Credit: Know Beauty

While it might feel as if every celebrity under the spotlight might be releasing a beauty brand, a joint skincare venture between Vanessa Hudgens and Madison Beer hadn’t penetrated my radar as a possibility. It perhaps wouldn’t have been as surprising if one had pursued beauty entrepreneur status solo – after all, aren’t they all? – but this celeb duo is unexpected, given most people didn’t even know the two were friends.

Evidently they have been for the better part of a decade, having met through Hudgens’ younger sister. Now they’re also business partners, teaming up to launch a DNA-led skincare brand called Know Beauty. They’ve also enlisted dermatologist Karen Kagha to come on board as chief medical officer, a title which goes some way in explaining how serious the pair are about this skincare business, which launched today.

The point of difference for Know Beauty is that it’s grounded in genetic science, which is what allows the brand to offer a prescriptive approach to customers. “We both have had such a long skincare journey. We were like, ‘There should be an easier way to approach skincare, something that allows you to know what is right for your personal skin, because it’s different for everyone,'” Hudgens revealed in a new interview about the launch.

Prospective shoppers can have their DNA analysed and complete a quick skin quiz o determine what skincare would work best for their unique complexion concerns, based on their genetic makeup and their lifestyle. “Every day, I am seeing people coming in wanting to know about what they can do for their skin today and for their skin in the future, and that’s where the DNA comes in,” said Kagha.

“We’re looking at 46 chromosomes and specifically analyzing seven skin categories. Their results give them information on what their skin is more prone to develop and areas they need to be focusing on in the future.”

Being in different life stages with differing skin concerns but sharing a passion for skincare, it was imperative to Hudgens and Beer that they created a solutions-based skincare brand that worked for everyone. Hudgens was primarily concerned with preserving her youthful complexion on the other side of turning 30.

“My main things now, because I’m not in my 20s anymore, is perseverance of the skin—skin elasticity, collagen reproduction, and fine lines. Just kind of taking care of the skin that I have, because it’s the only skin that I got,” she said.

Meanwhile Beer, who has been vocal about her long struggle with cystic acne, wanted products that would manage her blemish-prone skin. She said that the years since experiencing significant breakouts have helped her develop a deeper care for herself.

“You’ve got to be your own best friend, and really hold your own hand through the process, and just be patient with it,” she said. “Love yourself, regardless of if you are breaking out or if you’re not. Your skin does not define you in any way.”

We’re intrigued. Watch this space!