


As someone who has navigated a myriad of skincare products on the market, I approached Scarlett Johansson’s skincare line, The Outset, with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
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In a world saturated with celebrity beauty brands, it’s easy to wonder if there’s room for another. However, The Outset stands out by embracing simplicity and efficacy, making it a compelling choice for skincare enthusiasts.
The Outset, co-founded by Johansson and beauty executive Kate Foster, is built on the principle of starting with the basics.
The skincare line launched with a curated selection of five essential products, each designed to address common skincare concerns like dullness and dryness. This minimalist approach is a refreshing departure from the overwhelming 10-step routines that have become the norm.
With a wide product selection, you’ll find everything from SPF to a Cool Cream for sun exposure and recovery, as well as a Clay Mask and a Barrier Balm for total skin rejuvenation and protection.
One of the standout products for me is the Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer. Infused with The Outset’s signature Hyaluroset Complex, it’s perfect for when I want a lightweight, non-greasy base for makeup application. The Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser is another gem. For someone with dry, sensitive skin, it’s a godsend, as it avoids harsh ingredients and focuses on gentle but thorough cleansing.
Before I get ahead of myself, scroll on to discover what’s different about The Outset and how it performed through testing.

Pros:
Cons:
This is a lightweight moisturizer infused with The Outset’s signature Hyaluroset Complex, designed to provide lasting hydration without leaving a greasy residue. After using the Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer, my dry skin feels instantly hydrated and smooth.
The lightweight texture absorbs quickly, making it an excellent base for makeup. I appreciate that it doesn’t leave any sticky feeling, which is a common issue with other moisturizers I’ve tried. Best of all, the hydration lasts all day somehow — and, for that, it’s a holy grail product for me now.

Pros:
Cons:
This micellar-based cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities while being gentle on the skin, which is ideal for sensitive skin types. Using the Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser is a refreshing experience. It removes my makeup effortlessly without leaving my skin feeling stripped or dry. As someone with sensitive skin, I found it soothing and non-irritating. I especially love the texture of the product — I’m a sucker for a foaming cleanser, but my dry skin usually means I can’t use them. That’s not the case with The Outset’s cleanser. This reminds me…I’m nearly out and need to re-up.

Pros:
Cons:
Enriched with vitamin C, this eye cream is aimed at brightening dark circles and reducing the appearance of fine lines. It quickly has become a staple in my morning routine. It brightens my under-eye area and works well under concealer without causing crepiness. The hydrating formula is a definite plus, as it allows me to use my most pigmented makeup under my eyes without any issues.
Some background on my skin: I have dehydrated, somewhat sensitive skin. I am a survivor of severe acne and still get the occasional breakout every once in a while if a product is too complex, comedogenic, or if it’s that time of the month.
To evaluate The Outset skincare line, I incorporated each product into my daily routine over the course of three months. This allowed for a comprehensive assessment of product performance and compatibility with various skin concerns.
The testing process focused on real-world applications to ensure the products delivered on their promises of simplicity and efficacy.
What sets The Outset apart is its commitment to clean beauty. All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without common irritants like synthetic fragrances, gluten, and nut allergens. This makes the line suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, which is a significant plus for those prone to irritation (hi!).
After a month of using The Outset products, I noticed a visible improvement in my skin’s texture and hydration levels, which is more than I expected and maybe even more than I deserve (it’s that good). The line’s focus on fewer, high-quality ingredients means each product serves a purpose without overwhelming the epidermis. It’s a testament to Johansson’s vision of creating a skincare line that is both effective and accessible.
In a market crowded with celebrity skincare lines, The Outset is a breath of fresh air. Its emphasis on simplicity, clean ingredients, and universal appeal makes it a worthy addition to any skincare routine. Whether you’re a skincare novice or a seasoned pro, it offers a straightforward path to healthier, glowing skin. In truth, it’s going to take a lot for me to want to test other skincare brands after this one.
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