The brand was specifically designed to provide care for the skin’s protective barrier and is now readily accessible in the United Kingdom. The journalism of The Evening Standard is made possible by the support of our readers. In the event that you make a purchase through the links on our website, we may receive a commission as an affiliate partner.
Is there truly a necessity for yet another beauty brand endorsed by celebrities? This question continues to cross our minds each time we receive press releases focused on A-list celebrities. The beauty industry is already overflowing with options, making it a daunting task for beauty editors like myself to stay updated. But for consumers, it’s an even more overwhelming experience, akin to navigating through a minefield. It seems like every day we’re informed about a new ingredient promising to revolutionize our skin or halt the aging process, resembling the fantastical promises made in the movie “Death Becomes Her.” However, more often than not, these claims leave us feeling disappointed in the end.
It turns out that this dissatisfaction is not limited to those of us outside of Hollywood. Celebrities themselves also struggle with finding a beauty routine that actually works. Award-winning actress Scarlett Johansson understands this struggle firsthand, which is why she has recently launched her own skincare brand, called The Outset. During a Zoom call, Johansson shared her own experience with skincare issues. In her twenties, she constantly dealt with irritated skin and acne that seemed to migrate to different areas of her face. This was a frustrating problem for her, and she spent a long time seeking solutions. She would visit dermatologists and try numerous drying creams, toners, and actives, often layering them without really understanding their effects. It was a process of trial and error as she dug deeper to find answers to her skincare concerns.
It wasn’t until she simplified her skincare routine to just a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer combination that she saw a dramatic improvement in her skin. She described this moment as the beginning of a new chapter in her skincare journey. Johansson partnered with beauty entrepreneur Kate Foster, who also struggled with acne and sensitive skin, to create The Outset. This brand focuses on taking care of the skin’s natural barrier, which they believe is the key to achieving healthy skin. The name of the brand reflects this philosophy. The Outset prioritizes simplicity, accessibility, and consistency in skincare, instead of complicated and drying solutions. With a significant portion of the population facing sensitive skin issues, a skincare brand that caters to these needs while being effective can make a significant impact.
The initial thing that caught my attention regarding the collection was its impressive breadth, particularly considering its minimalistic approach. Its introduction in the UK features a lineup of eight items, which at first glance doesn’t appear to be simplistic.
The formula of The Outset is undoubtedly minimal. It is carefully crafted to be pure, devoid of fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or allergens. Additionally, it is clinically tested to ensure its suitability for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. The creators of The Outset have also taken into consideration the vegan community by ensuring that their product is entirely plant-based. One of the standout ingredients in this skincare line is derived from the beautiful Cassia flower. Not only does it grace the product packaging with its elegance, but it also serves as a botanical substitute for hyaluronic acid. This swap was made because the Cassia flower extract is believed to have a longer-lasting effect. Furthermore, it is sourced sustainably and aligns with vegan principles. Moreover, this ingredient eliminates the unpleasant sticky or tacky sensation commonly experienced with other moisturizing products. In summary, The Outset is defined by its simplicity and commitment to providing a gentle yet effective skincare solution. The carefully curated formula, free from harmful ingredients, paired with the innovative use of the Cassia flower, sets this brand apart in the world of skincare.
The packaging has a stylish and sophisticated design, with a minimalistic approach, while also being eco-friendly and recyclable. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, as the glass bottles can be refilled and the packaging is mindful of reducing waste.
Now, let’s jump right into exploring these products and see if they pass our ES Best test.
