While the beauty industry's shift towards inclusivity can only be celebrated as a good (and necessary) thing, it's still unfortunately accustomed to categorizing products "for women" or "for men." Why? Good question, considering many (and we mean many) skin-care, hair-care, and even makeup products can be used by ... literally anyone. Panacea, a brand-new gender-neutral skin-care brand, thinks so, too, as it's launching an entire line meant for ... everyone.
Inspired by the innovation enthralled in Korean beauty, Panacea — which debuts as a pared-down, three-step skin-care line — aims to make beauty accessible to everybody, regardless of gender. Speaking to Allure, Panacea co-founder Terry Lee explained, "We wanted to create a brand aesthetic and identity that speaks to the blurring of gender lines," he says. "For us, gender-neutral simply means inclusivity. We wanted to create…. a brand that embraces you, regardless of your gender."
Creating a minimalistic skin-care brand was especially important to Lee, as he struggled with cystic skin issues for years and had trouble finding products that actually worked. "The genesis for Panacea goes back to when I was in college, where I struggled with cystic acne," he says. "Because of my skin condition, I've been on Accutane five times, tried holistic medicine, and used many different skin-care products from multiple brands to clear my skin."
Though Panacea's debut skin-care collection isn't specifically geared towards those with acne (that could be in the brand's future, though), it's designed to be used by those who have combination skin. The sulfate-free Aegis Daily Facial Cleanser cleans the skins without stripping it, thanks to a formula packed with tons of good-for-your-skin plant extracts, including soothing algae and anti-inflammatory green tea.
Then there's the Aegis Daily Facial Moisturizer, which reintroduces hydration without a heavy or greasy feeling with a dose of holy-grail hyaluronic acid; and the final product, the Aegis Daily Facial Sunscreen, which provides broad-spectrum sun protection (SPF 25) in a lightweight, fragrance-free formula that can be worn alone or layered under makeup. (We're particularly excited for the SPF, TBH.)
Panacea officially launches on November 1, which is when you'll be able to shop the full three-piece collection — the Aegis Daily Facial Cleanser ($22), Aegis Daily Facial Moisturizer ($46), and Aegis Daily Facial Sunscreen ($38) — at thepanacea.com. Stay tuned for further details (and reviews!) as this exciting new brand drops.
More skin-care launches to get hyped for:
- These Are the BEST New Moisturizers for Fall
- The 6 Skin-Care Products at Sephora I'm OBSESSED With Right Now
- Clarisonic's New Cleansers Don't Require the Brand's Famous Brush
Now, watch as model Rain Dove dispells myths about gender:
