It’s time to put your best face forward! Versine believes skincare should be fun and indulgent. Though efficacy and safety is key, skincare isn’t just utilitarian. Why have dull (pun intended) skincare when you can have lush textures and vibrant designs that brighten your day?

What makes Versine different from other skincare brands? This brand is the only skin care that does not include any ingredients that can be harmful to pregnancies, while still being powered by clinically-proven active ingredients. These products are packed full of safe but effective ingredients like Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Kakadu Plum Extract, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane.

The team at Versine is backed by Three Experts (an OBGYN, a dermatologist, a Master Aesthetician),

Versine’s founder, Jennie Gao, created the Versine brand in 2020 after having a hard time herself finding skincare that was safe to use during pregnancy because numerous skincare brands, even those that are deemed to be “all natural,” are actually unsafe to use during gestation. This experience led Gao to her journey to develop Versine, a line of high-quality, vegan skincare products that address fine lines, dull skin, and breakouts that are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as (of course) any other time.

IdentifyLA: Tell us about your start…how it was founded, history of why it was created, how you’ve grown it to where it’s at today?

Jenny Gao: When people asked me why I created Versine, I used to say it's because I wanted something completely safe for pregnancy, and that was so hard to find (and it is). But I've really had time to think about it. And the real reason is because as soon as I became a mother, I felt like I was no longer seen or heard. I wanted something for us - for the moms whose whole body, whole life, whole career, whole position in the world - was being rearranged, and who didn't have the time or the options to pull back & just “take care of ourselves.” All we had were moments snatched from the craziness of life, and those moments should count.

Turns out these considerations also created products that are great for: Sensitized skin, acne-prone skin that needs hydration, people who want all their favorite active ingredients in one simple but enjoyable step. Because we all need a moment to ourselves.

IDLA: What makes your business different from the others?

JG: Ingredients are completely pregnancy-safe. We don’t include anything that could be remotely questionable. Example: we considered and excluded phenoxyethanol, salicylic acid, willow bark extract, essential oils, Alpha-Bisabolol, sea buckthorn oil, and many more. We really aim to be environmentally conscious - both in front and behind the scene. Examples: compact packaging even though I received advice I should make the packaging bigger to stand out more; offsetting our plastic use (currently the serum top) by rescuing plastics from the wild and sending them to recycling; multi-tasking products so customers can do more with less products. We will continue to improve. Support/ed a variety of causes, including: One Love Community Fridge: food security in NYC, Gold House: AAPI Community, Queens Family Justice Center - where I used to work: product donations for clients who come in seeking help for DV. This is something I hope to grow in the future, as part of the fabric of the company.

IDLA: Why does your product help with acne? Give us the details, as acne is caused due to hormones. Explain to us how your product will help with acne.

JG: Product obviously doesn’t address hormones. In fact, we do not use any known endocrine disruptors like phthalates. However, our key ingredient in our acne-prone formula is azelaic acid at 10%. Azelaic acid is a clinically proven acne-fighter loved by dermatologists because it’s better tolerated than other acne ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinol. It’s one of the only acne ingredients recommended across the board by derms and OBGYNs during pregnancy. It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and gently exfoliating (and helps with hyperpigmentation). We support our azelaic acid with other ingredients that support a healthy and hydrated skin barrier, so the skin is less irritated and prone to bacteria, like ceramide, squalane and niacinamide. It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t moisturize your skin when you have acne. In fact, drying out your skin makes it prone to irritation and more breakouts. Don’t use oils though.

Leave your skincare woes to the pros! If you’re looking to try a new skin care that is safe and effective, Versine Skincare is one that should be on your list and can be purchased from: Versineskincare.com, Credobeauty.com, and Thirteenlune.com.