Sunlight

A trailblazing heritage

Sunlight holds a unique position in Unilever. It’s not only our very first brand – but also a brand born from purpose. Created in 1884, Sunlight was a result of Lord Lever’s desire to liberate women from the burden of tedious chores by developing innovative products that would save on time and effort. He swapped tallow for glycerin and vegetable oils for better performance – a truly radical idea at the time.

Lord Lever also championed women’s rights and encouraged them to work in his factory at Port Sunlight and pursue interests outside the home, rather than limit themselves to household chores. The annual almanac, which was first published in 1898, aimed to enlighten women on various topics, including politics, finance and the arts. Additionally, it promoted women’s participation in cycling, art and music groups within the Port Sunlight community. His initiatives supported women in pursuing their personal passions.

Fast-forward to the present day, and Sunlight continues to embody that purpose: to unleash the untapped power of women in society. The brand also still embraces the same spirit of innovation, creating winning products that make dishwashing less of a burden. Thanks to our innovative rhamnolipid technology and inclusion of bio-enzymes, we’ve unlocked a faster, easier and more enjoyable dishwashing experience like never before.