In the crowded space of clean beauty, few brands feel as intentional and quietly powerful as Akar Skin. Founded in 2015 by Kate Chen, a former investment professional turned skincare founder, Akar has earned a following for its minimalist formulas, sensorial textures, and high-performance botanicals that are sourced with care. Before stepping into the wellness space, Chen built her career in the high-pressure world of finance, working in investment banking and private equity. It was her desire for a gentler and more grounded way to nourish the skin, and herself, that led to the creation of Akar.

In this conversation, Chen opens up about her unexpected journey from Wall Street to wellness entrepreneurship, the philosophies that guide Akar’s beloved products, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Ahead, she shares the roots of her brand, the rituals that keep her centered, and her vision for the future of clean and mindful beauty.

You began your career in investment banking and private equity. What inspired you to step away from finance and create a skincare brand from the ground up?

I reached a point where I was constantly on a plane, not sleeping enough. I was pushing myself harder than my body could handle. Eventually, my body gave out and I found myself in the hospital. I knew I needed to rethink my life, so I decided to travel without a plan, and it led me to Tibet — a place that slowed me down in the best way. That’s where I discovered Seaberry, a golden fruit used for generations by the local women to protect their skin from the harsh climate of the region. It healed my skin when nothing else would, and it reminded me that nature already gives us what we need. That moment changed everything for me.

Many founders talk about a steep learning curve when switching industries. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced moving from finance to beauty, and how did you navigate them?

The hardest part was stepping into an industry where I had zero background. In finance, everything was structured. In beauty, the path isn’t linear at all. I made countless mistakes — from operational missteps to packaging choices that didn’t work. What helped was staying humble, asking questions, and being willing to learn from every expert I met. Building a brand is really an exercise in patience and resilience.

Your brand name, “Akar,” means “root.” What does that symbolize for you and for the brand’s philosophy?

It’s a reminder to return to what grounds you. For me, Akar represents nourishment and intention — the things that allow skin and life to thrive. Our approach to skincare isn’t about fixing the skin; it’s about feeding it with nutrients.

When formulating products, what non-negotiables guide your process? Are there ingredients or practices you absolutely avoid?

We are incredibly selective with everything we use. Working with more than a hundred plant ingredients takes time and intention. Fermentation is our preservation system of choice because it honors the integrity of the plants we use. Many manufacturers don’t take on formulas this complex, which is why we built our own state of the art laboratory and experience center, called The PlantHouse in Taiwan, my home. It allows us to have full control, from sourcing to production, ensuring perfection in every bottle.

As someone who launched a brand in 2015, how have you seen consumer priorities shift over the years?

In 2015, clean beauty was still an emerging category, consumers were just starting to question what was inside their products. Today, people want transparency, thoughtfulness, and brands that don’t overwhelm them. They are highly educated on personal care ingredients. Clean ingredients are now the expectation. In today’s landscape, it is not unusual to see teenagers looking at the back of the box reading the ingredient list. Overall, consumers are gravitating toward meaningful products that have a story to tell, intentionality is everything. They also care deeply about how and where things are made, which is why our manufacturing approach resonates with them. We own our product development process from planting the seed of concept to bottling the final product.

What’s the product you’re personally most proud of, and why?

Soothe SuperFlower Firming Face Oil — it’s where everything began. It’s a delicate, golden oil handcrafted with rare and precious SuperFlowers and SuperFoods that give the skin plump, bouncy, youthful radiance. Think of it as your daily micro dose of vitamins and antioxidants that are like 8 hours of sleep in a bottle, instantly.

Entrepreneurship is often demanding and vulnerable. What’s something about your journey that people might not expect?

That I didn’t have everything figured out. There were so many moments when I doubted myself or felt completely lost. But every challenge forced me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise. Entrepreneurship takes courage, but it also takes softness — knowing when to pause, when to ask for help, when to trust your own pace.

Looking back, is there a lesson from your business education that still guides you today?

Focus on fundamentals. Whether it’s finance or beauty, the basics don’t change. Know your product, know your customer, and be disciplined in how you build.

As a female founder in the wellness and beauty space, what advice would you offer to other women who want to build something of their own?

Start small, stay curious, and don’t let perfection slow you down. And protect your energy — burnout helps no one. When you build with intention, you’ll attract the right people and opportunities.

What’s next for Akar Skin? Can you share any upcoming launches or long-term visions for the brand?

We’re focused on deepening what we already do well — plant nutrition and skin nourishment. There are a few new launches in development that I’m really excited about. Long-term, I want to offer a complete yet streamlined range that supports skin without overwhelming it.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering lifestyle news and current events. When she’s not busy writing about impactful brands and standout products, she and her husband can be found snuggling with their emotionally needy, perpetually sleepy golden retriever, or she’s chipping away at her Juris Doctor. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.