Beautycounter

Last updated
Beautycounter
Industry Skin care, cosmetics [1]
Founded2013
Founder Gregg Renfrew
DefunctApril 27, 2024 (2024-04-27)
Headquarters Santa Monica, California
Website beautycounter.com

Beautycounter was an American direct to consumer company that sold skin care and cosmetic products. [1] As of 2018, the company had 150 products with over 65,000 independent consultants, and with national retailers. [2] In April 2021, Beautycounter was acquired by The Carlyle Group in a deal that valued the company at $1 billion. In April 2024, Beautycounter shut down. [3]

Contents

History

Beautycounter was founded by Gregg Renfrew in 2013. [4] Renfrew had previously worked with merchandising executives such as Martha Stewart and Susie Hilfiger. [2] [5] Beautycounter released nine products in March 2013, including facial cleansers, eye creams, and shampoo. [6] The company launched as a direct retail brand, selling through its website, independent consultants, and retailers including J.Crew, Target and Sephora. [2] [7] [1]

Beautycounter was one of Allure magazine's Best of Beauty award recipients for their lip sheer in twig (2014) [8] and dew skin tinted moisturizer (2015). [9] Beautycounter became a founding member of the nonprofit Environmental Working Group's verification program, which aims to make it easier for consumers to identify consumer goods that do not contain toxic ingredients. [10] The company compiled a "never list" of reportedly harmful chemicals omitted from their products. [11]

In 2016, Beautycounter launched its first mascara line. [12] Later that year, Beautycounter's Lengthening Mascara was one of Allure's Best of Beauty products in the natural category. [13] In June 2016, Beautycounter acquired the worldwide assets of Nude Skincare, Inc. and Nude Brands, Ltd., Ali Hewson's natural beauty line, from LVMH. As part of the acquisition, Hewson's husband Bono became an investor in Counter Brands, LLC., Beautycounter's parent company, and Hewson became a board member. [14] [15] [16]

In 2018, the company opened its first brick and mortar store in Manhattan. [17] A second location opened in 2019, in Denver, Colorado. [18] [19] In March, the company was named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list, for its efforts to promote nontoxic ingredients in beauty products. [20] In June, the company was also named to CNBC's 2020 Disruptor 50 list, as a next generation billion dollar business. [21] In December, the company opened a hybrid retail store and livestream content studio in Los Angeles. [22]

In February 2020, the company released a documentary Transparency: The Truth About Mica, as part of its efforts to promote ethical mining. The documentary films an in-person audit of the company's mica supply chain, to ensure responsible sourcing. [23]

In April 2021, American private equity firm The Carlyle Group acquired a majority stake in Beautycounter, which valued parent Counter Brands, LLC. at $1B. [24]

In January 2022, Marc Rey was named as the company's new CEO, and founder Renfrew became executive chair. [25]

In May 2023, Marc Rey stepped down as CEO and Beautycounter's board director, Mindy Mackenzie was announced as interim CEO. [26]

Legislation

In 2014, Renfrew hired public health and environmental advocate Lindsay Dahl to lead company advocacy and lobbying efforts to reduce harmful chemicals used in the cosmetic industry. [2] [4] [27] Renfrew and Beautycounter hosted a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., in fall 2015, regarding the potential dangers of under-regulated beauty products. [4] In May 2016, Renfrew went to Washington, D.C., with a group of 100 women representing all 50 U.S. states to discuss the importance of regulation in the beauty industry with senators, representatives, and legislative staff. [2] [12] [28] Renfrew also testified in a congressional hearing on cosmetic reform in December 2019. [29]

In 2021, Beautycounter led two days of virtual lobbying with members of Congress on federal standards regarding clean beauty. [30]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmetics</span> Substances applied to the body to change appearance or fragrance

Cosmetics are composed of mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes, including personal and skin care. They can also be used to conceal blemishes and enhance natural features. Makeup can also add colour to a person's face, or change the appearance of the face entirely to resemble a different person, creature, or object.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mascara</span> Cosmetic for eyelashes

Mascara is a cosmetic commonly used to enhance the upper and lower eyelashes. It is used to darken, thicken, lengthen, and/or define the eyelashes. Normally in one of three forms—liquid, powder, or cream—the modern mascara product has various formulas; however, most contain the same basic components of pigments, oils, waxes, and preservatives. The most common form of mascara is a liquid in a tube with an application brush.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sephora</span> French cosmetics retailer

Sephora is a French multinational retailer of personal care and beauty products with nearly 340 brands, along with its own private label, Sephora Collection, and includes beauty products such as cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, nail color, beauty tools, body lotions, and haircare.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shiseido</span> Japanese cosmetics producer

Shiseido Company, Limited is a Japanese multinational cosmetic company founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1872. Its product categories consist of: skin care, makeup, body care, hair care, and fragrances. The company is one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022. It is the largest cosmetic firm in Japan and the fifth largest cosmetic company in the world. In Japan, Shiseido is available at cosmetic counters at selected department stores and most pharmacies. The company owns numerous brands and subsidiaries worldwide, in addition to its founding label. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, and is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where it is a constituent of the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX Large70 indices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kao Corporation</span> Japanese chemicals and cosmetics company

Kao Corporation is a Japanese global chemical and cosmetics company headquartered in Nihonbashi-Kayabacho, Chūō, Tokyo, Japan.

Clarins is a family-run French multinational cosmetics company, which was founded in Paris in 1954 by Jacques Courtin-Clarins. In addition to manufacturing and selling cosmetics, skincare and perfume products, the company is also a major player in the spa and well-being sector.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ulta Beauty</span> American beauty store chain

Ulta Beauty, Inc., formerly known as Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. and before 2000 as Ulta3, is an American chain of cosmetic stores headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Ulta Beauty carries both high-end and low-end cosmetics, fragrances, nail products, bath and body products, beauty tools and haircare products. Each location has a beauty salon available to the public.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryan Meehan</span> Irish businessman

Bryan Meehan is an Irish businessman and formally the executive chair of Blue Bottle Coffee Company. He also created Fresh and Wild organic markets in London, and then founded the all-natural skincare beauty line, Nude with Bono and Ali Hewson. Meehan is now focused on climate related projects including Dromgarriff Rainforest in Glengarriff, Ireland and since 2018 has served on The Global Sustainability Board at Nestle. His investments and philanthropy are heavily focused on projects that are positively impacting climate change.

Gurwitch Products is a Houston, Texas-based subsidiary of Shiseido that produces, manages, and markets cosmetics and skincare products. Gurwitch produces and markets products under two brands, Laura Mercier Cosmetics and RéVive Skincare.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmetic industry</span> Industry that manufactures and distributes cosmetic products

The cosmetic industry describes the industry that manufactures and distributes cosmetic products. These include colour cosmetics, like foundation and mascara, skincare such as moisturisers and cleansers, haircare such as shampoos, conditioners and hair colours, and toiletries such as bubble bath and soap. The manufacturing industry is dominated by a small number of multinational corporations that originated in the early 20th century, but the distribution and sale of cosmetics is spread among a wide range of different businesses. Cosmetics must be safe when customers use them in accordance with the label's instructions or in the conventional or expected manner. One measure a producer may take to guarantee the safety of a cosmetic product is product testing. FDA occasionally does testing as part of its research program or when looking into potential safety issues with a product. Both the cosmetics business and consumers can benefit from the FDA's resources on product testing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Honest Company</span> Consumer goods company

The Honest Company, Inc. is an American digital-first consumer goods company, based in Los Angeles and founded by actress Jessica Alba, Christopher Gavigan, and Brian Lee. The company had $319 million in 2021 sales, and was valued at roughly $550 million as of February 2022. Chief Executive Officer Carla Vernón is one of the first Afro-Latina CEOs of a U.S. publicly traded company. The Honest Company has raised multiple rounds of venture capital, and went public via initial public offering in May 2021, generating over $100 million in capital. Honest serves the United States, China, Canada, and Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milk Makeup</span>

Milk Makeup is a New York City-based cosmetics and skin care company created by the founders of Milk Studios. Despite its name, it is 100% vegan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K-beauty</span> Umbrella term for skin-care products that derive from South Korea

K-beauty is an umbrella term for skincare products that are derived from South Korea. The fad gained popularity worldwide, especially in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Western world, and focuses on health, hydration, and an emphasis on brightening effects.

Gregg Renfrew is an American entrepreneur and businessperson. She established The Wedding List in the United States, which was later acquired by Martha Stewart in 2001, making it the first acquisition under the Martha Stewart Living brand. In March 2013, Renfrew launched Beautycounter, a beauty brand focused on creating safer skincare and cleaner cosmetics products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manny MUA</span> American YouTuber and make-up artist

Manuel Gutierrez Jr., known professionally as Manny MUA, is a make-up artist, YouTuber, entrepreneur, and beauty blogger. In 2017, he was the first male brand ambassador in a campaign for the "Big Shot" mascara of the make-up brand Maybelline. In 2018, he founded his own cosmetics company called Lunar Beauty and launched his own cosmetic products.

ColourPop Cosmetics, also known as ColourPop, is an American cosmetics brand often found at dollar stores based in Los Angeles, California. The company was founded in 2014 by siblings Laura and John Nelson. ColourPop products are sold through their website and at Ulta Beauty. They predominantly make products for the eyes, lips, and face.

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Monat Global Corp., or simply Monat, is a privately-held American multi-level marketing company headquartered in Doral, Florida, which sells haircare, skincare, and wellness products. It is a subsidiary of the Alcora Corporation, a private-labeling company formed in 2001. Monat operates in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Poland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Lithuania, France, Mexico, and Colombia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rare Beauty</span> American cosmetics company

Rare Beauty is an American makeup and cosmetics company founded and owned by Selena Gomez. Inspired by her third studio album, Rare (2020), the company aims to "break down unrealistic standards of perfection" by promoting inclusivity and addressing mental health initiatives and education.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "Bono-backed Beautycounter is moving in to Sephora, bringing its clean makeup to the masses". CNBC. June 16, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 David Gelles (October 8, 2016). "Selling Shampoo, Eye Cream and a Chemical Crackdown". New York Times. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  3. ↑ Segran, Elizabeth (May 21, 2024). "From $1B to broke: How private equity killed Beautycounter, the beloved clean beauty brand". Fast Company. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 Lauren Schwartzberg (March 22, 2016). "Meet The Natural Beauty Company That's Making Advocacy A Selling Point". Fast Company. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Beautycounter's Promise: Only Safe Ingredients". Wall Street Journal. June 11, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  6. ↑ Gelles, David (2016-10-08). "Selling Shampoo, Eye Cream and a Chemical Crackdown". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2023-02-23.
  7. ↑ Brianna Wiest (September 16, 2016). "The New Beautycounter for Target Line Is So Major". Allure. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Lipstick in Twig Review". Allure. 9 September 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Best of 2015: Natural Wonders". Allure. 10 September 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  10. ↑ Hannah Furlong (October 28, 2015). "New EWG Verification Identifies Personal Care Products Free of Toxic Ingredients". Sustainable Brands. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  11. ↑ Gelles, David (November 21, 2018). "Gregg Renfrew of Beautycounter on Toxic Chemicals and Getting Fired by Messenger". The New York Times. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  12. 1 2 Elizabeth Segran (June 14, 2016). "How One Company's Mascara Became A Symbol Of Political Protest". Fast Company. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  13. ↑ Liana Schaffner (September 12, 2016). "Best of Beauty 2016: The Naturals". Allure. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  14. ↑ Vanessa Friedman (June 27, 2016). "Bono and Ali Hewson Join a Natural Beauty Juggernaut". New York Times. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  15. ↑ Anne Field (August 6, 2016). "Beautycounter And NUDE Skincare Are Ironing Out The Details Of Their Deal, With Bono As Investor". Forbes. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  16. ↑ Allison Collins (June 27, 2016). "Bono Invests in Beautycounter as Part of Nude Skincare Acquisition". WWD. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  17. ↑ Sandler, Emma (December 19, 2018). "How Beautycounter and Glossier are evolving the peer-to-peer selling model". Glossy. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  18. ↑ Singer, Daliah (April 18, 2019). "Beautycounter Is Coming to Denver". 5280. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  19. ↑ Ritz, Jessica (June 21, 2019). "In Denver, "Free Market" Is Trying to Reinvigorate Brick-and-Mortar Retail". Metropolis. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  20. ↑ "The world's most innovative beauty companies of 2020". Fast Company. March 10, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Disruptor 50 2020". CNBC. May 6, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Why this beauty startup is live-streaming everything inside its new store". Fast Company. December 2, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  23. ↑ "This 'Clean' Beauty Ingredient Often Involves Child Labor". The Cut. February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Carlyle to Take Majority Stake in Owner of Beautycounter". Wall Street Journal. April 13, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  25. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Beautycounter Names New CEO". Yahoo. January 19, 2022. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  26. ↑ "Marc Rey Steps Down as Beautycounter CEO". Cosmetics & Toiletries. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  27. ↑ Christina Anderson (May 1, 2013). "Beautycounter Reveals Truth About Your Cosmetics...And It May Scare You". The Huffington Post. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  28. ↑ "Beautycounter.com is in D.C. right now lobbying for more stringent cosmetic safety laws". Fast Company. May 16, 2016. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  29. ↑ "Woman makes powerful plea at House hearing on historic bill to regulate cosmetics, personal care products". Good Morning America. December 4, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Cosmetic Reform Is The Focus Of A Two-Day Virtual Lobbying Event Organised By Beautycounter". MLMEYE. 2021-06-27. Retrieved 2021-12-03.
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