Scarlett Johansson on Her New Skincare Line and Why She Doesn’t Get Facials

What were some of the biggest challenges once you honed in on the type of line you wanted to create?

Creating a clean skincare line that’s also effective is extremely challenging. You can create something that’s clean, sure, but it might not actually do anything for your skin. I realized I couldn’t really use “natural” products because I had a really bad reaction to that stuff too. It’s just this whole other world!

I completely relate. I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin, and I just can’t use most natural or organic products because they often have ingredients like essential oils or other actives that really aggravate my skin and actually make it worse.

Yes, definitely. It’s been a really long and challenging process. Like, we will finally approve a day-cream formula, and then months go by and you hear, “Oh, well, when we did further testing, it actually has a trace nut oil in it,” and you just want to scream [laughs]. So it’s tough! It’s been frustrating at times, but I can honestly say what we are putting out there I am 100% behind. Like you, I also have sensitive, acne-prone skin that easily reacts to things, and I feel really good about this line. 

Well, I’ve been testing some of the products, and I’ve only been impressed so far. No reactions! Okay, this is a fun one. Switching gears a little bit, is there anything about your routine that you think would surprise people? 

[Laughs] Well, firstly, talking to a beauty editor, you have far more access to all of the crazy things people might think I do, like facials and different types of treatments. I think what would be most surprising is the fact that I have never done any kind of crazy facial treatment. Because I have problem skin, I’m paranoid about trying things, anyone touching my face. I never get facials. I’ve never done any of that insane stuff like getting blood injected into your skin. So yeah, I think people would be surprised to know that I’ve probably only had about three facials in my entire life. 

That is surprising! I would never have guessed because I so often hear celebrities go on about the importance of getting a facial every month or, you know, whatever it is. It’s like you said, though! Sometimes, less really is more with that kind of thing.

Yeah, for me, it definitely is. 

Okay, last question! What’s your Unfiltered beauty philosophy in seven words or less?

I mean, it’s such an overused thing to say, but I think beauty comes from within—when I feel happy in my life and when I love myself, you know? I think that really shines through whatever else you have going on, and people notice that. For me, the sense of “beauty” really stems from self-love.