Is Axe the same brand as Lynx?

Axe and Lynx are regional names for the same Unilever grooming brand. Products are sold as Lynx in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand and China.

When was Axe first launched?

Axe was first launched in France on 6 June 1983. The original range included Musk, Amber and Spice body sprays.

What does Axe sell besides body spray?

Axe sells deodorants, antiperspirants, shower gels, shampoos, hair styling products, face care products and fragrance collections.

Axe is sold across more than 90 markets. In some countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, the same products are sold under the name Lynx.

Is Axe owned by Unilever?

Yes. Axe is ultimately owned by Unilever PLC, which lists Axe among its personal care brands.

Who's behind Axe? Check before you buy

About Axe

What is Axe?

Axe is a men’s fragrance and personal grooming brand founded in 1983. Unilever describes Axe as the world’s number one men’s fragrance brand, sold across more than 90 markets. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand and China, the products are generally sold under the name Lynx.

Who owns Axe?

Axe is ultimately owned by Unilever PLC, according to Made O’Meter’s ownership data verified on 13 September 2026. Unilever PLC is headquartered in the United Kingdom and is a publicly listed company. Unilever lists Axe among its personal care brands.

Where does Axe come from?

Axe originated in France and was launched there on 6 June 1983. The first Axe products were body sprays in Musk, Amber and Spice variants. The brand later expanded into other European markets and reached the United States in 2002. Unilever says the brand is now sold in more than 90 countries.

What products does Axe make?

Axe makes fragrance sprays, deodorants, antiperspirants, shower gels, shampoos and hair styling products. The product range also includes face care products and premium fragrance collections. Unilever says body sprays were the brand’s first products, followed by antiperspirants and deodorant sticks, shower gels, hair care and face care.

Frequently asked questions about Axe

Is Axe the same brand as Lynx?: Axe and Lynx are regional names for the same Unilever grooming brand. Products are sold as Lynx in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand and China.
When was Axe first launched?: Axe was first launched in France on 6 June 1983. The original range included Musk, Amber and Spice body sprays.
What does Axe sell besides body spray?: Axe sells deodorants, antiperspirants, shower gels, shampoos, hair styling products, face care products and fragrance collections.
Where is Axe sold?: Axe is sold across more than 90 markets. In some countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia, the same products are sold under the name Lynx.
Is Axe owned by Unilever?: Yes. Axe is ultimately owned by Unilever PLC, which lists Axe among its personal care brands.

Sources: unileverusa.com, unilever.com: behind the brand axe the worlds no1 mens fragrance brand, unilever.com: axe, unilever.com: annual report and accounts, en.wikipedia.org, unilever.nl, unilever.com: unilever annual report and accounts 2025.pdf, fr.wikipedia.org