This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on May 14, 2026.
Formulating a product with fewer ingredients, no fillers and only using clean, recognizable ingredients is extremely difficult. We did it anyway—and we even took it a step further: the texture, the scent, and, most importantly, the efficacy.
And if we're being completely honest, it wasn’t easy. Formulating our products was very time consuming, expensive and, well, the most important part of starting our brand.
The Otto Skin Goods Difference
Most brands formulate one base for their entire line of skincare, only to swap out just a few ingredients, depending on each product. We weren't okay with that.
Instead, we formulated each product with its own unique set of ingredients and purpose. First, we started with the active ingredients—the ones responsible for the results you’ve been longing for—because those are at the heart of everything we create. Once we figured out which active ingredients we wanted to use, we focused in on percentage, pH, and the most appropriate time of day to use them.
These powerhouse active ingredients included:
- Stabilized Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Peptides
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
- Niacinamide
Next, we concisely chose our purposeful plant-based extracts—ones that help the actives work to their best potential. However, what most people don’t understand is that many natural ingredients have a high percentage of causing allergies and irritation. That’s exactly why these ingredients were chosen to suit even the most sensitive skin types.
Finally, we chose a broad-spectrum preservative to keep the product free of bacteria, mold and yeast and allow at least a two-year shelf life. Minimal ingredients were added to improve texture and scent, so it was well worth the diligent effort for every ingredient positioned in our products to pass such a rigorous test. If an ingredient caused the texture to feel sticky or smell terrible, it was eliminated.
It took multiple revisions to get this just right, and even then, all of the products still had to undergo safety and stability testing to ensure that the formulas would withstand temperature changes, exposure to light and air, and that the preservative system was robust.
Most importantly, we never repeat active ingredients in any of our products. If these powerful ingredients are used correctly in one product, you shouldn’t need to layer it on with another. We call this process Single Note Formulating, and we think it’s the only way to formulate skincare that’s simple, yet effective.
What's Single Note Formulating in Skincare?
Active ingredients are at the forefront of our formulations.
Active ingredients are what makes a product effective (vitamin C, niacinamide, fruit acids, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants). Not only do we believe in using skin actives at their optimal percentages, we also believe in the concise placement of them, too.
If you’re using a skincare active ingredient correctly, it should NOT be found in any other part of your routine. Take niacinamide, for example—a calming ingredient responsible for improving mild breakouts, redness and sun damage. Since niacinamide is the active ingredient found in our Multitasker Night Serum, you won’t find this ingredient repeated in any of our other products.
Skincare actives should be used at the right time of day.
Let’s look at fruit acids. These mildly exfoliating, naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help remove dull and damaged skin cells, making your complexion highly sensitive to light. That’s why you’ll want to use them at night, to avoid direct sun exposure. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is best used in the morning to hydrate and plump (that’s why we call it our Go-Getter Day Serum!). We did the work for you by placing actives in all of our products based on optimal time of day they should be used.
We use plant-based extracts to enhance active ingredients.
Certain plant-based extracts are proven to enhance the effects of active ingredients, as long as they complement each other well. Our plant-based extracts are only added if they help the specific active ingredients within each product achieve better results. Even then, we’re still super picky about them—we’ve vetted each and every plant-based extract for low-irritant and allergy potential. Just because something is from nature or plant-based doesn’t always mean it’s safe. The fact is, your skin is sensitive, and we really care about that. That’s why combining effective active ingredients with the safest and best plant-based ingredients is very important in our formulating process.
Skincare routines have become too complicated.
We believe all skin types can benefit from brightening, clarifying and hydrating ingredients at all times, without alternating products based on season or skin issue.
Most of us struggle with breakouts, discoloration or dehydration at some point or another. The secret is staying consistent with the products and active ingredients you use—whether you haven’t had a breakout in months, or you’re still struggling to clear up hyperpigmentation. A consistent routine with the right skincare actives is essential to keep your skin healthy and fresh.
Safety means more than just avoiding certain ingredients.
At Otto, skincare safety involves a complex process comprised of correctly utilizing active ingredients, vetting plant-based ingredients for irritation potential, properly preserving our products, using sustainable packaging, refusing to test on animals and making your every day a little easier with a simplified routine. It’s not an easy process, but well worth the effort.
Looking at where we are today, I’m surprised that Otto passed the initial phase of formulating. From start to finish, it took about one year for our initial three serums. That being said, I am so proud of what we’ve created. Our formulation process is what Otto is all about. Every single product serves a unique purpose, as well as each and every ingredient. Because you deserve to reveal your best skin yet in the safest, most effective way possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Otto Skin Goods different from other skincare brands?
Most brands use a single base formula across their entire product line, swapping out only a few ingredients per product. Otto formulates each product from scratch with its own unique set of ingredients and a specific purpose, starting with the active ingredients and building around them.
What is Single Note Formulating?
Single Note Formulating is Otto's approach to ensuring that each active ingredient appears in only one product in the line. If an active ingredient is doing its job correctly in one product, you shouldn't need to layer it on with another. This keeps routines simple and prevents overuse.
What active ingredients does Otto use?
The core active ingredients across the Otto line are Stabilized Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), and Niacinamide.
Why does it matter what time of day I use certain products?
Some active ingredients interact with sunlight in ways that affect both safety and efficacy. AHAs, for example, make skin more sensitive to light, so they're best used at night. Hyaluronic acid is best applied in the morning for daytime hydration. Otto places each active in the appropriate product so you don't have to figure this out yourself.
Are the products safe for sensitive skin?
Yep. While many natural and plant-based ingredients can cause irritation or allergic reactions, Otto carefully vets every plant-based extract for low irritant and allergy potential. All products are formulated to suit even sensitive skin types.
How does Otto preserve its products?
Otto uses a broad-spectrum preservative to protect products from bacteria, mold, and yeast, ensuring a shelf life of at least two years. All formulas also undergo safety and stability testing to confirm they can withstand temperature changes and exposure to light and air.
Do I need to switch up my routine by season or skin concern?
No. Otto's products are designed to be used consistently year-round. We believe that brightening, clarifying, and hydrating ingredients benefit all skin types at all times, and that a consistent routine is more effective than rotating products based on season or current skin issues.
How long did it take to develop the products?
From start to finish, formulating the initial three serums took approximately one year.
