Abi Cleeve – The Visionary Behind SkinSense and Ultrasun UK’s Beauty Revolution
Who is Abi Cleeve?
Abi Cleeve is a celebrated British entrepreneur, skincare innovator, and television personality who has spent nearly three decades transforming the beauty and skincare industry. As the Managing Director and Founder of SkinSense by Abi Cleeve and the UK lead of Ultrasun UK, she has built a reputation for introducing cutting-edge suncare and skincare technology to the British market.
Born in February 1971, Abi Cleeve is approximately 54 years old and has devoted her professional life to enhancing skincare science and consumer trust. From her base in Redhill, England, she manages a growing portfolio of beauty brands, including Graphters Ltd, SBC Skincare Ltd, Ultrasun UK, and SkinSense by Abi Cleeve.
Abi Cleeve’s Early Life and Education
Abi’s journey began with a strong foundation in business. She attended Warwick School between 1983 and 1987 before enrolling at the University of Hertfordshire, where she earned a first-class degree in Business and Finance (1990–1994). Her academic achievements gave her the skills to navigate the demanding beauty industry with a sharp understanding of management, marketing, and consumer strategy.
Early in her career, Abi joined Marks & Spencer on its Board Acceleration Programme. During this period, she developed a deep understanding of retail operations and brand management—skills that later became the backbone of her success in the skincare sector.
The Founding of Ultrasun UK
Bringing Innovation to British Skincare
In 1997, She encountered a Swiss sun-care brand, Ultrasun, while travelling. Recognising its unique formulation and high standards of UV protection, she made the bold decision to bring the brand to the UK. This move marked the beginning of Ultrasun UK, a company that quickly became synonymous with advanced sun protection and skin health awareness.
Under her leadership, Ultrasun became known for its lamellar technology, which provides long-lasting, once-a-day sun protection without greasy textures or strong fragrances. The brand’s focus on UVA and UVB protection and skin-friendly formulations revolutionised how consumers approached sun safety.
Recognition and Growth
Through Abi’s vision and leadership, Ultrasun UK grew from a niche Swiss import to one of the UK’s most respected sun-care ranges. Its presence on QVC UK helped make the brand a household name, with Abi herself becoming the trusted face of sun protection for millions of viewers.
She has worked with QVC since 2003, serving as a Guest Presenter for over 22 years. Her authentic communication style and deep technical knowledge of skincare have made her a respected authority within the beauty community.
SkinSense by Abi Cleeve: The Science of Lasting Skincare
The Birth of SkinSense
In 2017, after two decades of success with Ultrasun, Abi launched SkinSense by Abi Cleeve—a skincare brand designed to carry forward the same science-driven philosophy into anti-ageing and hydration solutions.
The brand was built around a single breakthrough: lamellar technology, originally used in Ultrasun. This innovation allows active ingredients to penetrate deeply and remain effective for longer, ensuring that products continue to protect and nourish the skin long after application.
A Brand with Purpose
SkinSense by Abi Cleeve aims to simplify skincare by combining long-term efficacy with luxury. The range includes anti-ageing serums, hydrating creams, retinol treatments, and body care designed for sensitive and mature skin. The brand’s tagline, #MakeSkinSense, reflects Abi’s mission to help people understand their skin and make informed choices.
Each formulation is paraben-free, cruelty-free, and dermatologically tested, catering to those seeking high-performance products without unnecessary additives.
The Story Behind SkinSense and Ultrasun’s Success
Abi’s brands stand out because they merge scientific innovation with practical accessibility. Instead of marketing hype, her strategy centres on consumer education. She regularly appears on QVC to explain how active ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants work within the skin’s structure.
Her philosophy is simple: “If customers understand how a product works, they can use it confidently and achieve real results.” This transparent approach has helped both Ultrasun and SkinSense achieve long-term customer loyalty and international recognition.
Abi Cleeve’s Leadership and Values
Entrepreneurial Vision
Abi Cleeve’s leadership style blends innovation with integrity. As a Managing Director of multiple companies—including Ultrasun UK, SkinSense Ltd, SBC Skincare Ltd, and Graphters Ltd—she oversees product development, marketing, and distribution across the UK and Ireland.
Her professional ethos revolves around three pillars: education, safety, and simplicity. She often says that great skincare should protect, perform, and make sense to the consumer.
Industry Recognition
Over the years, Abi has been recognised by several beauty and business organisations, including CEW UK and The Industry Beauty, which have featured her as a pioneering woman in skincare technology. She has also been invited to speak at industry events and beauty trade forums, where she champions evidence-based skincare and consumer transparency.
SkinSense by Abi Cleeve – Trusted by Consumers
Despite occasional social media debates about product fragrance or texture, SkinSense by Abi Cleeve has maintained a loyal customer base. Many users praise the products for visible improvements in hydration, firmness, and radiance.
The Hydranet Collection and the Signature Anti-Ageing Collection remain the brand’s best-sellers. These collections showcase Abi’s dedication to making advanced skincare approachable and effective for every skin type, particularly for women over 40 who seek results without irritation.
Abi Cleeve Age and Personal Life
Abi Cleeve is 54 years old, with more than 28 years of experience in the beauty industry. She resides in Redhill, England, where her companies are headquartered.
While much is known about her professional life, Abi Cleeve keeps her personal life private. Public information about her husband or family is minimal, as she prefers to focus her online presence on her work and charitable efforts.
However, her occasional mentions of “family illness” in social media replies suggest that she has faced personal challenges with grace and professionalism. This discretion has only strengthened public respect for her resilience and empathy.
Abi Cleeve’s Ongoing Commitment to Innovation
Abi continues to evolve her brands to meet the demands of a changing beauty landscape. She is passionate about sustainability, UV awareness, and ethical skincare development. Her products often feature eco-friendly packaging, minimal fragrances, and advanced UV filters that protect both skin and the environment.
Through Ultrasun UK and SkinSense by Abi Cleeve, she has introduced a new generation of consumers to responsible skincare—where science, safety, and self-care coexist.
Why Abi Cleeve Matters in the Beauty Industry
Abi Cleeve is more than a business leader; she represents a shift toward scientific honesty in skincare marketing. Her brands show that it’s possible to deliver effective, luxurious products without inflated claims or superficial glamour.
Her story—from discovering a small Swiss sun-care line to leading a multi-brand skincare empire—demonstrates vision, determination, and a genuine desire to help others look after their skin intelligently.
FAQs
1. Who is Abi Cleeve?
Abi Cleeve is a British beauty entrepreneur, Managing Director of Ultrasun UK and Founder of SkinSense by Abi Cleeve. She is also a long-time QVC UK presenter known for her expertise in skincare and sun protection.
2. What is SkinSense by Abi Cleeve?
SkinSense by Abi Cleeve is a skincare brand that uses advanced lamellar technology to ensure long-lasting effectiveness of active ingredients. The brand focuses on anti-ageing, hydration, and sensitive-skin-friendly formulations.
3. How old is Abi Cleeve?
Abi Cleeve was born in February 1971, making her approximately 54 years old as of 2025.
4. Is Abi Cleeve married?
Abi Cleeve keeps her personal life private. There is no publicly verified information about her husband or family life, as she focuses on her professional ventures and brand development.
5. Where can you find Abi Cleeve’s products?
Her brands, SkinSense by Abi Cleeve and Ultrasun UK, are available through QVC UK and major British retailers. They’re also featured on her official website and select beauty stores across the UK and Ireland.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Abi Cleeve
In an industry often dominated by trends and celebrity faces, Abi Cleeve stands out as a genuine innovator. Her commitment to product efficacy, consumer trust, and education has set a new standard for beauty entrepreneurship in the UK.
Through SkinSense by Abi Cleeve, Ultrasun UK, and SBC Skincare Ltd, she continues to redefine what it means to be a beauty expert—balancing science with empathy and innovation with authenticity.
At 54 years old, Abi’s influence continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to create brands that make both scientific and moral sense. Her journey is proof that true beauty lies not just in appearance but in purpose, passion, and perseverance.
