What Clearstem Skincare does

Clearstem Skincare is a San Diego-based, founder-led direct-to-consumer skincare brand founded in 2016 that formulates and markets clean, non-toxic products addressing acne and anti-aging simultaneously. Its core technology centers on plant stem cell formulations (e.g., HYDRAGLOW Plant Stem Cell Moisturizer), peptide-based anti-aging serums (BOUNCEBACK), and a "100% non-pore-clogging, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested" formulation standard reinforced by an interactive Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker. The product portfolio spans cleansers, exfoliants, serums, moisturizers, masks, eye care, SPF, lip care and tools, supplemented by an ingestibles line that includes the hormonal-acne supplement MINDBODYSKIN, plus newer beauty-skin supplements such as GLOWTIME and PILLOWTIME. Pricing spans $18-$30 for mini/travel sizes, $24-$98 for individual products, and $80-$136 for curated bundles and mystery boxes, with free US shipping on orders over $75 and a stated 30-day return policy.

The business model is DTC-first e-commerce through clearstem.com, layered with a B2B professional channel at professional.clearstem.com serving estheticians and clinics. Go-to-market combines product-led self-serve purchase with community-led growth via an ambassador program, masterclasses, podcast, blog (Skincare Learning Center), Instagram, SMS marketing and community events. Customer segments are anchored on adults seeking both acne treatment and anti-aging, with secondary targets in hormonal acne sufferers and skincare professionals; pricing and review volume (10,000+ 5-star reviews across bestsellers) indicate a volume-driven, repeat-purchase consumer base.

The company is privately held, co-founded by Danielle Gronich (CEO) and Kayleigh Christina (CGO), with Emily Laats as Head of Ecommerce, and operates with an 11-50 employee headcount based in the United States. There is no evidence of institutional funding, parent-company ownership, or international expansion. Revenue, ARR and growth rates are not disclosed; product-launch velocity in 2026 (VIBRANCE-C, GLASS EFFECT, EYE CANDY, GLOWTIME, PILLOWTIME, Microfiber Cleansing Pads) and 14 registered trademarks underpin a trajectory consistent with steady, bootstrapped brand-building rather than venture-scale hyper-growth.

Name

Clearstem Skincare

Legal name

Clearstem Skincare

Website

https://clearstemskincare.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Clearstem Skincare is a San Diego-based direct-to-consumer skincare brand, founded in 2016, that formulates clean, dermatologist-tested products addressing both acne and anti-aging for adults, distributing through its own e-commerce site plus a B2B professional channel for estheticians.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Acne-safe anti-aging skincare and supplements

NAICS

Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (45612), Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120), Food (Health) Supplement Retailers (456191)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Treatment Skincare (Serums, Actives, Acne & Anti-aging) (CRABAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF), Facial Skincare (Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers) (CRABAAAA), Professional Skincare & Facial Treatments (CRABALAF), Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG)

Keywords

• Acne-safe skincare
• Anti-aging skincare
• Plant stem cell moisturizer
• Hormonal acne supplements
• Clean beauty products

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

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. Direct E-commerce Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales through clearstem.com website. Products sold include serums, cleansers, moisturizers, SPF, supplements, and tools. Revenue generated from one-time purchases of individual products and bundled routine sets.
2. Bundled Routine Sales: Pre-configured skincare routines and mystery boxes sold as curated bundles at discounted prices compared to individual products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Clearstem Skincare sells clean, non-toxic, dermatologist-tested skincare products and internal supplements that simultaneously address acne and signs of aging. The product portfolio spans serums, cleansers, moisturizers, SPF, masks, eye care, lip care, and tools, complemented by an internal supplements line including the MINDBODYSKIN hormonal acne supplement. Pre-configured bundles, mystery boxes, and travel-size offerings are sold through its own e-commerce site, with a separate professional division serving estheticians and clinical customers.

Product overview

Clearstem Skincare is a dual-benefit skincare brand offering both anti-acne and anti-aging products through a comprehensive portfolio. The product line includes cleansers (GENTLECLEAN, VITAMINSCRUB®), serums (CELLRENEW®, BOUNCEBACK, CLEARITY®, VIBRANCE-C), moisturizers (HYDRAGLOW™), masks (HYDRABERRY®, PREGAME®, GLASS EFFECT), eye care (BRIGHTEYES, EYE CANDY), lip care (LIPS&CUTES®), sun protection (SUNNYSIDEKICK®, YOUARESUNSHINE®), and specialty items (SKINSPRAY ALL DAY, GOLDENHOUR). The brand also offers internal supplements including MINDBODYSKIN® for hormonal acne, HAIR SKIN NAILS, GLOWTIME, PILLOWTIME™, SKIN TREATS, A.C.V. CLEAR, and GOOD SEEDS™. Pre-configured bundles include the Clear + Clarify Duo, Advanced Brightening Routine, Skin Perfecting Duo, and Prevent + Support Routine, along with mystery boxes and travel-size options. The company emphasizes products free from pore-clogging ingredients and parabens, with all formulations dermatologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MINDBODYSKIN®: Hormonal Acne Supplement brand, indicated as a registered trademark and product line.
• HYDRAGLOW™
• CELLRENEW®
• SUNNYSIDEKICK®
• YOUARESUNSHINE™

Products and services

• BRIGHTMEUP Advanced Brightening Toner Advanced Brightening Toner designed to improve skin radiance and address discoloration. Targeted at adults seeking brightening and dark spot correction.
• MINDBODYSKIN Hormonal Acne Supplement Internal hormonal acne supplement that addresses acne from within by targeting hormonal triggers. For customers seeking non-pharmaceutical approaches to hormonal and cystic acne.
• HYDRAGLOW Plant Stem Cell Moisturizer Plant Stem Cell Moisturizer providing hydration while addressing both acne and aging concerns. Available in full size and new mini size.
• GENTLECLEAN Hydrating Barrier Cleanser Vitamin-Infused Hydrating Barrier Cleanser that maintains skin barrier integrity while cleansing. For daily cleansing of acne-prone, sensitive skin.
• CELLRENEW Advanced Renewal Serum Advanced Renewal Serum featuring stem cell and allantoin technology for skin renewal. For anti-aging and skin texture improvement.
• SKINSPRAY ALL DAY Hydration + Clearing Mist Hydration + Clearing Mist providing on-the-go hydration and skin clearing benefits. For touch-up use throughout the day.
• GOLDENHOUR Watermelon Barrier Oil Watermelon Barrier Oil that supports skin barrier function while providing hydration. Available in full size and new mini size.
• SUNNYSIDEKICK SPF 30 Sunscreen SPF 30 Sunscreen providing broad-spectrum sun protection in an acne-safe formula.
• BOUNCEBACK Peptide Powerhouse Fine Lines Serum Peptide Powerhouse Serum targeting fine lines and supporting skin elasticity. For anti-aging skincare.
• CLEARITY Exfoliating Serum Exfoliating Serum designed to clarify skin and improve texture. For acne-prone skin needing exfoliation.
• YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen providing high-level sun protection in an acne-safe formula.
• VITAMINSCRUB Antioxidant-Infused Exfoliating Cleanser Antioxidant-Infused Exfoliating Scrub Cleanser for gentle skin exfoliation.
• HYDRABERRY Barrier Mask Barrier Mask providing deep moisture and barrier support for the skin. Available in full size and new mini size.
• BRIGHTEYES Peptide Eye Gel Peptide Eye Gel targeting the delicate eye area for anti-aging benefits.
• LIPS&CUTES Acne-Safe Lip & Cuticle Treatment Acne-Safe Lip & Cuticle Treatment with peptide formulation for lip and cuticle care.
• PREGAME 5-Minute AHA Mask 5-Minute AHA Mask for quick at-home exfoliation treatment.
• VIBRANCE-C Glow-Activating Vitamin C Serum Glow-Activating Vitamin C Serum for brightening and radiance improvement. For consumers seeking brightening and dark spot correction.
• GLASS EFFECT Face + Neck Sheet Masks Face + Neck Sheet Masks for multi-area hydration and treatment.
• EYE CANDY No-Slip Eye Patches No-Slip Eye Patches for under-eye hydration and treatment.
• HAIR SKIN NAILS Biotin-Free Beauty Supplement Biotin-Free Beauty supplement supporting hair, skin, and nail health without biotin.
• GLOWTIME Digestive Enzyme Blend Supplement Digestive Enzyme Blend supporting skin health through digestive wellness.
• PILLOWTIME Beauty Sleep Mix Supplement Magnesium Beauty Sleep Ritual supplement for nighttime skin recovery and relaxation.
• SKIN TREATS Elasticity + Glow Gummies Elasticity + Glow Gummies supporting skin elasticity and radiance from within.
• A.C.V. CLEAR Skin-Friendly Digestive Bitters Skin-Friendly Digestive Bitters with apple cider vinegar for digestive and skin health.
• GOOD SEEDS Skin Health + Hydration Softgel Skin Health + Hydration Softgel containing an oil blend for internal hydration support.
• Clear + Clarify Duo Bundle Anti-Acne + Anti-Aging Skincare duo combining clarifying and anti-aging products. Priced at $136.
• Advanced Brightening Routine Bundle Three-Step Brightening Bundle designed to address skin brightening through a complete routine.
• Clear Stadium Bag (CLEARSTEM U Limited Edition) CLEARSTEM U Limited Edition clear stadium bag for travel and everyday use.
• Prevent + Support Routine Bundle Hydrating Daily Essentials routine combining Prevent + Support products for daily skin maintenance. Priced at $134.
• Skin Perfecting Duo Bundle Fine Line Essentials duo combining products for skin perfecting and anti-aging.
• Microfiber Cleansing Pads (Limited Edition) Limited Edition Microfiber Cleansing Pads for effective facial cleansing.
• Hydration Hero Minis Travel Set Travel Size Moisture Trio combining mini versions of HYDRAGLOW, HYDRABERRY, and GOLDENHOUR.
• Glow on the Go Mystery Box Mystery Box offering for on-the-go skin maintenance with acne-safe products. Priced at $116, discounted to $92.
• Lit From Within Mystery Box Mystery Box focused on preventing breakouts before they start. Priced at $110, discounted to $80.
• Me Time Mystery Box Mystery Box for committed skincare routines. Priced at $152, discounted to $106.
• Mini HYDRAGLOW (Travel Size) Travel-size HYDRAGLOW moisturizer for on-the-go hydration.
• Mini HYDRABERRY (Travel Size) Travel-size HYDRABERRY moisture mask for portable deep hydration.
• Mini GOLDENHOUR (Travel Size) Travel-size GOLDENHOUR watermelon barrier oil for portable barrier support.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Codex Beauty: Plant-based clinical skincare brand with a strong biotech and sustainability positioning. Comparable to Clearstem in clean, plant-derived, treatment-focused formulations.
• Tula Skincare: Probiotic-focused clean skincare brand sold DTC and through retailers. Targets similar health-conscious female consumers and competes directly with Clearstem in the clean, treatment-oriented skincare space.
• Drunk Elephant: Clean, clinical-grade skincare brand with a strong biocompatible formulation philosophy. Directly comparable in positioning around 'clean actives that don't compromise on results' and premium pricing.
• The Ordinary: Affordable single-active treatment serums (acids, retinoids, vitamin C) that compete for the same ingredient-savvy, acne-prone adult consumer, although at lower price points.
• Beautycounter: Clean beauty brand with strong DTC and consultant channel. Targets the same 'clean, non-toxic, performance-driven' consumer that Clearstem addresses, with overlapping anti-aging and acne offerings.
• Proactiv: Iconic acne-treatment brand, long dominant in the acne category. Represents the legacy incumbent that Clearstem's 'acne + anti-aging' positioning explicitly differentiates against.
• Paula's Choice: Treatment-focused skincare brand with strong credibility in acne and anti-aging. Overlaps with Clearstem in clinically-oriented serums and exfoliants targeting acne-prone adult consumers.

Emerging players

• Versed: Affordable clean skincare brand with extensive DTC distribution. Competes at the lower price tier but addresses the same ingredient-conscious, multi-concern consumer.
• Kinship: Clean indie skincare brand with a focus on acne-safe, plant-forward formulations targeting Gen Z and millennial consumers. Smaller overlap but addresses similar buyer psychographics.

Broad incumbents

• CeraVe: Mass-market dermatologist-developed skincare brand owned by L'Oréal. Featured alongside Clearstem in CNN product coverage. Represents the scaled incumbent that Clearstem must differentiate against.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/clearstemskincare

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Clearstem Skincare