About Imperial Leather
Imperial Leather is a British heritage brand of soaps, toiletries and healthcare products manufactured by PZ Cussons. The distinctive aroma is inspired by Russia leather—a high-quality material exported from Russia, recognisable by the birch oil used in its tanning process. The brand's origins trace to 1768 when Russian nobleman Count Grigory Orlov commissioned perfume "Eau de Cologne Imperiale Russe" from Bayleys of Bond Street in London. In 1921, Cussons Sons & Co acquired Bayleys. Using a version of the original perfume, Alexander Tom Cussons created 'Imperial Leather' soap in 1938 at the Kersal Vale factory in Salford (originally named 'Russian Leather' before rebranding). The company was acquired by Paterson Zochonis in 1975, becoming PZ Cussons in 2002. The famous ivory bar soap features a central label with the Imperial Leather logo—designed to prevent the soap becoming soggy. In the 1950s, Imperial Leather pioneered TV advertising between drama episodes, contributing to the term "soaps" for such programmes. The iconic 1980s "triple bath" adverts featured a wealthy family each enjoying their own luxurious bath. Celebrity endorsers have included Julie Walters, Paul Merton, and Paolo Di Canio. The modern range includes Fantasy Icons Shower Gel, Infusions Shower Gel, Foamburst (including Ultimate Moisture and Funky Prints), Fantasy Foamburst, bar soap, deodorants, Bath Infusions, and hand wash. Compare Imperial Leather prices at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Boots and Superdrug with Grocefully.




















