Outer Bio, co-founded by entrepreneur Michael Polansky and singer Lady Gaga, seeks to revolutionize skin care research. The company began operations around 2020 and publicly introduced itself in August 2026. Its focus is on discovering novel methods to enhance skin health through its discovery platform, Yuna.
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Yuna is an ex vivo human-skin platform that maintains living, measurable skin for up to four weeks. Lady Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, recently joined Outer Bio’s Board of Directors alongside Polansky, who also serves as the company's CEO. Together, they aim to meet the rising consumer demand for effective skin care products in 2026 and beyond.
Polansky noted, "The consumer demand for efficacious skin care and beauty products is extraordinary." He emphasized that consumers are knowledgeable and discerning, always seeking products that perform well.
However, he pointed out a significant challenge: the slow pace of discovering new active ingredients in the industry. "Trying to innovate in that world can feel virtually impossible," Polansky commented, adding that while the industry has superficially embraced concepts of innovation and technology, a natural limitation has stifled real progress.
Polansky further questioned the absence of new active ingredients that surpass the effectiveness of established ones like retinol and hyaluronic acid. This concern stemmed from observing Lady Gaga's challenges while developing her makeup brand, Haus Labs. "I watched Stefani exhaust most available options and still want to go a lot harder and faster," he explained, highlighting her persistent quest for better data and solutions.