New funding positions biotech to expand research into skin aging and enhance consumer access to peptide-based longevity treatments.
OneSkin has concluded its Series A funding round, amassing a total of $20 million to advance its peptide-based skincare line and expand the brand’s consumer reach. Founded by a team of Brazilian PhD scientists in 2016, OneSkin hit the market with OS-01, a patented peptide shown to prevent senescent cell buildup – identified as a principal factor in skin aging. With the completion of this funding round, the biotech brand aims to further develop its portfolio of skin health solutions that promote healthier, younger-acting skin at the molecular level.
Longevity.Technology: Senescent cells, often referred to as “zombie cells,” contribute significantly to the visible signs of aging. These cells, which stop dividing yet don’t die, accumulate over time and release inflammatory factors that harm surrounding healthy cells, accelerating tissue breakdown and skin deterioration. Unlike traditional beauty products that may merely mask signs of aging, OneSkin’s approach seeks to address its underlying causes rather than just improving appearance, and it does this by preventing the accumulation of these senescent cells, and therefore slowing or even reversing cellular damage.
In a skincare market saturated with temporary fixes, OneSkin’s science-first approach offers a refreshing alternative. Its OS-01 peptide, developed over five years, targets cellular dysfunction to optimize skin health from within, rather than superficially. OneSkin’s aim to advance the science of skin aging in a way that aligns aesthetics with cellular health is a direction that will only become more popular in the future.
Led by Selva Ventures, the investment round attracted notable backers, including PLUS Capital, Unilever Ventures and Able Partners, along with previous supporters such as SOSV and MetaPlanet. The diverse roster of investors signals a broader interest in bridging skin health and longevity. Investors also included public figures like Brazilian-American model and designer Camila Alves McConaughey and tech entrepreneur Kevin Rose.
“At OneSkin, we are excited to announce this new round of funding, which will further drive our mission to transform how we think about our skin, not only by optimizing our aesthetics using cutting-edge science, but also focusing on its functional role as our largest organ and the impact in our overall health and longevity,” said Dr Carolina Oliveira, Co-Founder and CEO of OneSkin. Her comments underline the company’s dual focus on aesthetics and health, something the company feels sets OneSkin apart from traditional cosmetic brands.
The Series A funding will enable OneSkin to expedite its scientific research, develop new formulae and diversify its product line to offer expanded skin health solutions. By fostering innovation and scaling up research efforts, the funding aims to accelerate OneSkin’s mission to redefine skincare with products rooted in biological efficacy.
Dr Alessandra Zonari, Co-Founder and CSO of OneSkin, said: “This investment will allow us to deepen our commitment to be the best in class in delivering efficacious peptides to modulate aging at the cellular level, ensuring that our science-backed solutions deliver measurable results in promoting healthier skin. We are dedicated to advancing the future of skin health with the most advanced longevity research and innovation.”
For investors, the appeal of OneSkin lies in its intersection of beauty and wellness – an increasingly popular convergence in the consumer market, as noted by Madeline Kaplan, partner at Selva Ventures.
“After working with the OneSkin team over the past two years, we are thrilled to deepen our partnership by leading their Series A round,” she said. “This is our firm’s largest investment, reflecting our high conviction in the company and the team, led by Carolina and Alessandra. We are seeing the beauty and wellness spaces converge as more consumers want efficacious products that make them look and feel their best. OneSkin is well-positioned at the intersection of beauty and wellness, delivering exceptional results that improve both skin appearance and skin health.”
The additional funding will also enhance OneSkin’s workforce and sales network, making the brand’s peptide-based products more accessible to a growing audience seeking science-backed antiaging options for their skin, rather that just cosmetic.
Camila Alves McConaughey, who joined as an investor, expressed her enthusiasm: “As a Brazilian woman, I am thrilled to invest in a brand founded by four Brazilian female scientists – my heritage is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I am honored to support those who are executing this work. The OneSkin team has built a line of products that hold a unique space in the massive skin care market. I fell in love with the products the moment I saw the results on myself, and I knew I had to be a part of it! I’m so looking forward to seeing their future innovations and continued success with the help of this funding.”
Recently recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024, OneSkin continues push forward in skin longevity. Alongside OS-01, OneSkin’s core ingredient that targets senescent cells, the brand has fostered its reputation with advocates including public figures and longevity science proponents like Dr David Sinclair and Tony Robbins. With this new round of investment, OneSkin hopes to further refine and expand its product range to cater to a broader consumer base interested in long-term skin health.
