Soapbox, YENSA, Vegamour Among Fastest-Growing Cosmetics Companies On Inc. 5000

Inc. 5000 ranks the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US. With three-year growth of nearly 2,200%, Soapbox came in at No. 198 on the 2021 list, outpacing other beauty and personal-care companies that had enviable showings nevertheless in a year of unprecedented challenges.

COVID-19 notwithstanding, ALASTIN Skincare, Inc. finished 2020 with three-year revenue growth of 465%, placing it as No. 1,041 on the 2021 Inc. 5000.

“Even during the unprecedented challenges of 2020, we remained resilient and agile with ongoing growth year over year,” the Carlsbad, CA-based company says in a 17 August release.

Founded in 2015, ALASTIN aims “to bring the highest levels of pharmaceutical science and innovation to the physician-dispensed skincare industry while creating a new category of products designed to be synergistic with procedures,” according to its website.

Popular ALASTIN offerings include Restorative Skin Complex to combat visible signs of aging and TransFORM Body Treatment, designed to reduce the appearance of crepey skin anywhere on the body. Both products feature TriHex Technology, said to stimulate production of collagen and elastin, and sell for $195 each at alastin.com.

“As the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies, the [Inc. 5000] list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment – its independent small businesses,” says ALASTIN, which was No. 346 on last year’s Inc. 5000.

“Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared to 543%, and median revenue reached $11.1m,” notes Crown Laboratories (No. 2,035).

Published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. 5000 ranks the fastest-growing privately held companies in the US based on three-year revenue figures. For the 2021 roundup, applicants had to have generated at least $100,000 in revenue in 2017 and at least $2m in revenue in 2020, among other criteria. All applicants must pay a processing fee to be considered.

Organic and fair-trade lip-care company Eco Lips, Inc., founded in 2003, took the list’s No. 2,597 spot with 180% three-year growth, after ranking No. 4,295 in 2014. In addition to helping to popularize organic, Eco Lips has been ahead of green packaging trends, housing its lip balm in 100% plastic-free Plant Pods, and relies on solar energy to run its production facility.

The enduring power of “natural” is evident from the generous sprinkling of natural-oriented brands throughout the Inc. 5000, including a number of plant-based household cleaner companies and Boinca Inc., dba Artic Fox (No. 857).

Founded in 2013, the Gardena, CA-based company produces natural, semi-permanent hair dyes, shampoos, conditioners and protectants, “made with your hair’s health in mind,” according to its website.

The company recorded 571% growth from 2017 to 2020.

Vegamour – “not hair care, hair wellness” – saw 484% growth during the same period, claiming spot No. 996 on the Inc. 5000.

According to its website, Los Angeles-based Vegamour “incorporates clinically tested plant-based ingredients that work in tandem to promote healthy, beautiful hair naturally, without the use of harmful chemicals or short-term ‘fixes’ that can lead to long-term problems.”

The pandemic’s effects perhaps are reflected in Cosset’s 165% multiyear growth, which slotted it as No. 2535 on the Inc. 5000. Based in South Salt Lake, UT, Cosset markets de-stressing bath and body products, believing that “everyone needs a little therapy in their life.”

Soapbox, founded in 2010, may be reaping the benefit of consumers’ increased prioritization of hygiene in the COVID era, and its business model – where it provides a bar of soap to someone in need for every product sold – continues to resonate with consumers at a time of heightened demand for social responsibility in the corporate world.

The Washington, D.C.-based company – whose product portfolio extends from hand care to hair care and bath and body care – has donated more than 20m bars of soap to date, according to its website.

Meanwhile, its three-year revenue has grown a whopping 2,196%, making it No. 198 on the Inc. 5000. The company held lower positions on previous Inc. 5000 lists in 2017, 2018 and 2020.

Kahului, HI-based Maui Soap Co. (No. 1,190), a maker of tropical fruit-infused soaps and skin-care products, also has been on the rise, with 407% growth during the same period.

Skin Care Prominent  

Other listed skin-care companies include YENSA Beauty. Founded by Chinese-American actress Jennifer Yen, the Los Angeles, CA-based company creates “clean, luxurious products that are steeped in Superfood Science and Asian Rituals for a modern, diverse world,” according to its website.

At No. 443 on the Inc. 5000, YENSA reports growth of 1,107% over the past three years.

Crown Laboratories, a fully integrated, global skin-care company that develops and provides science-driven offerings across Aesthetics, Beauty, Therapeutic and Prescription segments, made the Inc. 5000 for the eight year in 2021, coming in at No. 2,035 with 217% three-year growth.

The company notes in a 17 August release, “Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this year's list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020's unprecedented challenges. Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared to 543%, and median revenue reached $11.1m.”

Founded in 2000, Crown is headquartered in Johnson City, TN.