Unilever has acquired Los Angeles-based Kate Somerville, the prestige skin care brand that’s sold in upscale retailers in the United States, and that has a growing footprint in Asia.

Vasiliki Petrou, Unilever SVP Prestige Brands, said Kate Somerville “is a highly differentiated brand that is well placed in the derma-cosmetic segment of the skin care category.”

In 2013 the brand began making inroads into the fast growing Asian market, with successful launches in several countries across the region. Vasiliki said he believes Kate Somerville has “exciting growth potential and looks forward to bringing its breakthrough products to new markets. Its premium positioning effectively complements our existing portfolio.”

Kate entered the skin care realm more than 20 years ago, starting in doctor’s offices doing pre- and post-operative care for consumers who had received peel and laser treatments. Followed by a loyal clientele, many of whom are celebrities, in 2004 she opened her own clinic and partnered with a physician, two nurses and two aestheticians to oversee three treatment rooms, which quickly grew to seven, then 13. By 2006, retailers wanted her formulas, and in 2007 she sold a minority stake in her company to JH Partners to help fuel retail growth. By 2010, she tapped industry veteran Michelle Taylor to become CEO, allowing her to focus on building brand awareness as the company’s spokesperson.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.