Function of Beauty - Revolutionizing Personalized Haircare, Skincare, and Body Care

Function of Beauty is a direct-to-consumer haircare, skincare, and body care company, founded in 2015 by MIT engineer and Wharton MBA graduate Zahir Dossa, along with Joshua Maciejewski and Hien Kaplan. The company is headquartered in New York City, New York, United States. Function of Beauty has pioneered the concept of customized beauty products, offering personalized formulations to meet the unique needs of each customer.

The genesis of the company can be traced back to Dossa’s doctoral research at MIT, where he explored the possibility of utilizing algorithms and machine learning to optimize the manufacturing process for consumer products. The idea was to create a scalable, efficient, and highly personalized production system that could cater to individual needs and preferences. Function of Beauty was born out of this vision, aiming to revolutionize the beauty industry by offering fully customized products tailored to the specific requirements of each user.

Customers can access the company’s website or mobile app to take a quiz that assesses their hair, skin, and body care needs. Based on the information provided, Function of Beauty’s proprietary algorithm generates a personalized formulation consisting of various ingredients, which are then blended on-demand to create the final product. This process ensures that each customer receives a unique product designed specifically for their individual needs, preferences, and goals. The company offers a wide range of products, including shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, serums, body washes, body lotions, and facial cleansers, among others.

Function of Beauty has attracted significant attention from investors, with multiple funding rounds since its inception. The company raised an initial seed round of $1.2 million in October 2015, followed by a $9.5 million Series A round in March 2017, which was led by GGV Capital. In June 2019, the company secured a $35 million Series B funding round, led by L Catterton, bringing its total funding to date to $46.2 million. The funds raised have enabled Function of Beauty to expand its product offerings, invest in research and development, and scale its operations globally.

In terms of partnerships, Function of Beauty has collaborated with several notable brands and personalities. In October 2020, the company announced a strategic partnership with Target Corporation, making its customizable hair care products available at over 1,800 Target stores across the United States. This collaboration marked Function of Beauty’s first foray into brick-and-mortar retail and provided greater accessibility to its products for consumers nationwide. Additionally, the company has collaborated with various influencers and celebrities, such as singer-songwriter Halsey, who partnered with Function of Beauty in 2020 to launch a vegan, cruelty-free hair care line called About-Face.

Function of Beauty has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative approach to beauty products and personalized solutions. The company was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2018 and was included in Inc. Magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America in both 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, Function of Beauty’s products have garnered positive reviews from customers and beauty experts alike, earning features in prominent publications such as Forbes, Allure, and Glamour.

While the majority of Function of Beauty’s sales are conducted through its website and mobile app, the partnership with Target has resulted in a retail presence at over 1,800 Target stores across the United States. However, the company does not have standalone physical stores or locations.

In conclusion, Function of Beauty is a pioneering beauty company that has successfully leveraged technology, personalization, and customization to cater to the individual needs of its customers. With a strong track record of innovation, significant funding, and strategic partnerships, the company continues to make waves in the beauty industry, challenging traditional norms and setting new standards for personalized care. As the company continues to grow and expand its offerings, Function of Beauty remains committed to its mission of delivering unique, high-quality products tailored to each customer’s specific needs and preferences.

One of the key differentiators for Function of Beauty is its commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. The company focuses on using sustainable and recyclable packaging materials, ensuring that its products have a minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, Function of Beauty is dedicated to being cruelty-free, with all of its products certified by Leaping Bunny, a globally recognized program that certifies companies for their commitment to producing cruelty-free cosmetics and personal care products.

Function of Beauty has also made strides in expanding its international presence. The company ships to over 45 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and several countries in Europe and Asia. In July 2021, Function of Beauty announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Europe, enabling faster and more efficient production and shipping of its products to customers in the region. This expansion is expected to further fuel the company’s growth in international markets.

The company’s commitment to research and development has resulted in the introduction of new products and features, catering to a wider array of customer needs. In 2020, Function of Beauty expanded its product line to include skincare, offering personalized facial cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. This move marked the company’s first foray into the skincare market, demonstrating its ambition to become a comprehensive personal care brand.

Moreover, Function of Beauty has been successful in building a strong and loyal customer base, thanks to its engaging user experience and emphasis on customer satisfaction. The company’s quiz-based approach to product customization, along with its accessible and visually appealing digital platform, has resonated with consumers seeking tailored solutions for their personal care needs. The company’s subscription-based model further encourages customer loyalty, offering convenience and consistency for those who wish to maintain a regular personal care routine with Function of Beauty’s products.

As Function of Beauty looks to the future, the company is poised to continue its rapid growth and industry disruption. With its innovative approach to personalization, robust product offerings, and commitment to sustainability and responsible practices, Function of Beauty is well-positioned to cement its status as a leader in the beauty and personal care space. As the demand for personalized products and experiences continues to grow, it is expected that Function of Beauty will remain at the forefront of this trend, shaping the future of the industry with its unique blend of technology, customization, and customer-centricity.