The U.S. Cosmetic Oil Boom: Katini Skin’s Unique Approach to Natural, Ethical Skincare.
Katini Skin launch event in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay.
The cosmetic oil industry in the U.S. is experiencing significant growth, and the new high-quality cosmetic oil line from Katini Skin—sourced from Japan, Africa, and Australia—is here to seriously raise the bar for effectiveness. Katini’s Clarity Purifying Oil has already won both the Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Acne Award and the Byrdie Beauty Award.
Katini Skin, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay.
Electrik Coast had the chance to speak with Katini Skin founder Katini Yamaoka in New York City to learn more about this promising, market-impacting brand, now debuting in Sephora online stores.
Katini Skin line and quality philosophy.
Katini Skin X Sephora Event in NYC.
Katini Skin X Sephora launch event in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay.
Katini Skin line and quality philosophy
Katini Skin offers high-quality facial oils sourced from Japan, Africa, and Australia. One of the core missions of the brand is sustainability through ethical practices. Her oils are organic, wild-harvested, and free from parabens, SLS, and chemical preservatives. Additionally, the skincare line adheres to Fair Trade and cruelty-free certification guidelines.
“Katini Skin goes beyond skin care—we want to create a sensory journey for our customers”
-Katini Yamaoka
The product lineup includes the award-winning Clarity Purifying Oil—recognized by both the Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Acne Awards and the Byrdie Beauty Awards—as well as the Collagen Boosting Oil, Celestial Nightly Repair, Soleil Daily Brightening, and the Signature Body Oil, with prices ranging from $75 to $115. Skincare accessories include Gua Shas, priced between $30 and $40.
Katini Skin X Sephora Event in NYC
The Katini Skin x Sephora event took place on May 2, 2025, at NeueHouse, located at 110 E 25th St, New York, NY 10010. Hosted in collaboration with Sephora, the exclusive gathering marked the official launch of Katini Skin’s latest collection and celebrated the brand’s growing presence in the beauty and skincare space.
The launch event highlighted the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and holistic wellness. Guests were invited to explore the full range of Katini Skin’s products while the founder shared personal insights into her journey, the inspiration behind the brand, and the impact of conscious beauty practices in today’s market.
The event concluded with a calming yoga session led by Nike wellness athlete Robert Hued, offering guests a moment of mindfulness and relaxation—a perfect reflection of Katini Skin’s ethos of balance and inner well-being.
Katini SkinX Sephora launch event in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay.
From Global Roots to Skincare Innovation: Katini’s Journey
Raised in Australia by a Japanese mother and African father, Katini grew up surrounded by rich cultural traditions and natural healing practices. From a young age, she favored plant-based remedies over chemical products, embracing holistic health and ancient wisdom. While building a global music career and working multiple jobs in New York, she stayed connected to her roots. This passion led her to create her brand, available at luxury retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and launching at Sephora.
Partner with Black Progress Matters
Katini Skin received funding through the Black Progress Matters incubator program, which supports the development and funding of Black-owned startups. The program is dedicated to helping people of color secure executive roles within organizations, providing leadership opportunities, and internships for students at historically Black colleges.
Janelle Guevarra and Robert Hued, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay. @theorchidclay
Giant industry brands and quality concerns
The cosmetic oil industry is experiencing significant growth, fueled by increasing consumer demand for natural, organic, and multifunctional skincare solutions. This sector includes a variety of products such as face oils, body oils, and hair oils, which are formulated with ingredients like argan, jojoba, rosehip, and coconut oils.
In 2024, the U.S. cosmetic oil market was valued at approximately USD 62.59 billion, with projections to reach USD 104.3 billion by 2033. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.21% during the forecast period. Leading companies in the U.S. market include L'Oréal Group, Unilever, The Estée Lauder Companies, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Kao Corporation, and Coty Inc.
However, critics of cosmetic oils from major industry players often highlight recurring concerns, particularly regarding ingredient quality, transparency, sustainability, and pricing. Here’s a breakdown of the most common criticisms:
1. Ingredient Quality & Greenwashing
• Synthetic Additives: Big brands like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder often include synthetic ingredients in “natural” oils, potentially irritating sensitive skin.
• Greenwashing: Products marketed as clean or organic may contain minimal natural oils mixed with cheap fillers.
2. Lack of Transparency
• Vague Labels: Terms like “fragrance” or “botanical complex” obscure actual ingredients.
• Sourcing Secrecy: Brands rarely disclose how or where oils are sourced, raising ethical and sustainability concerns.
3. Overpricing for Basic Formulas
• Ingredient Markup: Luxury brands charge high prices for common oils available in cheaper indie products.
• Costly Packaging: Premium prices often reflect branding over product quality.
4. Sustainability Concerns
• Wasteful Packaging: Many products still use non-recyclable materials.
• Environmental Impact: Mass demand can drive harmful farming and overharvesting of popular oils.
Katini Yamaoka, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay.
The U.S. cosmetic oil industry is robust and expanding, driven by a blend of established corporations and innovative niche brands like Katini Skin. This growth is fueled by consumer demand for natural, effective, and ethically produced skincare solutions. We invite you to shop Katini Skin https://katiniskin.com/
Katini Skin launch event in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay.
Katini Skin launch event in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay.
