Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Otto.
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story started while working in dermatology as a nurse practitioner. I was working with a contact dermatology specialistic at Ohio State University and our job was to find out what was causing our patient’s skin allergies. What I discovered is that many skincare ingredients can cause skin allergies and at the very least sensitives. Most skincare products on the market today are too strong, too harsh and contain too many active ingredients and most people are using multiple products, layering ingredients and simply overloading their skin.
I was determined to find a solution and prove that less is more when it comes to skincare. I found that using minimal formulas made from clinically proven ingredients simply works. As a busy mom to four energetic children myself, I also wanted something effortless–a multitasking, results-driven routine that fit into an active lifestyle.
That’s why I created Otto Skin Goods–a skincare line expertly formulated with simple, healthy plant-based ingredients and efficacy as its first priority. Our mission is to create gentle, well-made products that give the skin exactly what it needs when it needs it. Nothing more, nothing less. We are simpler, smarter skincare.
Today our line contains a day serum, night serum, face oil and cleanser. We are very intentional about every product and every ingredient that goes into each product. We believe that healthy skin uses the least amount of skincare possible. We are also intentional about where our products are sold and currently are sold in Whole Foods, select spas and specialty skincare shops that share our wellness goals. We also sell on our website and pride ourselves with stellar customer service!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has been anything but easy. Finding a manufacturer that could formulate to my strict specifications and then allowing us to have small-batch runs of the products was nearly impossible to find, most require 10,000 units per run. Once that was accomplished finding packaging that could also be purchased in low volumes but fit our sustainability goals was extremely challenging. I still get disappointed about choices I have made for the brand issues with packaging and logistics of making it all come together.
The upside has been the pride of turning this idea into a true business. The positive feedback and customer reviews keep me motivated and help this business move forward!
We’ve been impressed with Otto Skin Goods, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Otto Skin Goods is simpler, smarter skincare that believes less is more. We combine clinical and plant-based ingredients to get results without compromising skin wellness.
Our low-maintenance routine consists of a day serum, night serum, face oil and cleanser.
Our products are free from harsh, allergenic and sensitizing ingredients. To us, safety means not only avoiding harmful ingredients but reducing allergy risk and correctly utilizing active ingredients. Our ingredients are vetted for potential harm, allergy, irritation, compatibility and necessary percentage—only then is an active or plant-based ingredient added to one of our products.
Otto Skin Goods is focused on blending ingredients to achieve specific results at just the right time of day. We believe that many skin issues are a result of sensitized or reactive skin caused by harsh and improper use of both active and botanical ingredients.
No animal testing + low environmental impact
Our products are never tested on animals because we test them on ourselves, friends and brand ambassadors. Plus, we’re always ready to pivot, improve and update our products whenever research, science or a friendly recommendation requires us to.
We use glass packaging whenever possible because we believe this is better for the environment.
We are careful with the selection of our ingredients and avoid anything that is either sourced unethically or harmful to the environment once rinsed off.
Supporters of slow beauty and growth
We hand-pick influencers and require them to actually use our products and actually like them before posting.
We are slowly growing our social media following with thoughtful content, educational blogs and purposeful interaction.
We choose models that represent real life, many of which are personal friends.
We are careful with our language and try to take a positive, encouraging view of beauty and age. We are not into anti-aging, overnight results, empty promises or unrealistic claims.
Family-owned and made in the USA, and supporting others like that, too
When it comes to almost all of our business needs, we strive to support other local and small businesses whenever possible. For example, we seek out local designers, web builders, packaging, social media management, copy, photography and marketing.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
All of my best childhood memories are playing outdoors and playing sports. I have always been low-maintenance when it comes to beauty and I never remember watching my mother fuss over her appearance. I want to give my own daughter this sort of childhood. I want her to be carefree athletic and believe that her beauty comes from her inner strength, not outward appearance.
Pricing:
- Serums and Face Oil sell for $65 each
- Face Cleanser $28
- Sample trio with serums and oil $29
Contact Info:
- Email: sarah@ottoskingoods.com
- Website: https://ottoskingoods.com
- Instagram: @ottoskingoods
- Facebook: ottoskingoods
- Other: tik tok @ottoskingoods
