This Female-Founded Cult Brand Unites Science And Skincare

"If you believe in something, do it." That's the motto of Francine Porter, founder of Osmotics Skincare line. This philosophy has indeed gotten her far – since she first launched the line in 1993, the company has become a pioneer of producing cutting-edge antiaging formulas that combine scientific innovation with skincare products.

Osmotics' debut product, the Vitamin C Transdermal Patch, was created at Porter's own kitchen table. According to Porter, her patch was the first transdermal technology made for anti-aging treatment; allowing vitamin C to be absorbed slowly through the skin. To use it, consumers simply apply the patch directly to the desired area – places like crow's feet, upper lip lines – and worn overnight for six to eight hours. The overnight treatment claims to visibly reduce facial wrinkles and eliminate aging free radicals for smoother, younger-looking skin. Porter currently holds the patent for anti-wrinkle vitamin C patches.

An Atlanta native and Denver resident, Porter experienced skin sensitivity at age 14, which spurred a personal commitment to develop scientifically-based skin and hair care products to deliver effective results. “I wanted to provide women with an alternative to the big, traditional, commercial brands and create truly effective products based on real science and clinically proven technologies,” explains Porter.

Francine Porter Courtesy of Osmotics

And that she did. The skincare line continued to churn out innovative skincare products featuring never-before used ingredients. In 1997, the company launched the first anti-aging product using copper peptide, an ingredient used in wound healing. Copper increases firmness, elasticity, and radiance.

A year later, Osmotics launched its first sugar scrub, an indulgent, “feel good” product that flaunted the lighter side of Osmotics. In 2000, the line rolled out cream-based products shown to repair the skin’s barrier function – the first of its kind to feature such technology, according to Porter. Most recently, in 2008, the company launched its renovage cellular longevity serum, starring teprenone, which has been shown to increase cellular lifespan and promote skin repair factors involved in anti-stress, detoxification, telomere maintenance and DNA repair.

This bundle of products showcasing the intersection of technology and skincare is the result of a process that is heavily backed up by science. “I put together a scientific advisory board, which no one had done before,” Porter said. “At that time, no one really did clinical studies. When we launched our website, we put our clinical studies on the site for consumers to see.”

The founder is now a much-sought after expert in cosmetics and skin care, known for her training, knowledge, and expertise. Things didn’t always come so easily for her, however. When she first launched her product line, peopled asked her, “did you lose your mind?” Porter's approach to skincare was revolutionary in 1993 – “At that point, there was no science-based skincare... with clinical data. There was just a lot of fluff and marketing.” Though there is a multitude of companies who claim to be science-driven, this small company is actually doing that, and have from the very start.

And now, 14 years later, she is the emblem of a successful entrepreneur. If she had any advice to give to budding start-ups, it’s: “be true to what you are. We don’t try to be everything to everyone. We aren’t organic. Our products have always been about science-based sources with clinical validation.” The focus is not solely on high-tech ingredients – it’s also on high-quality ingredients. Because of the high-quality ingredients, the company does not mass-distribute their products. This emphasis on quality over quantity is essential to any type of skincare line.

In the past, Osmotics’s demographic was an older age group, but looking forward, Porter says the company will also expand its focus to younger demographics. This shift makes sense, since much of their customer base bring their daughters to Osmotics. “I love the millennials,” Porter gushes. “There’s so much clutter and nonsense about them and it’s not our target, but we reach them through their moms.” Their forthcoming collection, titled Color Verite, will address that issue by targeting millennials. Color Verite will launch in late August 2017.

Priced from $28.00 (Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water) to $298.00 (3-in-1 Ageless Facial Enhancer), Osmotics products are sold across the U.S., and found in stores like Nordstrom and Dillard's.

Sleep Tight Mask Courtesy of Osmotics

Porter imparts one last piece of sage advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “You have to believe in what you are doing. Don’t let people dissuade you from your purpose – you have to have enthusiasm and passion.” Judging by her success, this approach to business endeavors is integral to success.

1. What app do you use the most?

Pinterest (It’s my escape into beautiful images!)

2. Briefly describe your morning routine.

Wake up around 6:30am. Drink large amounts of coffee while reviewing news, email and handling anything urgent from my iPhone. Shower & dress. Out the door to the office.

3. Name a business mogul you admire.

Oprah Winfrey.

4. What product do you wish you had invented?

Chocolate milk.

5. What is your spirit animal?

Momma Bear.

6. What is your life motto?

“Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.” - Goethe

7. Name your favorite work day snack.

Popcorn.

8. Every entrepreneur must be what to be successful?

Tenacity. Never give up, never surrender!

9. What’s the most inspiring place you’ve traveled to?

Australia.

10. Desert Island. Three things, go.

Sunblock, toothbrush, books.