The OnSkin app allows cosmetics and beauty consumers to make informed decisions with just their phones. It is a great example of integrating technology with beauty. Julia Kuprina, Senior Product Manager, OnSkin reveals company goals and more in a candid talk with Gauri D.
OnSkin App is a perfect example of beauty and technology synchronously coming together for the benefit of the consumers. Just open the phone camera and receive the science-backed and structured information in a matter of seconds. Owned by Florida-based AIBY Inc. OnSkin deeply focuses on consumer needs and lifestyle trends. Here’s an excerpt from the interview on what inspired them to come up with this idea and what the future holds for the app.
1. What was the motivation for creating this app?
I bet you don’t know many people who can read a cosmetics ingredient list and decipher its meaning and impact. We believe that we should make this knowledge accessible to ordinary people. Everyone should know what they put on their skin and how it can affect them. That’s how OnSkin was born.
2. With new cosmetic products and ingredients popping up every day, how do you keep your database updated?
The cosmetic ingredients are more or less a finite number. Nowadays, there are approximately 17,000 cosmetic ingredients out there. Of course, cosmetic companies patent innovative components from time to time, but the overall number doesn’t grow exponentially. Every week, our science team delves into the latest clinical studies and research. That’s how we keep our database updated. We also have a product database. Initially, we based it on popular brands, but it has now expanded as we keep updating the information on demand from our users and their requests in the app.
3. Are you affiliated with or planning to pair with official channels?
No, we don’t partner with any companies or brands and intend to keep it that way. In our field of work, it’s highly essential to be unbiased and led by science and research rather than marketing and advertising opportunities.
4. Virtual skin and hair analysis and virtual makeup try-ons are making quite a buzz. Do you plan on expanding the app to include these features?
The world is rapidly moving towards the digital universe, and it’s crucial to be on trend. While I cannot disclose any exact plans, I assure you that we are looking into that direction with interest and excitement.
5. What lies in the future for OnSkin?
We aim to create a strong mental link between any cosmetic product and OnSkin. When people look at cosmetics, we want them to associate it with how it is rated by OnSkin and what we say about the product. OnSkin has already gained quite a fan base, and we intend to grow its presence exponentially.
6. What would you like to say to your customers about the safety of cosmetics?
All that glitters is not gold, aka not everything that is advertised by the influencers and cosmetic companies is good. Please take your time and do your research before spending your money on something that can be potentially useless or harmful.
7. What are your thoughts on the evolving amalgamation of technology and beauty industry?
Technology in any form improves the quality of our lives. In OnSkin’s case, we help our users be healthier, happier, and even more economically stable because they don’t have to purchase things that are not worth buying and using. And we do that fast with a simple phone scan. That is what we call “the magic”.