What Oars + Alps does

Oars + Alps is a premium men's grooming brand founded in 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, operating as a Delaware LLC. The company sells a broad portfolio of skincare, sun care, aluminum-free deodorant, body care, hair care, and fragrance products targeted at men - particularly those with active or outdoor lifestyles such as athletes, golfers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its product technology centers on clean-ingredient formulation, anchored by a proprietary botanical trademark, Alpine Caribou Moss™, which is featured in most products for anti-aging and environmental defense. Additional technology differentiators include 100% mineral SPF formulations using non-nano zinc oxide, hypochlorous acid-based sprays in the 2026 Skin Saver Collection, and a brand-enforced clean standard banning 1,800+ chemicals (versus FDA's 30 and EU's 1,300). All products are dermatologist-tested, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The business model is multi-channel. Direct-to-consumer e-commerce at oarsandalps.com is the primary channel, featuring quizzes (SPF and skincare), a build-your-own-kit tool, and an O + A Rewards loyalty program. A subscription layer, Oarsman's Quarterly, ships seasonally at $50 per box or $160 prepaid annually and includes exclusive and full-size mystery products. Wholesale distribution covers Ulta Beauty at the national level and Meijer regionally, with an open wholesale program for additional retailers. Trade show presence at events like the 2026 PGA Show extends reach into golf and sports-adjacent buyer segments. Pricing spans $5 (lip balm) to $80 (value sizes), with free shipping on $50+ orders and free samples on $40+ orders.

Go-to-market relies on content marketing through The Oars Blog/Oarsman's Guide, organic social (Instagram, TikTok), affiliate and ambassador programs (Impact.com), email and SMS automation including win-back campaigns, and earned media in WSJ, Forbes, and Men's Health. The company is co-founded by Mia Saini (CEO) and Laura, with Kristin Secora as Director of Innovation, and operates with a lean team of 11-50 employees. Capital formation has been via repeated SEC Form D exempt offerings totaling roughly $14M across 2017-2024, without disclosed institutional lead investors beyond early backers Breakout Capital, Levy Family Partners, and Target Takeoff.

Name

Oars + Alps

Legal name

Oars + Alps LLC

Website

https://oarsandalps.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Oars + Alps is a premium men's grooming brand offering clean-ingredient skincare, sunscreen, deodorant, body care, and hair care products. Founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, it sells via DTC e-commerce, a quarterly subscription box, and retail partners including Ulta Beauty and Meijer.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (DTC): Direct-to-consumer sales of men's grooming products including sunscreen, deodorant, skincare, body care, and hair care through oarsandalps.com website
2. Subscription Boxes: Oarsman's Quarterly subscription box delivered every 3 months at $50 per box or $160 for annual prepaid (4 boxes). Includes seasonal favorites, new releases, exclusive items, and mystery full-size products.
3. Wholesale Distribution: Sales to retail partners including Ulta Beauty and Meijer through wholesale program
4. Gift Cards: Digital gift cards sold on the website in customer-selected denominations

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Oars + Alps is a men's personal care brand that sells skincare, sunscreen, aluminum-free deodorant, body care, hair care, and fragrance products formulated with clean ingredients (including the proprietary Alpine Caribou Moss™) for active lifestyles. Products are sold direct-to-consumer via oarsandalps.com, through a quarterly subscription box (Oarsman's Quarterly), and at retail partners including Ulta Beauty and Meijer.

Product overview

Oars + Alps is a premium men's grooming brand offering a comprehensive portfolio of skincare, sun protection, deodorant, body care, hair care, and fragrance products. The product line is organized around core categories: (1) Sunscreen - including SPF sprays, lotions, sticks, lip balms and after-sun products with SPF ranging from 30-70, available in both chemical and 100% mineral (zinc oxide) formulations; (2) Skincare - featuring face washes, moisturizers, serums, eye treatments, masks, and shaving products; (3) Deodorant - aluminum-free options in sticks, sprays, and creams with various scents; (4) Body Care - body washes, bar soaps, body lotions, muscle recovery balms, and cleansing wipes; (5) Hair Care - shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and scalp treatments; (6) Fragrances - Venture and Ascend colognes; (7) Subscription Box - Oarsman's Quarterly seasonal box; and (8) Curated Kits - multi-product bundles for specific routines (morning, evening, athlete, travel, etc.). All products emphasize clean ingredients, are dermatologist-tested, vegan and cruelty-free, and are designed for active lifestyles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Everyday Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer with SPF 37 Triple-threat daily moisturizer combining SPF, deep hydration, and anti-aging power.
• Face + Scalp Mist with SPF 35 Lightweight, hands-free sunscreen mist for face and scalp with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 35 protection.
• Hydrating Antioxidant SPF 50 Spray Water-resistant, nourishing sunscreen spray with Vitamin C and 80 minutes of water/sweat resistance.
• 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 100% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen that hydrates and blends easily into skin with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
• Skin Saver Face Spray Hypochlorous acid face spray that reduces redness, soothes irritation and hydrates skin.
• Skin Saver Body Spray Multi-tool hypochlorous acid body spray that minimizes odor, cleanses rinse-free, and calms skin after sun exposure.
• Wake Up Face Serum Anti-aging serum with 15% Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin E that brightens, hydrates and reduces redness, dark spots and fine lines.
• Aluminum-Free Deodorant Aluminum-free deodorant available in sticks, sprays and creams with multiple scents for all-day odor protection.
• Luxury Body Wash Body wash that gently exfoliates, hydrates and strengthens skin, available in Fresh Ocean Splash, California Coast, Alpine Tea Tree and Aspen Air scents.
• Hydrating Shampoo + Conditioner Hydrating, nourishing shampoo and conditioner with strand-strengthening nutrients.
• Venture Cologne Eau de Parfum fragrance reminiscent of the Great Blue; long-lasting and travel-sized.
• Ascend Cologne Eau de Parfum fragrance reminiscent of fresh Alpine heights; long-lasting and travel-sized.
• Muscle Recovery Balm Clinical strength balm with Menthol and Methyl Salicylate for muscle soreness relief; features a 3-rollerball applicator for targeted massage.
• Oarsman's Quarterly Subscription Box Seasonal subscription box curated with best-sellers, new releases, exclusive swag, and a mystery full-size product; delivered quarterly ($50/box) or annually ($160 for 4 boxes).
• Starter Kit Three-step routine kit for hydrated, depuffed and protected skin, priced at $59.
• Athlete Essentials Kit Muscle recovery and athlete skincare kit with Muscle Recovery Balm, Anti-Everything Powder, and Epsom Salt Bar Soap.
• Soothing Shave Cream Rich, hydrating cream with Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil for a close shave and hydrated skin.
• Anti-Everything Face Serum Acne serum with Salicylic and Glycolic Acids that treats breakouts, minimizes pores and softens fine lines.

Quantifiable outcome

• Skin Saver Collection sold out within 48 hours of online launch
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PGA ShowcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2026Oars + Alps debuted its new Skin Saver Collection at the 2026 PGA Show in Chicago from January 21-23, 2026 at Booth #4251. The collection sold out within 48 hours of its online launch, indicating strong demand from the golfing community.
• Mizzen+MainminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-branded product partnership creating the Oars + Alps x Mizzen+Main Athletic Quarter Zip - a lightweight navy quarter zip designed for versatility from the course to the office.
• GrooveItminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-branded golf partnership creating the GrooveIt x Oars + Alps Golf Bag Essentials Kit, combining golf accessories with skincare products for the complete golfer's needs.
• Ulta BeautycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor national retail partnership for physical store distribution alongside skincare, body care, and deodorant categories. Products featured in dedicated brand imagery on Oars + Alps website.
• MeijerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional Midwestern retailer partnership for product distribution. Visible in social media posts celebrating the Meijer launch.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationE-commerce platform powering the oarsandalps.com website for all DTC sales, subscriptions, and customer data management.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Beardbrand: A men's grooming DTC brand offering beard care, skincare, and styling products targeted at modern men. Directly comparable as a men's personal care e-commerce brand with subscription and bundled product positioning.
• Lumin: Men's grooming and skincare brand targeting male self-care with anti-aging and dark-circle focused products. Comparable men's skincare focus with DTC + subscription mechanics.
• Bevel: Men's grooming brand initially focused on razors and shaving products for men of color, now expanded into skincare and body care. Comparable men's grooming DTC positioning with premium pricing and brand-led storytelling.
• Tiege Hanley: Men's skincare subscription service offering curated routine kits at accessible price points. Directly comparable on men's-specific skincare subscription model and bundled DTC kits.
• Duke Cannon: Men's personal care brand offering skincare, shaving, and body care products with a masculine, no-nonsense positioning. Comparable as a direct men's grooming competitor with strong big-box retail distribution.
• Every Man Jack: Men's grooming and personal care brand offering skincare, body wash, deodorant, and shaving products with a clean-ingredient positioning. Closely matches Oars + Alps on product breadth, clean ingredients, and men's focus.
• Dr. Squatch: Men's personal care brand focused on natural bar soaps, body wash, and deodorant with masculine branding and viral DTC marketing. Comparable product mix with differentiation in soap-forward positioning.
• Brickell Men's Products: Premium men's skincare brand offering natural and clinical skincare products targeted at the modern man. Highly comparable on premium men's skincare positioning and DTC e-commerce model.
• Manscaped: Direct-to-consumer men's grooming brand offering below-the-waist trimmers, skincare, and body care. Comparable men's grooming DTC scale with subscription and bundled offerings.
• Scotch Porter: Men's grooming brand offering beard, hair, and skincare products for men with textured hair and diverse identities. Comparable men's grooming product breadth with DTC and retail distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/oarsandalps
• Xx.com/oarsandalps
• Facebookfacebook.com/oarsandalps
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oars-alps

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds8 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Oars + Alps