Clarisonic
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Skincare devices |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | David Giuliani, Robb Akridge, Steve Meginniss, Ward Harris, Ken Pilcher |
| Fate | Discontinued in July 2020; relaunched in March 2025 |
| Headquarters | Redmond , United States |
Key people | David Giuliani (CEO and co-founder) |
| Products | Clarisonic skincare devices |
| Parent | L'Oréal (2011–2020; 2025–present) |
Clarisonic, officially known as Pacific Bioscience Laboratories, Inc., was a company headquartered in Redmond, Washington, specializing in the production of the Clarisonic series of skincare devices. After being acquired by L'Oreal in 2011, Clarisonic captured 14% of the skincare device market share by 2018. However, in July 2020, L'Oréal decided to discontinue the brand, attributing this move to a strategic realignment and increasing competition from more affordable alternatives. By March 2025, Clarisonic announced its comeback to the market, introducing new products alongside enhanced online services.
Co-Founders
Clarisonic was established in 2000 by a team comprising David Giuliani, Robb Akridge, Steve Meginniss, Ward Harris, and Ken Pilcher. Among them, Giuliani served as CEO and co-founder; he previously led Optiva, which developed the Sonicare toothbrush line that was acquired by Philips Oral Healthcare in 2000.
Robb Akridge brought scientific expertise as a former Optiva researcher and holds academic credentials in biology and microbiology from institutions in Texas. Ken Pilcher, credited as the principal inventor behind Clarisonic’s technology, had prior experience designing avionics for NASA’s Space Shuttle program as well as medical electronic systems.
Initial funding for the company was secured through angel investors, including members of the Keiretsu Forum.
Awards and recognition
2012
- Best Skin Device by Glamour (magazine)
- Best of Beauty from Allure (magazine)