30 Successful Skincare Entrepreneurs Share Their Best Tips & Advice [2024]
The skincare business is a multi-billion dollar one, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New anti-aging products are entering the market at a nearly exponential rate, and the competition for consumers' money is growing more and more.
The industry was valued at 130 billion USD in 2021 and will expand at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This is surely a type of business that you should not miss. You'll need to build your creativity on your products and make sure that it is all safe and useful in improving the skin of your customers.
Here are some real life success stories of starting a skin care product line:
1. Oh My Balm ($24K/year)
Two moms, Meredith Moseley-Bennett and Yolanda Grbic, started Oh My Balm as a side hustle in 2017. They began by creating homemade body butter and lip balm as Christmas gifts, and after receiving positive feedback, they decided to turn it into a business. Since then, their sales have more than doubled, and they attribute their success to their all-natural, chemical-free products and their commitment to giving back to non-profit organizations.
How much they make: $24K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 0
Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.
2. ScrubzBody Skin Care Products ($195K/year)
Roberta Perry came up with the idea for ScrubzBody Skin Care Products after experiencing dry and peeling skin. Unable to find the perfect exfoliating scrub on the market, she decided to create her own. With the support of her sister, Roberta turned her homemade scrub into a successful business, growing from her kitchen to a 1427 sq. ft. space. Through her journey, Roberta learned the importance of customer service and the value of treating customers like royalty. Today, ScrubzBody continues to thrive, with a growing online presence and a focus on retail.
How much they make: $195K/year
Current team size: 2
ScrubsBody Skin Care uses customer service and specialty parties to grow slowly and steadily from Kitchen to being offered in 28 Whole Food Markets, and after being the finale episode on Sell it Like Serhant they experienced rapid growth both in store and online.
So... can you actually make money with a skin care product line?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
3. Tree To Tub ($6M/year)
Tree To Tub founder, Michael Koh, came up with the idea for his natural skincare company after experiencing the benefits of Soapberries for his sensitive skin. Immigrating to the U.S. and realizing the lack of options for people with sensitive skin, Koh saw an opportunity to create a product that could help many people feel good. Through crowdfunding and a focus on product market fit, Tree To Tub has achieved significant success, reaching $3 million in revenue on its third year.
How much they make: $6M/year
Current team size: 23
Tree To Tub, a natural skincare company, solves the painful problem of people with delicate skin, resulting in $3M revenue on their third year; their signature products include shampoo, body wash, and facial cleanser made from the gentle Soapberry, and they have since grown to $4M and plan to reach $10M in 2020.
4. Tribe Skincare ($1.56M/year)
Kayla, the founder of Tribe Skincare, came up with the idea for her business after running a skin clinic specializing in microdermabrasion. She noticed that half of her customers were experiencing adverse reactions to "active" skincare products, which inspired her to create a gentle skincare range specifically for sensitive skin. With a niche target market and a return customer rate of 75%, Tribe Skincare has become a multi-million dollar company in just 2 years.
How much they make: $1.56M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
Current team size: 3
A skincare brand founder identified a gap in the market for sensitive skin and formed an all-natural, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free range around it, scaling into a multi-million dollar company with 75% return customer rate in just two years.
So... can you actually make money with a skin care product line?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
5. Evolue Skincare ($2.4M/year)
Jean Seo, the creator of Evolue x Lue Skincare, came up with the idea for her business after one of her clients expressed interest in natural anti-aging alternatives. As a pioneer in the clean, multifunctional, and non-binary skincare market, Jean used her knowledge of skincare ingredients and formulations to create her hero product, the Super Oil Face Serum, which has sold over 300k units. With a focus on quality, transparency, and exceptional customer service, Evolue has retained a loyal client base and attracted endorsements from A-list celebrities.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 10
Evolue x Lue Skincare generated $2.4 million revenue last year, selling 300k units of spot treatment and winning 3 Instyle Beauty awards, while pursuing transparency in ingredients, excellent customer service, and non-binary branding.
6. FATCO ($480K/year)
Cassy Burnvoth, the Founder & CEO of FATCO, came up with the idea for her business after discovering the dangers of conventional skincare products and the benefits of using healthy fats for the skin. With a background in engineering and a passion for Paleo lifestyle, she started making her own natural and organic personal care products using tallow from grass-fed cows. She rebranded the company as FATCO in 2015 and launched a full line of products, including their flagship Stank Stop Natural Deodorant.
How much they make: $480K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 2
This case study follows the story of Cassy Burnvoth, founder & CEO of FATCO, a natural and organic personal care brand that uses tallow (rendered beef fat) in their products, which garnered $200,000 in revenue in its first 9 months and launched in Target stores in January 2018.
So... can you actually make money with a skin care product line?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
7. Volcanic Earth ($504K/year)
The founder of Volcanic Earth, Linda Trenkner, came up with the idea to start a cosmetics manufacturing business after realizing the potential of volcanic ash and natural remedies found in Vanuatu. She and her cousin initially started with a volcanic ash resort clothing line, but quickly pivoted to developing natural skincare products using ingredients like Tamanu Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil. Despite limited financial resources and a small market in Vanuatu, they focused on reaching larger markets outside of the country through online sales and a wholesale drop ship reseller program, successfully attracting customers around the world.
How much they make: $504K/year
How much did it cost to start: $3K
Current team size: 7
Volcanic Earth CEO Linda Trenkner started a successful cosmetics manufacturing business in Vanuatu that specializing in natural skin care products for a variety of skin issues; Trenkner takes pride in working with indigenous families and villages in Vanuatu that collect the nuts, coconuts, and volcanic ash used in her products.
8. Aura Sensory ($24K/year)
Danna Norek, founder of Aura Sensory, came up with the idea for her business while on a business/pleasure trip with her husband and they had to buy a different natural deodorant which caused a bad reaction. She realized she could make a better natural deodorant and decided to create her own line of safer, high-quality, affordable skin and hair care products. Her flagship products, Natural Shine Enhancing Shampoo and Nourish & Hydrate Face Cream, have attracted a strong customer base and continue to receive glowing reviews and repeat customers.
How much they make: $24K/year
How much did it cost to start: $4K
Current team size: 1
Aura Sensory, a skin and hair care company with a $2K monthly revenue, offers safe and affordable products while maintaining a loyal customer base of around 350.
9. Annmarie ($12M/year)
Kevin Gianni, the founder of Annmarie Skin Care, stumbled upon the idea for his business while researching natural health therapies. After traveling the world and discovering a line of skincare products that aligned with his values, he partnered with the owner to bring the line to the wider public. With a platform already established through their YouTube channel, the business was able to launch successfully and continues to grow.
How much they make: $12M/year
Current team size: 26
Kevin Gianni, CEO and founder of Annmarie Skin Care reveals how he and his wife went from being youtubers to having the ability to run their seven-figure, natural, organic skincare and beauty company, with over 105k subscribers, using their existing platform.
10. Mirai Clinical ($1.2M/year)
Koko, a Japanese female serial entrepreneur, came up with the idea for her eCommerce business of deodorizing body, hair, and home care products after realizing the lack of solutions for body odor associated with aging. Inspired by her grandmother's experience, she introduced Japanese Persimmon soap to the US market. Now, her business generates $100,000 in monthly sales, primarily through Shopify and Amazon, and focuses on providing senior-friendly products and exceptional customer service.
How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
Current team size: 1
This case study features a Japanese female entrepreneur who started an eCommerce business offering deodorizing body, hair, and home care products, with monthly sales of $100,000 mostly from Shopify eCommerce and Amazon, targeting baby boomers and offering solutions for body odor associated with aging in the USA.
11. Alitura Naturals ($1.8M/year)
Andy Hnilo, the founder of Alitura Naturals, never intended to start a business. However, a life-changing accident that left him with multiple injuries and scars led him to create his flagship product, The Alitura Clay Mask, during his healing period. With a mission to provide the highest quality skincare, Alitura Naturals now offers a full line of products and has garnered over 1000 reviews with an average rating of 4.9/5.0.
How much they make: $1.8M/year
Current team size: 6
Andy Hnilo, founder of Alitura Naturals, shares how his life-changing accident led to the creation of a successful all-natural skincare line with over 1000 reviews at an average 4.9/5.0 rating, sold in 76 countries and counting.
12. LoLo Body Care ($1.1M/year)
Kismet Andrews, the founder of LoLo Body Care, came up with the idea for her business after starting it as a fundraiser for a medical center. She formulated solid moisturizing bars as a creative solution to funding holiday decorations, and when the decorations ended, people continued to contact her privately to purchase the products. Now, LoLo Body Care has reached impressive sales of $96,000 per month and plans to increase sales by 50% this year.
How much they make: $1.1M/year
Current team size: 4
LoLo Body Care, founded by Kismet Andrews, is a sustainable moisturizer brand that reached sales of $96k last month and plans to increase sales by 50% this year, using eco-friendly packaging and creating a healthy future through innovation and inspiration.
13. Battle Balm ($120K/year)
Dylan Jawahir, founder of Battle Balm, came up with the idea for his business after experiencing minor injuries in sports and wanting a high-quality topical analgesic for his own use. After studying medicine and treating patients in his alternative medicine practice, he decided to create his own all-natural pain relief balm. Since launching in 2013, Battle Balm has doubled in business year over year and is now being courted by private investment firms.
How much they make: $120K/year
Current team size: 5
Battle Balm, an all-natural and organic topical pain relief balm, has doubled its business year over year since its launch in 2013 and is now being courted by private investment firms.
14. AMPERNA ($600K/year)
of mouth and repeat customers. Our revenue has steadily increased quarter on quarter and we are gaining traction not only in Australia but also internationally, with strong sales in New Zealand and the USA. We have recently launched a Holistic Skin Coaching Service and are excited about the future growth and expansion of AMPERNA®.
How much they make: $600K/year
Current team size: 2
Australian skincare brand AMPERNA® saw doubled revenue quarter on quarter since its 2018 launch, with the US its third-highest sales region, followed by New Zealand, according to founder Kiri Yanchenko. AMPERNA offers active probiotic skincare products free from sulphates, parabens and synthetic fragrances to help people with sensitive and acne-prone skin, and has just launched a Holistic Skin Coaching Service. The firm is self-funded and relies on boosted brand awareness via online marketing and word of mouth to find new customers.
15. AlmondClear ($180K/year)
Leslie had been suffering from red bumps on her body for 20 years. She visited several dermatologists but the problem persisted. One day, she decided to visit an aesthetician who recommended mandelic acid. Within three weeks of using it, her problem was gone, bringing her immense relief. This experience motivated her to start her own business so that she could share her discovery with others.
How much they make: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 0
Almond Clear, a line of skincare products formulated with mandelic acid, saw a revenue increase of about 20% each month for the first nine months after launching on Amazon in December 2017, finishing the first year of sales averaging around $15,000 per month in revenue.
16. Natural Skin Science ($90K/year)
Leon Eugene and Shawn Bo, founders of L. Eugene Natural Skin Science, came up with the idea for their business out of necessity when Leon struggled with embarrassing acne and skin issues. Unable to find products that worked for his skin type, they began researching and testing raw ingredients, ultimately creating a spa-quality skincare collection. Today, L. Eugene Natural Skin Science is a premier choice for effective natural skincare, with a loyal customer base and plans for future expansion.
How much they make: $90K/year
Current team size: 0
L. Eugene Natural Skin Science is a premier choice for effective natural skincare products, made with ingredients you can pronounce, and has generated $7.5k in monthly revenue, with a thriving, growing business built through gaining that personal trust from customers.
17. Emu Joy ($396K/year)
Carole Rains, the founder of Emu Joy, came up with the idea for her business after reading a blog post about emu oil and its benefits for eczema and joint pain. Intrigued by the potential of emu oil to help others, Carole decided to create a line of natural products based on the ingredient. She has since shipped over 50,000 products and continues to receive positive feedback from customers.
How much they make: $396K/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 1
Emu Joy is a profitable business that has sold over 50,000 bottles, jars, and tubes of all-natural emu oil products online, with more than 90% of sales on Amazon, and founder Carole Rains shares tips on success from bootstrapping and branding, to using multiple checking accounts, and fostering relationships.
18. w.o.d.welder ($420K/year)
Keegan Pafford, co-founder of w.o.d.welder, came up with the idea for his business when he ripped his calluses open during a Crossfit workout and couldn't find an effective and natural product to care for them. After months of research and product development, Pafford launched w.o.d.welder and quickly gained traction through social media and influencer marketing. The company has since grown to achieve $86,000 in sales in its first year of business.
How much they make: $420K/year
Current team size: 0
Co-founder Keegan Pafford shares the story behind w.o.d.welder, a 4-year-old athletic essential company that specializes in natural skin care for athletes and active lifestyles; the business was built on Instagram and generated $86,000 in sales during its first year, with growth continuing through engaged interactions with customers and expansion of product lines.
19. The Laughing Tree Organics (Now Renu Naturals) ($64.8K/year)
Bonnie Giangrande, creator and founder of The Laughing Tree Organics, started her business after learning about the dangers of chemicals in personal care products. Motivated by the desire to provide healthier alternatives, Bonnie formulated a line of organic and all-natural skincare products that are good for both people and the planet. Her commitment to sustainability and educating consumers has helped attract and retain customers over the years.
How much they make: $64.8K/year
Current team size: 1
Founder Bonnie Giangrande shares her journey of creating The Laughing Tree Organics, an organic and plant-based skincare company that brought in $5.4k a month, to offer healthier and sustainable skincare options.
20. Soak Society ($216K/year)
Natalie founded Soak Society after realizing there was no niche bath products brand in Australia. With limited funds, she started with a basic website and one product, gradually expanding her range as she gained more capital. Now stocked in luxury department stores in Tokyo, Soak Society is on track to turn over $200,000 this year.
How much they make: $216K/year
Current team size: 2
Soak Society, a bath products brand founded in Australia, has tripled its profits from last year and is on track to turn over $200,000 this financial year, largely due to their wholesale partnership with Japanese department stores.
21. Beach Gladiator ($102K/year)
George and Mike, the founders of Beach Gladiator, came up with the idea for their business after suffering from chafing themselves while on beach vacations. They discovered a product designed for runners and athletes that helped reduce chafing and decided to create their own version specifically for the beach market. After a year of research and experimentation, they developed the best solution to prevent chafing and heal the skin using natural ingredients.
How much they make: $102K/year
Current team size: 4
Beach Gladiator, a chafing solution intended for the beachgoers and beach market, went from a small regional business to a national brand through grass root types of effort like word of mouth communication and event participation.
22. TerraCure ($12K/year)
Dena and Elazar Gottlieb came up with the idea for TerraCure after Elazar struggled with chronic pain and found relief through a blend of Dead Sea minerals and essential oils. They created a set of three pain relief creams and launched their business by selling the products locally in Israel and later expanding overseas through their website. With a focus on quality and natural ingredients, TerraCure has helped thousands of people find relief from their pain.
How much they make: $12K/year
Current team size: 0
TerraCure, founded by Dena Gottlieb, is a natural skincare company offering a set of uniquely formulated products for muscle, joint, back, knee and tendon pain, based on a powerful synergy between Dead Sea minerals and essential oils, which has helped thousands of people with their pain, and they're now focusing on growing their online business through SEO and direct marketing.
23. Lewa Botanics ($3.6K/year)
Harley Valneus, founder of Lewa Botanics, was inspired to create natural skincare products after experimenting with DIY body butters and receiving positive feedback from friends and family. After refining her formula, she was encouraged by others to sell her products and eventually launched Lewa Botanics in September 2019. Within the first year, the business generated an impressive $15,000 in revenue.
How much they make: $3.6K/year
How much did it cost to start: $200
Current team size: 1
This case study follows the journey of founder Harley Valneus, who started natural skincare line Lewa Botanics in 2019 and achieved $15k in revenue within a year, with a focus on creating products that are vegan, nut-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free and all-natural.
24. Heliotrope San Francisco ($360K/year)
Jonathan Plotzker-Kelly, the founder of Heliotrope San Francisco, came up with the idea for his all-natural skincare line after struggling to find a shower gel without artificial perfume. He called on chemists he knew from his previous work in the industry to help create formulas, and enlisted the support of friends and neighbors to test his products. Through slow and sustainable growth, Heliotrope San Francisco has expanded its line and projected sales for this year are approximately $250K.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 2
Heliotrope San Francisco is an all-natural skincare line that started as a small shop in the Bay Area over ten years ago, choosing slow, sustainable growth, and expects to earn approximately $250K in sales this year.
25. Spinster Sisters Co. ($1.5M/year)
spinsterproducts.com" style="color:blue"> via Amazon, and we sell internationally. We are in natural grocery and mass grocery, we are in spas and boutiques, and we are in gift shops and hotel spas. You almost have to give all channels a shot, to try to drive growth, brand recognition, and new sales. We have a strong social media presence, especially on Instagram, and we engage with our customers through newsletters and promotions. Additionally, we prioritize customer service and aim to provide a personalized and positive experience for each customer.
How much they make: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 10
Spinster Sisters Co, a natural skin and personal care company that manufactures premium quality products, went from making soap in a basement to a $1.5 million/year business, boasting 18 employees, 2100 stores across the US and expansion into Canada, seeing massive growth potential in its sales funnel and achieving a record sales week, with a robust direct-to-consumer business (24% of sales) that's grown organically until this year.
26. Taproot Organics ($48K/year)
How much they make: $48K/year
Current team size: 4
Taproot Organics is a soap business started by Daniel Grunes that, after four years of effort using Twitter and Facebook as its main marketing channels, has two retail outlets and a 24/7 website.
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- Access to our founder directory
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- 8,628 business ideas
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- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
- 4,818 founder case studies
- Access to our founder directory
- Live events, courses and recordings
- 8,628 business ideas
- $1M in software savings
