The Outset
The Outset is a clean skincare brand founded by Scarlett Johansson that sells proprietary botanical formulations centered on the Hyaluroset Complex through direct-to-consumer e-commerce with subscription and wholesale distribution across Nordstrom, Amazon, Credo, and other premium retailers, targeting consumers with sensitive skin.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Outset does
The Outset is a clean skincare brand founded by actress Scarlett Johansson, organized as The Outset Group LLC and headquartered at 250 Hudson St, New York. The company sells a focused portfolio of consciously formulated products — built around a proprietary botanical hydration complex called Hyaluroset, derived from Cassia angustifolia seeds and positioned as a clinically validated plant-based alternative to hyaluronic acid — designed primarily for consumers with sensitive, reactive skin. The product range includes a 3-step Daily Essentials Regimen (cleanser, serum, moisturizer), lip care (Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment in 7 shades), treatment products (Barrier Rescue Balm, Moisture-Boosting Oil, Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum), Hydrasheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, refill pouches, and limited edition bundles, all formulated vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and free of 2,700+ ingredients of concern.
The business model is direct-to-consumer e-commerce through theoutset.com with a subscription offering 15% off recurring orders, supplemented by wholesale distribution across Nordstrom, Amazon, QVC, Revolve, Shopbop, Credo, Cult Beauty, Niche Beauty, goop, and Knockout Beauty, with international shipping to the US, UK, Europe (excluding Ukraine and Turkey), Australia, and South America (excluding Chile). Pricing spans $28 lip treatments to $190 larger bundles, with a 2026 loyalty program (TYB Skinsider) issuing 5 coins per $1 spent. The company operates without disclosed outside investors, funding rounds, or institutional capital, and is actively operating across its DTC and wholesale channels.
The Outset firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Outset
- Legal name
- The Outset Group LLC
- Website
- https://theoutset.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Outset is a clean skincare brand founded by Scarlett Johansson that sells proprietary botanical formulations centered on the Hyaluroset Complex through direct-to-consumer e-commerce with subscription and wholesale distribution across Nordstrom, Amazon, Credo, and other premium retailers, targeting consumers with sensitive skin.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Outset industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sensitive Skin Skincare
- NAICS
- Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (45612), Health and Personal Care Retailers (4561)
- SIC
- Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Facial Skincare (Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers) (CRABAAAA), Natural/Organic & Clean Skincare (CRABAAAH), Eye & Lip Skincare (CRABAAAC), Treatment Skincare (Serums, Actives, Acne & Anti-aging) (CRABAAAB)
Keywords
Where The Outset is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Outset business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations
Revenue model
- Direct E-commerce Sales: Primary revenue stream through theoutset.com. Customers purchase individual products, bundles, and subscription orders. Subscription offers 15% discount with free shipping on subscription orders within US.
- Wholesale/Retail Distribution: Products sold through major retail partners including Amazon, Nordstrom, QVC, Revolve, Shopbop, Credo, Cult Beauty, goop, Knockout Beauty, Niche Beauty.
- Loyalty Program Revenue: TYB Skinsider loyalty program where customers earn coins (5 per $1 spent) redeemable for discounts. Drives customer retention and repeat purchases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Daily Essentials Starter Set - 10-day introduction kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Daily Essentials Regimen Bundle - Full 3-step routine |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment |
| Subscription | Monthly | Subscription Model - 15% off all orders |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Refill Bundle - 50% more product |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Product Pricing Range |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels8 records
The Outset product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Outset is a clean skincare brand that manufactures and sells a focused line of vegan, cruelty-free, consciously clean skincare products designed primarily for sensitive and reactive skin. The core is a 3-step Daily Essentials Regimen (cleanser, prep serum, moisturizer) built around the proprietary Hyaluroset botanical complex, extended into lip care, treatment oils/balms, mineral sunscreen, and refill pouches. Products are sold directly through theoutset.com (with subscription) and through select premium retailers.
Product overview
The Outset is a clean skincare brand founded by Scarlett Johansson, offering a focused portfolio of consciously formulated products designed for sensitive skin. The core offering centers on a 3-step Daily Essentials Regimen (Cleanser, Prep Serum, Moisturizer) that hydrates at every step using the brand's proprietary Hyaluroset Complex. The product line extends to lip care (Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment in 7 shades), targeted treatments (Barrier Rescue Balm, Moisture-Boosting Oil), and sun protection (Hydrasheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30). Products are refillable where indicated, emphasizing sustainability. The brand maintains a clean beauty philosophy, having banned over 2,700 ingredients of concern and formulating without fragrance, gluten, nut allergens, or harsh actives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer Clinically proven 24-hour hydration moisturizer with squalane, avocado and plum oils; silky, lightweight formula for all skin types including sensitive skin.
- Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum 4-in-1 super serum that firms, brightens, plumps, and hydrates in 4 weeks without irritation; plant-based formula designed to support firmness and reinforce skin barrier.
- Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser Antioxidant-rich gel cleanser with micelles that gently lifts away makeup, excess oil and impurities without harsh sulfates; refillable bottle with 7 amino acid blends.
- Daily Essentials Starter Set 10-day introduction to the Daily Essentials Regimen; refillable, travel-ready 3-step routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer) in a reusable travel bag.
- Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment Conditioning lip treatment with Maxi-Lip technology that hydrates while delivering long-lasting shine; 7 shades available (Clear, Dune, Sun Kiss, Mirage, Daiquiri, Skinny Dip, Bonfire).
- Ultralight Moisture-Boosting Oil 100% naturally-derived lightweight face oil with 14 nourishing oils including Abyssinian, açaí, and avocado oil; infused with Hyaluroset Complex; absorbs quickly leaving skin smooth and radiant.
- Botanical Barrier Rescue Balm Ultra-rich multi-purpose balm with 10 oils for head-to-toe hydration; non-greasy formula suitable for lips, hands, face, and body; can be used as dewy highlighter.
- Hydrasheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 100% mineral sunscreen designed for sensitive skin; lightweight, fragrance-free formula that absorbs quickly and delivers lasting hydration.
- Daily Essentials Regimen Bundle Complete 3-step daily skincare routine bundle ($122 value) including Gentle Micellar Cleanser, Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum, and Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer.
- Daily Essentials Regimen Refill Bundle Exclusive 3-pouch refill bundle containing 50% more product than standard sizes for extended use and less waste; $185 value.
- Gentle Micellar Cleanser Refill Refill pouch for Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser; contains 50% more than standard size for more value and less waste; $48 value.
- Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer Refill Refill pouch extending life of Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer bottle; contains 50% more product; $63 value.
- Summer Book Club Bundle Limited edition bundle featuring Starter Set, Lip Oasis, copy of June Baby by Shannon Garvey, and Resort Tote; travel-ready essentials for skin care on the go.
- Skinsider TYB Loyalty Program Community rewards program where members earn coins for purchases and engagement, unlock tiers, and access exclusive perks and community events; drives customer retention and repeat purchases.
Quantifiable outcome
- 95% agree skin feels smoother and plumper
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use The Outset
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
The Outset technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
The Outset partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- NordstromcoreDepartment store partnership providing physical retail presence alongside online distribution through Nordstrom.com.
- AmazoncoreMarketplace presence through Amazon storefront for broader reach and convenience-focused shoppers.
- QVCminorTV and digital retailer partnership reaching consumers through video shopping format.
- CredocorePremium clean beauty retailer partnership with physical stores and online presence, aligning with brand values.
- RevolveminorFashion/lifestyle e-commerce partnership for curated beauty products.
- ShopbopminorAmazon-owned fashion e-commerce platform with beauty category.
- Cult BeautyminorUK-based clean beauty marketplace with international reach.
- Niche BeautyminorEuropean clean beauty distributor with online presence.
- goopminorWellness/lifestyle platform partnership for curated clean beauty products.
- Knockout BeautyminorClean beauty retailer partnership with curated product selection.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Outset competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- CeraVe: Mass-market dermatologist-developed sensitive-skin skincare brand owned by L'Oréal. Comparable as a sensitive-skin anchor brand, but competing at much lower price points and far broader distribution (drugstores, mass retailers), defining the category baseline The Outset must outperform clinically and aesthetically.
- Honest Beauty: Mass-market clean beauty brand built around celebrity-founder credibility (Jessica Alba) and broader SKU portfolio across skincare, body, and baby. Comparable to The Outset on celebrity-driven clean beauty DNA and sensitive-skin targeting, but at significantly larger scale and broader category coverage.
- La Roche-Posay: L'Oréal-owned dermatologist-recommended sensitive-skin skincare brand with broad mass and pharmacy distribution. Comparable to The Outset on sensitive-skin positioning and clinical claims, but operates at much larger scale and lower price point, anchoring the 'sensitive skin' consumer purchase decision.
Direct peers
- Tatcha: Clean, botanically-rooted skincare brand with a proprietary hero technology (Hadasei-3) sold DTC and through Sephora, Nordstrom, and Cult Beauty. Comparable to The Outset on the botanical-ingredient story, sensitive-skin suitability, and multi-channel premium distribution, including refillable packaging.
- Drunk Elephant: Premium clean-clinical skincare brand built around proprietary ingredient complexes (e.g., vitamin C, Biocompatible BHA), distributed via DTC and Sephora. Directly comparable to The Outset on 'consciously clean' positioning, proprietary hero ingredient, and premium price point targeting sensitive-skin and ingredient-conscious consumers.
- Glossier: Direct-to-consumer-first beauty brand with simplified routine positioning, celebrity-grade brand recognition, and selective retail expansion. Comparable to The Outset on DTC-first GTM, simplified regimen architecture, and aspirational clean-beauty brand identity.
- Tower 28 Beauty: Clean beauty brand built around sensitive-skin and eczema-friendly formulation, sold DTC and through Sephora and Credo. The Outset competes in the same clean-for-sensitive-skin positioning, with overlapping retail partners (Credo) and a comparable price architecture.
- Youth to the People: Vegan, sustainably-positioned skincare brand sold DTC and through Sephora with proprietary superfood-based ingredient complexes. Comparable to The Outset on vegan/cruelty-free positioning, sensitive-skin suitability, and similar price-tier and retail footprint (including Sephora-adjacent retailers).
- Tata Harper: Luxury non-toxic, plant-based skincare line distributed DTC and through premium retailers like Nordstrom and Credo. Directly comparable to The Outset on consciously clean formulation, sensitive-skin positioning, and Nordstrom/Credo channel overlap.
Emerging players
- Topicals: Emerging clinical-grade skincare brand focused on treating chronic skin conditions and 'fliud' skin, targeting Gen Z and millennial consumers of color. Comparable to The Outset as a DTC-first, clean, sensitive-skin-aligned brand, but with a more treatment-oriented and community-led positioning.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Outset social profiles
Digital presenceThe Outset compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
The Outset financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Outset leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
The Outset funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Outset M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Outset
What does The Outset do?
The Outset is a clean skincare brand that manufactures and sells a focused line of vegan, cruelty-free, consciously clean skincare products designed primarily for sensitive and reactive skin. The core is a 3-step Daily Essentials Regimen (cleanser, prep serum, moisturizer) built around the proprietary Hyaluroset botanical complex, extended into lip care, treatment oils/balms, mineral sunscreen, and refill pouches. Products are sold directly through theoutset.com (with subscription) and through select premium retailers.
Is The Outset a public or private company?
The Outset is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was The Outset founded?
The Outset was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Outset based?
The Outset is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Outset make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Direct E-commerce Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale/Retail Distribution and loyalty Program Revenue.
Who are The Outset's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are CeraVe, Honest Beauty and La Roche-Posay. Direct peers are Tatcha, Drunk Elephant, Glossier, Tower 28 Beauty, Youth to the People and Tata Harper. Topicals is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Outset have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Outset.
What industry is The Outset in?
The Outset's product category is Sensitive Skin Skincare. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRABAAAG, Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair, with a secondary code of CRABAAAA, Facial Skincare (Cleansers, Toners, Moisturizers). Its NAICS code is 45612 and its SIC code is 2844.