That’s dope: Aussie-based hemp beauty brand set to expand into the US by second-half of 2021

Founded in June 2018, Dope Skin Co is a beauty brand that produces skin and body care products with organic hemp seed oil.

In recent years, hemp seed oil has been recognised for its antioxidant and regenerative properties that are suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Since the brand debuted, it has grown 100% year-on-year on the back of the increasing awareness of hemp-based beauty products.

Additionally, the rising interest in cannabidiol (CBD) oil has also helped develop an awareness for the brand, said Adam Alcott, the co-owner and operations manager of Dope Skin Co.

“We saw the benefits of hemp and at the same time, saw interest in products like CBD oil growing. While it’s been a short journey so far, the brand has been growing fast and we’re getting good interest from people and retailers as well,” ​he said.

The brand has largely been operating as an online D2C brand since its launch. Beginning November last year, it has been exploring wholesale opportunities abroad.

Aside from Australia, the brand currently available through retail partners in South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.

US expansion in the works

Alcott told CosmeticsDesign-Asia​ that one of the brand’s primary goals this year is breaking into the US, where the benefits of hemp-based beauty products are relatively well-established.

The brand has already inked a deal with a well-known US-based lifestyle retailer that also operates in countries like the UK, Canada, Germany, France and the United Arab Emirates.

The brand is scheduled to launch into the US in the second half of the year with the retailer.

At the same time, the company is working to set up a US-based warehouse, its first overseas facility, and is also aiming to expand its team to cope with expectant demand in the world’s largest beauty market.

“At the moment, we have a strong base in Australia and a few small international retailers. This year, we will be turning our attention to the US market so it’s important for us to set up a warehouse facility as we expand in the market,” ​said Alcott.

Aside from the US, the firm is also interested in entering markets such as New Zealand, Hong Kong and the UK.

Currently, Dope Skin Co carries both skin and body care products, with items such as cleansers, moisturisers, masks and scrubs.

This year, it will be extending its skin care line-up with more intensive products designed to for nighttime use.

Hemp popularity can only grow

One of the challenges the company faces right now is the awareness and lack of education and understanding of hemp seed oil.

“Right now we still have people contacting us about the legality of our products. So, there is definitely still misconceptions about the ingredients. But with more research and more media coverage, I think it is becoming more accepted,” ​said Alcott.

Despite this, Alcott expects hemp ingredients, including CBD, to continue rising in popularity as education on the product grows, eventually becoming a mainstream ingredient in beauty.

“If you look at CBD and see how government regulations are opening up. I would say it's definitely heading that way especially. Also, people who have tried hemp and CBD can’t speak highly enough of the benefits of it.”​