Olay is a global skincare brand owned by Procter & Gamble (P&G). Founded in 1952, Olay has become one of the world’s most recognized skincare brands, offering scientifically developed products designed to address hydration, aging, skin tone, and overall skin health. Today, Olay products are sold in more than 80 countries and are trusted by millions of consumers worldwide. [1]

Originally introduced as Oil of Olay, the brand began with a single moisturizing product and has since expanded into a comprehensive skincare portfolio that includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, eye treatments, sunscreens, and body care products. The brand is known for combining dermatological research with accessible, mass-market pricing. [2]

Olay was founded in 1952 by South African chemist Graham Wulff. Inspired by his wife, Dinah, who disliked the thick, greasy face creams available at the time, Wulff developed a lightweight, pink moisturizing fluid that absorbed quickly into the skin. This product became the original Oil of Olay Beauty Fluid. [2]

The product quickly gained popularity in South Africa before expanding internationally during the late 1950s and 1960s. As the brand entered different markets, it adopted various names:

• Oil of Olay

• Oil of Ulay (United Kingdom)

• Oil of Ulan (Australia)

• Oil of Olaz (Germany and several European countries)

In 1999, P&G unified these regional names under the single global brand Olay, simplifying its international identity. [1]

Olay is owned by Procter & Gamble (P&G), one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. P&G acquired the brand in 1985 through its purchase of Richardson-Vicks, significantly expanding Olay’s research capabilities, global reach, and product portfolio. [1]

Olay’s mission is to make effective, science-backed skincare accessible to everyone. The brand emphasizes:

• Proven skincare science

• Safe and carefully tested ingredients

• Products for different skin types and concerns

• Confidence through healthy skin

According to Olay, its products are developed through decades of scientific research and rigorous safety testing. [3]

Olay offers a broad range of skincare products, including:

Facial Cleansers

• Foaming cleansers

• Cream cleansers

• Makeup removers

• Cleansing melts

Moisturizers

• Day creams

• Night creams

• SPF moisturizers

• Gel moisturizers

Serums and Treatments

• Vitamin C serums

• Retinol treatments

• Peptide serums

• Brightening concentrates

Eye Care

• Eye creams

• Eye serums

• Wrinkle treatments

Anti-Aging Products

• Wrinkle creams

• Firming moisturizers

• Neck creams

• Collagen-supporting formulas

Body Care

• Body washes

• Body lotions

• Body conditioners

[3]

Some of Olay’s most well-known collections include:

• Regenerist – Focuses on firming, wrinkles, and skin renewal using peptides and niacinamide.

• Retinol24 – Nighttime skincare formulated with retinoids and moisturizers.

• Vitamin C + Peptide 24 – Brightening products designed to improve radiance and skin tone.

• Total Effects – Multi-benefit products targeting several visible signs of aging.

• Luminous – Designed for uneven skin tone and dark spots.

• Super Serum – Multi-active serum combining several ingredients in one formula.

• Complete – Everyday moisturizing and SPF skincare.

[3]

Olay is particularly known for using ingredients supported by skincare research, including:

[3]

Olay positions itself as a science-driven skincare brand. The company states that it invests in extensive skin research, collaborates with dermatologists and scientists, and tests ingredients for safety and effectiveness. It has also highlighted educational initiatives in cosmetic science and STEM programs. [3]

Olay products are available across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The brand is sold through:

• Supermarkets

• Pharmacies

• Beauty retailers

• Department stores

• Online marketplaces

• Official Olay websites

It is one of P&G’s flagship beauty brands and continues to have a strong international presence. [1]

Olay is generally positioned as a mass-premium skincare brand, offering products that incorporate ingredients commonly found in higher-end skincare while remaining more affordable than many luxury brands. Its marketing emphasizes visible results supported by scientific testing. [3]

Olay has introduced initiatives related to:

• Improving product packaging sustainability

• Supporting women in STEM education

• Providing consumer education on skincare science

• Developing formulations with attention to safety standards

These initiatives form part of the brand’s broader corporate responsibility efforts. [3]

Over more than seven decades, Olay has evolved from a single pink moisturizing fluid into one of the world’s leading skincare brands. Its long-standing focus on combining scientific research with accessible skincare has helped establish it as a trusted name across generations of consumers. Today, Olay continues to expand its product range while maintaining its emphasis on evidence-based formulations and everyday skincare. [2]

1. Olay

2. Discover The Olay History | Olay

3. Why Olay – OLAY