About Persil
Persil stands as the world's number one fabric detergent, a pioneering brand that revolutionised laundry when it launched as the first commercially available self-activated washing powder in 1907. In the UK, Persil is owned and manufactured by Unilever, building on over a century of innovation to deliver powerful stain removal while remaining gentle on sensitive skin. The brand's "Dirt is Good" philosophy celebrates life's messy moments, encouraging families to embrace experiences rather than fear stains. The Persil story began on 6th June 1907 when Henkel & Cie, founded in Düsseldorf in 1876, launched the first Persil product. This groundbreaking detergent was the first to combine bleach with the detergent, creating what the marketing department called a "self-activating powder." The name "Persil" derives from two original ingredients: sodium perborate and silicate. The innovation was revolutionary. Sodium perborate, a bleaching agent, was added to base washing agents, creating oxygenated bubbles during washing that did the "work of the washboard." This saved consumers tremendous time and eliminated the need for historic "sun-bleaching" methods. Persil made effective laundry accessible to households across Europe. Persil arrived in the UK market in 1909, with rights acquired by Joseph Crosfield and Sons. Through subsequent acquisitions - Brunner, Mond and Co in 1911, then Lever Brothers in 1919 - the brand became part of what would become Unilever. A 1927 legal agreement established that Lever Brothers (now Unilever) holds rights to the Persil name in the UK, Ireland, France, and certain other markets, while German company Henkel retains rights elsewhere. This dual ownership means Persil products vary between markets, but in the UK, Unilever's Persil benefits from the company's extensive research and development capabilities. Unilever, the British multinational headquartered in London, ranks among the world's largest consumer goods companies. Persil sits within Unilever's Home Care division alongside other cleaning brands. In 2023, global sales of the Persil brand - known as Dirt is Good, OMO, Surf Excel, Breeze, Rinso, Ala or Skip depending on market - reached €4.3 billion. This remarkable figure demonstrates Persil's continued relevance and consumer trust over 115 years after launch. The brand holds first or second position in all its key markets worldwide. The Persil Non-Bio range is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Dermatologically tested and developed using skincare research recognised by the British Skin Foundation, Non-Bio products are suitable for the whole family. The gentle formulation removes tough stains from mud, yoghurt, jam, and everyday messes without irritating delicate skin. Persil Non-Bio 3-in-1 Capsules represent the brand's most convenient format. These laundry capsules are the fastest-dissolving detergent capsules available, offering outstanding stain removal with no residues even in quick and cold washes. Plant-based stain removers and biodegradable ingredients deliver cleaning power sustainably. Plastic-free, recyclable packaging demonstrates environmental commitment. Persil Bio products contain enzymes and optical brighteners to tackle the toughest stains including grease and oil. The biological formulation suits white and light-coloured fabrics, helping maintain brightness wash after wash. Bio products offer maximum cleaning power for households without sensitive skin concerns. The Small & Mighty range delivers super-concentrated formulas in smaller bottles. Requiring only 27ml of detergent per wash, these products reduce plastic use significantly. The concentration provides 30% more washes compared to previous formulations, producing less liquid and plastic waste per wash. Both Bio and Non-Bio versions are available in Small & Mighty format. Liquid detergents offer versatility for different washing needs. Bottles are 100% recyclable and contain recycled plastic, reflecting Persil's sustainability commitments. Persil does not test on animals, addressing ethical concerns many consumers hold about household products. Washing powder remains available for consumers preferring traditional formats. The original product format that launched in 1907 continues to serve households who appreciate powder's effectiveness and value. Persil serves as the official fabric care partner of Arsenal Football Club, a partnership that brings the "Dirt is Good" philosophy to life through football. The collaboration celebrates active lifestyles and the inevitable dirt that comes from playing sport, reinforcing that stains shouldn't prevent children and families from embracing experiences. Persil products are widely available across UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose. B&M and other value retailers stock the range. Ocado and online grocery platforms provide home delivery. Professional formulations serve commercial laundry operations through trade suppliers. Comparing Persil to competitors like Ariel, Bold, and Fairy Non-Bio, Persil offers the unique combination of pioneering heritage, British Skin Foundation recognised formulation, and Unilever's global research capabilities. Ariel from P&G provides direct premium competition. Bold combines washing and conditioning. Fairy Non-Bio focuses purely on gentleness. Persil's balance of power and sensitivity, plus environmental innovations, maintains competitive advantage. For UK consumers seeking powerful stain removal from the world's leading fabric detergent brand with options for sensitive skin, Persil delivers over a century of laundry expertise in every wash. Whether choosing Bio for maximum cleaning or Non-Bio for gentle care, capsules for convenience or liquid for versatility, Persil brings trusted performance to everyday laundry. Using Grocefully to compare Persil prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on Britain's favourite laundry detergent.