If you’re looking to explore the bleeding-edge in cosmetics, look no further than crowdfunding! Part of the pleasure in untested products (by the market, that is) is finding a diamond in the rough, and DermLetter is here to showcase a few recent projects.
What is CrowdFunding?
Crowdfunding has helped various artists, writers, journalists, volunteer workers, charities, and small (but also large) businesses get off the ground in non-traditional ways and have opened the door to innovations and projects. As a buyer, making a crowdfunding pledge can be fun and exciting, but it is also one that carries unique risks.
Crowdfunding allows creators to bypass the usual gatekeepers to starting a business (venture capital, angel investors) by appealing directly to the market via the Internet’s unique reach. Crowdfunding is also unique in allowing the consumer and creator to communicate directly and closely, providing creators with timely feedback, a market testing platform, as well as general exposure. On the consumer side, there are a plethora of products that are truly bleeding edge in every field conceivable and gives them a futuristic window shopping experience. It is the Internet, of course, so you’ll see everything ranging from the useful (self-cleaning litter boxes) to the silly (Titanoboa!) to the outrageous ($50,000 dollar potato salad parties). In general, most projects are small-scale, unique, and have a clearly defined niche.
We’re showcasing four interesting crowdfunded projects related to Beauty and Skincare. While we’ve selected projects that have reached their targets, are recent, and available at the time of writing, crowdfunding comes with unique risks. You are, in essence, paying for a product that will be sent to you at a later date *if the creators succeed*. Some of these projects have since expired but are still active in selling their products through their webpage. Please read the risk section below if you are unfamiliar with how crowdfunding works.
The Origin Sponge
“A sponge designed to change your shower experience for the better. 100% plant-based, bamboo charcoal infusion & a whole lot more.”
The Gist
A konjac (a plant) based sponge, Orijin Sponge is an alternative to synthetic sponges – infused with anti-microbial charcoal.
Claims
- Compostable
- Antimicrobial
- It lasts from 120 to 150 uses (5 to 8 months)
- 3 times smaller and 11.5 times lighter when dry
- Sustainable, environmentally friendly
Cost
$27 CAD per sponge, cheaper if you buy more. This is a straightforward proposition for pre-ordering cool bath sponges. They definitely cost more than generic bath sponges or loofahs but are in line with similar higher-end products.
Atolla: Personal Skincare, Powered by Machine Learning
“The MIT-developed solution that uses your feedback and progress to create the most effective skincare for you.”
The Gist
An at-home skin analysis kit and tracking app to help you better understand your skin.
Claims
Personalized skincare using machine learning. A kit to analyze your skin based on moisture, oil, pH levels, an app to track skin health, and adapt routine based on the data.
- Skin analysis kit – at home – no need to send anything back like DNA tests
- Moisture, oil, pH level test in less than 10 minutes
- Complete a survey, take a selfie, build a personal preference profile, and record to the Atolla App
- Personalized skincare products from the data
- Track progress using the app
Cost
They have three tiers:
- Tracking via an app ($5)
- Testing and Tracking ($10-$20)
- Product, testing, and tracking ($40 on a subscription basis)
Some packages are discounted if you commit to a year. It may be worth trying if you are a believer in personalized cosmetics and are willing to track consistently.
Meet Atolla, the Algorithm-Based Skin-Care Brand Bringing Customized Serums to the Masses via @allure.com
Nomige
The Gist
Skincare products that are completely tailored based on your DNA & Lifestyle. Customers are asked to fill out a questionnaire about their lifestyle and submit a DNA sample. The Nomige package consists of 4 personalized products.
- Day serum – Based on your DNA. Antioxidant booster with ingredients that compensate for variations in your antioxidant genes.
- Day Cream – Based on your lifestyle. Lifestyle Blend with UV protection and other ingredients that match your lifestyle.
- Night Cream – Based on your DNA. Collagen booster with ingredients that compensate for variations in your collagen genes.
- Night Serum – Based on your DNA. Hydration booster with ingredients that compensate for variations in your hydration & barrier function genes.
Cost
- 24 Euros + for individual products from the Nomige line.
- 150 Euros for DNA Test and Report (saliva test and kit).
- 450 Euros for testing and personalized day serum, day cream, night cream, and night serum.
The testing kit isn’t cheap but not unreasonable if you compare other services like 23andMe or Ancestry.com, and the extra cost is likely due to the difference in scale. The products would be considered high-end in terms of price. One other consideration is how you feel about genetic data and privacy concerns.
EcoBottle
“Worlds purest food-grade skincare brand with incredible reviews makes worlds first compostable bottle to end plastic pollution”
The Gist
A paper-based compostable bottle. Higher rewards package with their product line: Natural Vegan Bodycare
- Made of paper, cork, PHA, soybean wax
- Compostable in backyards, landfills, waterways, ocean
- Holds liquids for 6+ months
- Biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic
Cost
$15 USD for the bottle and various other products from their Natural Vegan Bodycare line. This is a niche product, and one that is certainly not cheap, but one that you may be interested in if you’re passionate about sustainability.
*Disclaimer: We do not endorse any projects, crowdfunding platforms, or verify any of the creators’ claims. Making a crowdfunding pledge can be fun and exciting, but it is also one that carries unique risks.
