Our latest #BeautyBoss is Kate Foster, Co-Founder of The Outset—a clean skincare brand designed to simplify and elevate everyday self-care routines. Foster is an entrepreneur and former beauty/fashion executive who, along with co-founder and renowned actress Scarlett Johansson, set out to create a line of gentle and simple skincare products that were consciously clean and effortlessly effective.

Their cruelty-free, barrier-nourishing products deliver incredible results with plant-powered hydration and are dermatologist allergy tested and non-comedogenic, making them great for all skin types including sensitive. They have eliminated more than 2,700 ingredients of concern from their formulas, banning anything that is potentially harmful or questionably sourced, in order to maintain the highest of clean beauty standards.

The Outset also aims to foster new beginnings for people and the planet with consistent acts of kindness thorough advocacy, fundraising, and volunteerism that will make a meaningful impact in the world. They support organizations that help empower people and protect the environment including One Tree Planted, 1% For the Planet, and Dress for Success, among others.

We chatted with Foster who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.

When was The Outset founded and what does the name mean?

We started working on the brand in early 2020. We launched in March 2022. The Outset means "the start" or "the beginning," and we liked the idea of creating a place where healthy skin begins.

What inspired the creation of the brand?

Scarlett and I both struggled with acne and skin sensitivity, Scarlett doing so on a very public stage. She spent years chasing cures and when she quit all the products with harsh active ingredients, instead focusing on a gentle, daily routine that nourished the moisture barrier—her skin was never better. She wanted to bring this gentle, hydrating philosophy to the world and asked me to help.

Not only could I relate with the problem and solution, but we saw the rise in skin sensitivity among beauty consumers, and we felt like there was an opportunity for a brand that went back to the basics and focused on supporting the skin barrier in a gentle and clean manner.

Does The Outset have a hero product?

The Daily Essentials Regimen—Cleanse, Prep, Moisturize—is the backbone of the line. But our Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum has emerged as the superhero among the hero set. Rather than stripping skin with a toner, The Prep Serum deeply hydrates, firms, fortifies, and brightens all in one step. My skin craves it every day. 

What are your favorite products from the brand?

I really can't live without the Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum. It's a game changer. But I'm really proud of all of our products, of course. Our Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream offers unbelievable hydration and skin rejuvenation at an incredible price ($54). It's really stellar.

Where are your products sold?

On our website, Sephora, Goop, HeyDay, and Onda.

Future plans for the brand?

We're launching in the U.K. and EU with Cult Beauty this summer!

Who inspires you?

Scarlett, of course, for being a force of nature who gives 1000% to everything she does. My mom, for modeling resilience and a can-do attitude. My daughter, for being so kind, creative, and organized in a way that astonishes me.

Secret to success?

Be a serious businessperson who doesn't take themselves too seriously. 

Beauty secrets?

Shade and hydration.

Wellness tips? 

Sleep. I love my eight hours. Scarlett and I are both obsessed with how well magnesium works to keep you asleep.

Best advice?

A former boss of mine said: Work hard, have fun, be kind. I like that. I've added a few extras along the way: respect yourself and be curious. It's a pretty achievable blueprint for operating in the world.  

Favorite way to relax?

A face mask and an old episode of “Gilmore Girls” with my pre-teen daughter.

For more information, visit The Outset’s website and follow on Instagram: @theoutset

[Images courtesy of The Outset]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk