THE WHAT? The Outset, the premium skincare brand founded by Scarlett Johansson and Kate Foster Lengyel, has closed four years after launching.
THE DETAILS Founded in 2022, The Outset built its proposition around simplified, gentle skincare, botanical complexes and “clean” beauty claims, with distribution through its own e-commerce platform as well as Sephora, Goop and Nordstrom. The company has confirmed the closure on its website, stating that existing orders will still be fulfilled. Co-founder Foster Lengyel stepped down in April 2025, while former Allies of Skin President Karen Raghavan served as fractional CEO for four months in 2026. The closure comes amid increasing competition from results-driven, science-backed skincare and rapidly expanding Korean beauty brands offering innovative ingredients and formats at competitive price points.
THE WHY? The closure highlights the increasingly challenging environment for celebrity-backed skincare brands as the category shifts towards clinical efficacy, ingredient innovation and greater price competition.
Source: The Outset
