Halifax-based SkinFix has divested its SweetSpot Labs line of women’s health products in a deal with Miami-based private equity shop AOI Capital.
Launched in California in 2003 by entrepreneur Shari Creed, SweetSpot was bought by SkinFix in 2015 in a bid to round out its own line of skincare products. SweetSpot sells a range of genital health products for women for treating issues such as razor burn and ingrown hairs, and has been helmed by former L’Oreal marketing exec Julia Chamberlain since last year.
SkinFix, meanwhile, was founded by Ocean Nutrition Canada alumn Amy Gordinier in 2012 and specializes in natural balms and skin care products, including for managing dermatitis.
AOI said in a statement that SweetSpot will complement its existing portfolio of compounding pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses and wellness and skincare e-commerce brands.
“Since 2003, SweetSpot's products have always been science-based, with clean, safe and non-irritating ingredients,” said AOI partner and SweetSpot board chair Melissa Barrett in a statement.
"SweetSpot Labs was also the first to demystify and destigmatize intimate skincare, and to empower women by creating greater awareness and agency around the health of intimate skin using their safe, results-driven formulas and first-to-market innovations for all ages and life stages.”
SweetSpot’s products are sold in over 1,100 Shoppers Drug Marts in Canada and 800 Ulta Beauty stores in the United States, as well as major e-commerce retailers.
AOI said it plans to bring its vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities and industry connections to bear on diversifying the SweetSpot product lines.
“We see a natural expansion for SweetSpot Labs into doctor-formulated prescription products and OTC supplements to support women’s total URO/GYN and sexual health needs, at every stage of their lives,” said Barrett.