With Althaea Skin, Dr. Ava Shamban becomes the latest expert founder

Los Angeles-based Dr. Ava Shamban has been a dermatologist for well over 30 years. In that time, she has served as the resident dermatologist on “Extreme Makeover,” opened med spas in Los Angeles and opened two dermatology practices, in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

Now, Dr. Shamban is making her second foray into products, at a time when the expert-founded brand category is packed: In 2022, “derminfluencer” Dr. Whitney Bowe launched her namesake brand; in December 2023, Shiseido Americas acquired 23-year-old Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare for $450 million; and just a few weeks ago, Dr. Muneeb Shah launched his own brand, Remedy Skin.

Dr. Shamban first introduced a brand, called Radical Departure, in June 2006. After closing down the actives-based brand in 2012 due to the high costs of marketing and advertising and the brand’s limited distribution. She plans to relaunch it in 2025.

Continue reading this article on glossy.co. Sign up for Glossy newsletters to get the latest on the business of beauty, fashion and pop culture.