OneSkin accepts unsolicited approach from growth equity firm to ramp sales of ‘skinspan’ focused products that target senescent cells.
Longevity biotech OneSkin has raised an additional $20 million in a Series A round from New York growth equity firm Prelude Growth Partners as it seeks to scale its skin longevity business. Unusually, the San Francisco-based company, which already closed a $20 million financing in November, says it was not actively seeking new capital, but accepted Prelude’s unsolicited approach, adding a partner it sees as key to supporting the next phase of its growth.
Founded in 2016 by a team of Brazilian scientists with backgrounds in stem-cell biology, bioinformatics and tissue engineering, OneSkin positions itself around the idea of extending “skinspan,” the period during which skin remains healthy and functional. The company’s focus on longevity science is reflective of changes now being seen across the global beauty industry, including L’Oreal’s recent pivot into longevity science, which seeks to tackle the “root causes” of skin aging.
OneSkin’s work is particularly focused on the role of senescent cells – older cells in our bodies that stop dividing, secrete inflammatory factors and are implicated in tissue breakdown and visible signs of aging. The company’s lead molecule, a proprietary peptide called OS-01, is intended to reduce the burden of those cells and to shift treatment from surface appearance to underlying cellular function.
Today, OneSkin sells a mix of topicals and supplements, including products marketed as OS-01 FACE, BODY and EYE, and more recent launches for lip and hair. The brand claims a roster of high-profile customers and the new investment comes as the company looks to expand resources and reach while continuing to develop its product portfolio.
OneSkin views Prelude, which replaces an early seed investor, as a partner that could help scale its business beyond its current customer base. Hailing the partnership with Prelude as a “natural fit,” OneSkin co-founder Dr Carolina Reis Oliveira said, “We weren’t looking for new capital – but their passion and belief in our vision made this an opportunity to expand our resources and work alongside people we deeply admire. We got ourselves a dream team!”
Prelude is known for backing founder-led consumer businesses and has emphasized investments in female-founded brands across categories such as health and wellness, beauty and personal care.
“OneSkin’s cutting edge science, novel proprietary technology, leadership in skin longevity, and compelling brand are truly unique in the category,” said Prelude co-founder Alicia Sontag.
The OneSkin financing adds to a broader trend of venture and growth capital flowing into consumer companies built on translating laboratory research into direct-to-consumer products. The company said it intends to use the new capital to accelerate commercialization and support its goal of aligning aesthetic results with cellular measures of skin health.
