concept has expanded its premium and niche fragrance range to more than 223 perfumes across 22 brands in its Brent Cross and Lakeside locations. The retailer reports strong customer engagement and plans further brand launches.
- 20 August 2026, theindustry.beauty: [Fragrance Layering: Why Shoppers Are Scent Stacking](https://theindustry.beauty/beyond-the-signature-scent-the-perfume-shop-on-the-rise-of-fragrance-layering/). The Perfume Shop says customers are increasingly layering fragrances with other perfumes, body products and hair mists to create personalised scent combinations. The retailer links the trend to social-media discovery and opportunities for complementary purchases.

- [The Perfume Shop deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=theperfumeshop&view=deep-dive)
- [The Perfume Shop PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/theperfumeshop.pdf)

### Savers

**Product Safety, Recalls & Regulation shaped Savers' media profile during August 2026**

Savers ranked 8th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (0.9%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 3 mentions and a net tone of −33.

In August 2026, Savers recorded 3 mentions, 0.9% of cohort coverage and rank #8, with net sentiment of -33. Savers is offering refunds or exchanges for affected batches of Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water following a precautionary Unilever recall over possible bacterial contamination. Consumers are advised to stop using the product because of a potential risk of eye inflammation. A Bubble Cosmetics sunscreen pack was refused entry to the UK over inadequate labelling and traceability information. Separately, specified batches of Simple Micellar Cleansing Water sold at Savers and other retailers were recalled over possible microbiological contamination. Product Safety, Recalls & Regulation accounted for 3 mentions. This small sample is directional: it describes the articles found in August but is not large enough to establish a durable reputation pattern.

Key messages:

- Savers recorded 3 mentions in August, so the findings are directional.
- Savers is offering refunds or exchanges for affected batches of Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water following a precautionary Unilever recall over possible bacterial contamination. Consumers are advised to stop using the product because of a potential risk of eye inflammation.
- A Bubble Cosmetics sunscreen pack was refused entry to the UK over inadequate labelling and traceability information. Separately, specified batches of Simple Micellar Cleansing Water sold at Savers and other retailers were recalled over possible microbiological contamination.

Leading themes:

- Product Safety, Recalls & Regulation: 100.0% of Savers's coverage (theme index 69.2, net tone −33)

Notable negative coverage:

- 13 August 2026, mirror.co.uk: ['Bacteria warning' as beauty item recall issued from B&M and Savers](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bacteria-warning-beauty-item-recall-37548486). Savers is offering refunds or exchanges for affected batches of Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water following a precautionary Unilever recall over possible bacterial contamination. Consumers are advised to stop using the product because of a potential risk of eye inflammation.

- [Savers deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=savers&view=deep-dive)
- [Savers PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/savers.pdf)

### The Body Shop

**Leadership & Strategy shaped The Body Shop's media profile during August 2026**

The Body Shop ranked 9th of 9 by average monthly share of coverage (0.6%) in the UK Health & Beauty Retailers benchmark for August 2026, with 2 mentions and a net tone of 0.

In August 2026, The Body Shop recorded 2 mentions, 0.6% of cohort coverage and rank #9, with net sentiment of 0. The Body Shop's CMO discusses repositioning the retailer around its ethical and affordable brand DNA following administration and its acquisition by Auréa. The business reported £2m profit within its first 100 days under the new owner after previous heavy losses. Boots is selling the Liz Earle 24 Days of Liz Earle Advent Calendar for £175, against a stated value of £576.50. The article also notes Boots' discounted Soap & Glory advent calendar and The Body Shop's alternative calendar. Leadership & Strategy accounted for 1 mention. This small sample is directional: it describes the articles found in August but is not large enough to establish a durable reputation pattern.

Key messages:

- The Body Shop recorded 2 mentions in August, so the findings are directional.
- The Body Shop's CMO discusses repositioning the retailer around its ethical and affordable brand DNA following administration and its acquisition by Auréa. The business reported £2m profit within its first 100 days under the new owner after previous heavy losses.
- Boots is selling the Liz Earle 24 Days of Liz Earle Advent Calendar for £175, against a stated value of £576.50. The article also notes Boots' discounted Soap & Glory advent calendar and The Body Shop's alternative calendar.

Leading themes:

- Pricing, Value & Promotions: 50.0% of The Body Shop's coverage (theme index 5.26, net tone 0)
- Leadership & Strategy: 50.0% of The Body Shop's coverage (theme index 14.46, net tone 0)

- [The Body Shop deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08?entity=thebodyshop&view=deep-dive)
- [The Body Shop PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08/reports/thebodyshop.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Health & Beauty Retailers editions

- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-h1.md)
- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-07.md)
- [UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-09.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK beauty & personal care media reputation tracker", August 2026 (1 August 2026–31 August 2026), published 1 September 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-beauty-2026-08