Scarlett Johansson has shared her take on a minimalist skincare routine with The Outset, her own plant-based brand focusing on simplicity and clean effectiveness, as she pursues glowing, healthy skin without layers of complicated steps. The award-winning actress prioritizes gentle, essential products, encouraging others to embrace a back-to-basics approach that delivers real results, as seen in her personal transformation.
Scarlett Johansson’s Hands-On Approach to The Outset
Scarlett Johansson launched The Outset in 2022 alongside co-founder Kate Foster Lengyel, bringing a plant-focused, streamlined collection to the skincare world. Rather than simply lending her celebrity name, Johansson actively participates in product development; she reviews ingredient lists, personally tests what goes into each formula, and designs her routine around the products she champions.
This down-to-earth strategy sets Johansson apart from many celebrity entrepreneurs. While her Hollywood background includes headlining beauty campaigns and redefining on-screen glamour (from her “Black Widow” role in the Marvel universe to her signature red lipstick and bold style choices), Johansson has shifted her focus toward real-life self-care and sharing those lessons with fans and beauty enthusiasts. Her move from elaborate makeup to essentials reflects her belief that beauty should fit into daily life easily, benefiting anyone, no matter their industry status.
In a 2023 Allure interview, Scarlett Johansson discussed how she keeps her makeup light and skin-friendly, reserving heavier products like foundation for special circumstances or work projects.
I don’t regularly wear foundation — I mean, for work, I do. But it changes. Sometimes I use the Dior Forever Foundation, sometimes it’s the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, but it depends on what I’m doing. Foundation, on film, performs differently depending on the lighting and how the film is going to be digitally processed, so my makeup artist is always doubling between a few different foundations. But I like both of those.
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
For Johansson, honest and effective skin care replaces the unrealistic promise of a “vacation glow” with an authentic radiance built on self-acceptance and gentle, thoughtful practices.
Commitment to Community and Clean Ingredients
Johansson’s experience as a beauty ambassador gave her insight into the products that truly work and which ingredients to avoid. Stepping into entrepreneurship, she was moved by the collaborative, welcoming attitude she found among other women in the beauty sphere:
[The beauty industry] really has been so welcoming,
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
People are very supportive, especially other female founders have been so supportive of our place in the community, we all share a lot of information.
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Her partnership with Kate Foster Lengyel, a founder and former CEO, strengthened the brand’s vision, emphasizing clean, plant-based ingredients. The Outset places sustainability and ingredient transparency at its core, standing out in a crowded market by keeping both the formulas and the philosophy accessible and uncomplicated.
The Philosophy Behind a Simple Routine
Scarlett Johansson approached The Outset with the belief that everyone should be able to use safe, effective skincare, regardless of expertise or experience. Rather than aiming for exclusivity, her brand focuses on universality and thoughtful minimalism, as Johansson explains:
Our products, we make them as user friendly as possible and try to eliminate as many harmful ingredients, so that as many people can use them. And I think that kind of universal approach to skin care and gentle approach to skin care has really allowed a lot of people to play with the product and have success with it.
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
This approach doesn’t just simplify routines; it also fosters confidence for people at any stage of their skincare journey. Johansson relates personally, having faced complicated skin issues for years, including persistent acne. Her journey was filled with trial and error, cycling through scrubs, active ingredients, and various products with little relief. The turning point came when she abandoned aggressive treatments in favor of kindness and balance for her skin.
I had acne for such a long time that I remember my makeup artist on a film was like, ‘Oh, well, just wait until you have acne and wrinkles, that’s your next step.
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
This comment reflected the ongoing battle many people have with self-image and the hope for improvement. Johansson’s solution involved pausing harsh actives, focusing on gentle exfoliation and consistent hydration, and nurturing her skin barrier—methods that reduced breakouts and improved her complexion over time.
What actually got me out of that decade cycle, was [saying] OK, I’m just gonna stop everything, I’m going to stop all the actives and I’m just going to gently exfoliate my skin and moisturize every day.
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Skincare Essentials for Everyday Life
At the heart of Scarlett Johansson’s minimalist approach are a few core products designed to integrate seamlessly into any routine. The Outset provides everyday essentials that suit various skin types, letting users mix and match as needed. This flexible approach echoes Johansson’s own habits—she adapts her makeup and skincare according to her needs, but keeps things light whenever possible.
Among her personal favorites, Johansson singles out The Outset’s night cream, especially during cold New York winters and the physical demands of motherhood.
My skin is so dry from the [New York] winter and breastfeeding, so it restores all that lost moisture.
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
This reliance on restorative, uncomplicated products demonstrates Johansson’s belief that the maintenance of clear, luminous skin doesn’t demand long or risky routines—just consistency, hydration, and gentle ingredients.
The Lasting Impact of Johansson’s Minimalist Message
Scarlett Johansson’s advocacy for simplicity and transparency in skincare has gained momentum, influencing both beauty insiders and everyday consumers to rethink overwhelming regimens. Her minimalist skincare routine with The Outset promotes the idea that less can indeed be more, and long-term radiance is built on manageable habits, not fleeting trends or luxury treatments.
Johansson’s ongoing involvement as both a founder and user keeps The Outset connected to its audience and authentic in its promise. As more people search for thoughtful, effective ways to care for their skin amidst the endless beauty options, Johansson’s philosophy of kindness, consistency, and clean ingredients is poised to inspire change for years to come.
