Clear
Unilever’s internationally sold anti-dandruff and scalp-care haircare brand, first introduced in Italy as Clinic in 1975 and renamed Clear in 1982.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
Clear is a global anti-dandruff shampoo brand owned and manufactured by Unilever. Its history began in 1975, when the product was introduced under the name Clinic. The brand retained that name in some markets for several years before being renamed Clear in 1982. The product’s origins are traced to Italy, after which it was distributed internationally through Unilever’s consumer-products operations. The brand is positioned around scalp care and dandruff control rather than general-purpose hair cleansing alone. Its principal offering is shampoo formulated and marketed for consumers seeking to manage dandruff and maintain a clean, healthy-feeling scalp. The brand has used localized naming and packaging across different countries. In Greece it has been sold as Ultrex, in Portugal as Linic, and in India as Pure Derm. Thailand also used the names Clinic Clear and, before the early 2000s, Clinic. These naming variations reflect local brand histories and market adaptations rather than separate product categories. Clear expanded beyond its original European history into Asian markets, including the Philippines, where it was launched in July 2007. Its international marketing has relied heavily on television advertising, including the Clear TV Cartoon Commercial identity referenced in descriptions of the brand’s campaigns. Celebrity ambassadors have included Indonesian performer Agnes Monica, footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, and Chinese actor and singer Jackson Yee. These partnerships connected the brand with entertainment, sports, youth culture, and personal-care positioning in different markets. The brand has also used sports sponsorship as part of its visibility strategy. Clear sponsored the Lotus Renault Formula One team during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, giving it exposure in an international motorsport environment and associating the shampoo with performance-oriented branding. Clear remains part of Unilever’s portfolio of personal-care brands. Public reference material identifies it primarily as an anti-dandruff shampoo brand; detailed information about its headquarters, corporate executives, financial performance, and market-by-market product range is not established in the supplied sources.
History
Clear’s documented history begins in 1975 with the launch of a shampoo called Clinic. The product originated in Italy and was subsequently developed as an international anti-dandruff shampoo brand within Unilever’s consumer-products portfolio. The Clinic name continued in some markets for a period, but the principal global identity changed in 1982 when the product was rebranded Clear. The renaming established the identity used in much of the brand’s later international expansion. Clear was not marketed under one uniform name everywhere. Regional versions included Ultrex in Greece, Linic in Portugal, and Pure Derm in India. Thailand used Clinic Clear until 2010 and had previously used Clinic before the early 2000s. These local names demonstrate that the brand’s commercial history developed through country-specific naming conventions and transitions rather than through a single worldwide launch date. Clear expanded into Asian markets during the 2000s. In the Philippines, the brand was launched in July 2007. Its advertising has often emphasized television and mass-market consumer communication, including a Clear TV Cartoon Commercial identity described in reference material for a number of countries. The brand’s public ambassadors have included Agnes Monica, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Jackson Yee. Their involvement indicates the use of locally relevant entertainment and sports personalities to adapt the brand’s communication to different audiences. Sports marketing became another visible part of Clear’s history when the brand sponsored the Lotus Renault Formula One team in 2012 and 2013. The sponsorship placed Clear in an international motorsport setting and complemented the brand’s broader use of high-profile personalities and televised promotion. Clear is currently described as an international anti-dandruff shampoo brand manufactured by Unilever. The available reference material does not provide a complete chronology of product variants, formulas, distribution changes, corporate leadership, or financial performance. Accordingly, the documented history is strongest on the brand’s naming, geographic expansion, ambassadors, and sponsorship activity.
- 2023
Skincare-boosted anti-dandruff product introduced
[1]Unilever highlighted a niacinamide-containing anti-dandruff solution as an extension of Clear’s scalp-care positioning.
- 2022
Anti-hair-fall range launched in China
[2]Unilever says Clear’s scalp-focused anti-hair-fall ranges first launched in China in August 2022.
- 2018
World Cup Winning Moments campaign
[5]Clear Men ran a mobile and social campaign in Indonesia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, using football content and real-time engagement.
- 2012
Clear introduced in the United States
[4]Unilever launched CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY in the US with distinct product offerings for men, women and African-American women.
- 2012
Clear Men and Rexona associated with Lotus F1 Team
[6]Clear Men appeared among Unilever brands connected with Lotus F1 Team sponsorship and activation during the early 2010s.
- 2007
Coordinated expansion into additional markets
[3]Unilever reported Clear launches in China, Russia, Brazil, the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt and Arab markets as part of a broader international rollout.
- 1982
Clinic relaunched as Clear
[1]The brand adopted the Clear name, establishing the identity used in many of its international markets.
- 1975
Clinic shampoo introduced in Italy
[1]Unilever’s brand history dates the launch of the predecessor Clinic to Italy in 1975.
Products and positioning
An international scalp-care brand focused on anti-dandruff efficacy, with products and marketing addressing scalp freshness, oiliness, itching, sensitivity and hair fall. Portfolio and claims vary by country.
Shampoo · 1975
Clear anti-dandruff shampoo
The brand’s central product family comprises shampoos marketed to control dandruff and cleanse the scalp. Formulas, actives, scents and claims vary across markets and product generations. Variants may be tailored to scalp or hair concerns such as oiliness, itching, sensitivity or a cooling sensation. Clear’s core positioning emphasizes repeat-use dandruff control and scalp care rather than a single universal formula.
Men’s scalp-care shampoo
Clear Men
Clear Men is the men-focused range within the brand, developed around Clear’s gender-customized anti-dandruff proposition. Unilever says its work on differences in scalp biology informed the range. Products and claims vary by market; the line has included cooling and deep-cleansing shampoos and has been a prominent platform for sports marketing and football partnerships.
Conditioner
Clear conditioner
Clear conditioners complement the shampoo range in some markets, extending the brand from scalp cleansing into routine hair conditioning. Availability and specific formulas are market-dependent; the evidence reviewed does not support a single global conditioner range or a universal launch date.
Shampoo and conditioner range · 2012
CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY
Introduced in the United States in 2012, this launch positioned Clear around both scalp and hair care. Its portfolio included products for men and women and a specialized Ultra Shea range for African-American women, including shampoo, conditioner, oil and balm. The launch campaign featured Heidi Klum.
Scalp-care and anti-hair-fall products · 2022
Clear Scalpceuticals Hair Fall Resist
A Clear range described by Unilever as addressing hair fall from the scalp through scalp-care technology. It forms part of the brand’s expansion beyond dandruff control. Availability, product lineup and naming vary by country; efficacy statements here reflect the company’s descriptions rather than an independent assessment.
Men’s scalp-care and anti-hair-fall products · 2022
Clear Men Scalp Pro Anti Hair Fall
A men’s anti-hair-fall range that Unilever identifies among Clear’s scalp-focused developments. The company says the range first launched in China in 2022 and later expanded to selected countries. Its portfolio and claims are market-specific.
Marketing campaigns
- 2018World Cup Winning Moments
Indonesia
Clear Men used a mobile campaign during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, combining social listening, football-related campaign assets and real-time content to engage sports-minded male consumers.
Outcome. The campaign was designed to increase brand awareness and audience engagement; no independently verified sales result is reported in the cited case summary.
- 2013Helmet for Heads road-safety initiative
International
In connection with the Lotus F1 Team partnership, Unilever announced a road-safety initiative under the Helmet for Heads name, with Clear involved in the effort. The initiative connected the brand’s motorsport presence to helmet use and road safety.
Outcome. The source describes the initiative’s purpose but does not establish a measured campaign outcome.
- 2012US CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY launch campaign
United States
A multi-channel launch introduced Clear’s US scalp-and-hair-care range, with Heidi Klum as its public face. The rollout included products for men and women and a line for African-American women, supported by television, print and digital activity.
Outcome. The campaign supported the brand’s US market introduction; a campaign-specific sales outcome was not established in the sources reviewed.
- 2012Clear Men and Lotus F1 Team partnership
International; Formula One markets
Clear Men was associated with Lotus F1 Team sponsorship and related brand activations. The partnership linked the men’s haircare range with motor racing and performance-oriented messaging.
Outcome. The sponsorship provided a sports-marketing platform; a Clear-specific commercial outcome was not identified.
- Cristiano Ronaldo partnership
Multiple markets
Cristiano Ronaldo has served as a Clear Men spokesperson and collaborated with the brand on the Legend Shampoo by CR7. Unilever’s brand account presents the partnership as part of Clear Men’s long-running football-centered communication.
Outcome. The collaboration supported the brand’s sports and men’s haircare positioning; a quantified partnership outcome was not established.
Brand decisions
2023
Add a skincare-boosted anti-dandruff solutionProduct launchBackground
Clear’s brand development increasingly emphasized scalp care as well as dandruff control.
Action taken
Unilever highlighted a niacinamide-containing anti-dandruff solution and described it as supporting the scalp barrier.
Aftermath
The launch reinforced Clear’s broader scalp-care positioning. Formulas and product availability vary by market.
2022
Introduce scalp-focused anti-hair-fall ranges in ChinaProduct launchBackground
Unilever described an extension of Clear’s product focus beyond dandruff to hair fall addressed through scalp care.
Action taken
The company says Clear Men Scalp Pro Anti Hair Fall and Clear Scalpceuticals Hair Fall Resist first launched in China in August 2022.
Aftermath
Unilever reported subsequent introductions in Thailand, Turkey and Brazil in 2023. The stated performance claims are company-reported.
2012
Launch CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY in the United StatesProduct launchBackground
Unilever introduced Clear into the US haircare market with an emphasis on scalp and hair health and products adapted to different consumer groups.
Action taken
The company launched a range for men and women, including an Ultra Shea line designed for African-American women, and backed the introduction with a campaign featuring Heidi Klum.
Aftermath
The launch established a US version of Clear’s broader scalp-care proposition; current availability of the historical range is not established here.
2007
Coordinate Clear’s international market rolloutStrategyBackground
Unilever identified several large and developing haircare markets for expansion and sought a more consistent approach to the brand’s international execution.
Action taken
The company reported launching Clear in China, Russia, Brazil, the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt and Arab markets, using a coordinated approach to packaging, formulation and marketing.
Aftermath
Clear broadened its international reach; the cited annual review noted plans to continue the rollout.
1982
Relaunch the brand as ClearStrategyBackground
After its initial years as Clinic, the brand adopted a new identity for its next phase of development.
Action taken
Unilever relaunched the brand under the Clear name.
Aftermath
Clear became the name used across many of the brand’s international markets, while some countries retained local names.
1975
Introduce Clinic anti-dandruff shampoo in ItalyProduct launchBackground
Unilever’s published brand history identifies 1975 as the beginning of the brand’s history, when the product was sold as Clinic in Italy.
Action taken
The brand entered the market as an anti-dandruff shampoo under the Clinic name.
Aftermath
The product was later relaunched as Clear and developed into an international scalp-care brand.
Recent events
Clear raises $75 million in Series C funding[9]
Reported:
Clear announced that it raised $75 million in a Series C funding round led by Kora Capital, Stripe, Alua Capital and Think Investment, alongside existing investors. The company said it would use the funds to expand into B2B credit and payments and international markets.
Clear raises $75 million in Series C funding[10]
Reported:
Clear raised $75 million in a Series C funding round led by Kora Capital, with Stripe, Alua Capital, Think Investments and existing investors also participating.
Clear unveils Reservation Lane at Orlando International Airport[11]
Reported:
Clear unveiled its Reservation Lane service at Orlando International Airport, allowing travelers to reserve a time slot to pass through security.
Clear partners with OpenTable on vaccination proof[12]
Reported:
Clear partnered with OpenTable so diners making reservations at restaurants that require vaccination proof are directed to instructions for creating Clear's digital vaccine card.
CLEAR posts second-quarter 2021 financial results[13]
Reported:
CLEAR posted a shareholder letter containing its second-quarter 2021 financial results on its investor relations website.
Clear files for an IPO[14]
Reported:
Clear Secure filed for an initial public offering and was considering listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol YOU.
ClearCompany and Absorb Software announce strategic partnership[15]
Reported:
ClearCompany announced a strategic partnership with Absorb Software to integrate their systems and provide mutual clients with a learning management and talent management system.
Clear announces mobile app launch[16]
Reported:
Clear announced that it was launching a mobile app intended to simplify members' entry into the United States; the article describes the launch as forthcoming.
KWI and CLEAR co-develop biometric POS login proof of concept[17]
Reported:
KWI co-developed a proof of concept with CLEAR, a biometric identity and security platform, to let store associates and managers log in to Cloud 9 POS using their faces instead of a username and password.
ClearCompany announces ADP Vantage HCM connector[18]
Reported:
ClearCompany announced the introduction of its Bi-Directional Connector for ADP Vantage HCM, to be available on ADP Marketplace. The connector aligns employee and organizational data between ClearCompany and ADP accounts.
Sources19 sources
- 1CLEAR | Unileverunilever.com
- 2Clear: from anti-dandruff shampoo brand to scalp care expert | Unileverhive.unilever.com
- 3Unilever Annual Review 2007unilever.com
- 4Heidi Klum Unveiled As Face Of New CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPYprnewswire.com
- 5Clear Men: World Cup Winning Moments | WARCwarc.com
- 6Lotus reveal two new sponsors at unveiling of new car | iSportConnectisportconnect.com
- 7Clear (shampoo)en.wikipedia.org
- 8Helmet for Heads road-safety initiativedubaiprnetwork.com
- 9Clear完成7500万美元C轮融资businesstoday.in
- 10Clear完成7500万美元C轮融资deccanherald.com
- 11Clear在奥兰多国际机场推出预约通道afar.com
- 12Clear与OpenTable合作提供疫苗接种证明服务businessinsider.com
- 13CLEAR 发布 2021 年第二季度财务业绩prnewswire.com
- 14Clear提交首次公开募股申请skift.com
- 15ClearCompany与Absorb Software宣布建立战略合作伙伴关系prweb.com
- 16Clear宣布推出移动应用thepointsguy.com
- 17KWI 与 CLEAR 联合开发生物识别 POS 登录概念验证prweb.com
- 18ClearCompany宣布推出ADP Vantage HCM连接器prweb.com
- 19Clear Announces Third Quarter 2021 Earningsprnewswire.com
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