As many businesses have done in recent weeks in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, a Chicago skincare startup is pivoting. And it's also working to help health care workers on the front lines of the virus.
Oars + Alps, a Chicago-based men's skincare brand, has started selling hand sanitizer products in response to the nation's current shortage of sanitizers, disinfectants and other cleaning products.
The startup is offering moisturizing hand sanitizer gels for $16 and pocket-sized sprays for $12 on its website. Oars + Alps has already sold out of the spray, but co-founder and CEO Mia Duchnowski said the company is working with its manufacturing partners on another shipment.
Oars + Alps is also partnering with hospitals in Chicago and New York to donate hand sanitizer to paramedics, doctors, nurses and other first responders. The startup is working with Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Franciscan Health Olympia Fields hospital in Chicago, and the NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.
Additionally, the company is partnering with A Better Chicago and has donated thousands of soaps to low income families in Chicago, Duchnowski said. Duchnowski said Oars + Alps has sold "thousands" of hand sanitizers and is donating a similar amount.
Overall, Duchnowski said business has been healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company offers several hygiene products that have proven popular with consumers in recent months, including its body wash. Body wash has become its most popular product at Target, a title that previously belonged to its deodorant product, Duchnowski said.
Last year, Oars + Alps was acquired by S.C. Johnson. Launched in 2016 by Duchnowski and Laura Lisowski Cox, who were both frustrated by the lack of healthy products available for their husbands, Oars + Alps makes men’s skincare products made with natural and toxin-free ingredients.
