OCHRE, known for its microbiome-friendly haircare products, identified the potential for a free web app that educates consumers on product ingredients. This tool helps users identify skin irritants that could trigger eczema, acne, or allergic reactions.
Aligned with the "skinification" trend, this app is under development to enhance OCHRE's future product development and empower consumers to make informed personal care choices.
In December 2022, I developed a severe skin condition that lasted eight months, forcing me to wear gloves while showering and avoid basic hand creams. This experience made me acutely aware of product ingredients and how vulnerable consumers are to potential irritants.
Through research, I found that I wasn’t alone. The National Eczema Association reports that 31.6 million people in the U.S. have eczema, and over 60% of women and 50% of men experience sensitive skin. Dermatologists didn’t provide clear answers, and "safe" labels lacked transparency, reinforcing my belief that consumers deserve better ingredient information.
Research Methodology
I conducted 1:1 interviews with 10 individuals who regularly track skincare ingredients and have sensitive skin. This method was chosen to leverage my marketing/MBA background for deeper personal interactions and more nuanced insights.
Key Findings
Painpoints Ranking
Based on the interview findings, I identified three main pain points and asked participants to rank them in order of importance:
Conclusion
Users value simplicity and ease above all. Whether it's understanding ingredient terminology, accessing product information quickly, or using visual aids, the ultimate goal is to make skincare research effortless and intuitive.
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Paula’s choice skincare ingredient checker
Through this analysis, I recognized a common problem: users spend too much time navigating these platforms, leading to frustration. My solution had to be concise and straightforward, offering clear "good" or "bad" summaries rather than detailed research papers. The aim was to give users a quick, one-page overview that is easily digestible.
Moreover, I noted that most competitors focus solely on ingredients rather than symptoms. This gap offered an opportunity to address users’ specific skin concerns directly.
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Simple and Straightforward Design
I prioritized simplicity and user-friendliness from the start. My process began by conducting user interviews and reviewing competitor apps, revealing the need for a clean, intuitive homepage. I iterated on wireframes, testing how users navigated ingredient data while shopping, and identified pain points with overwhelming information.
The solution centered on an easy-to-digest ingredient summary. Competitors used dense, hard-to-read paragraphs, so I designed a graphical, organized interface for quick, intuitive access—particularly benefiting users with eczema or other skin sensitivities. This approach made learning about ingredients seamless, addressing both user needs and client goals.
Consumer Education: Blog Articles
I added a blog feature, driven by user feedback and research, to provide expert-reviewed articles on common skin concerns. This streamlined the journey, giving users quick access to credible information instead of unreliable sources.
Easier Access: My Ingredient List
To make ingredient tracking easier, I introduced a "My Ingredient List" feature, allowing users to save, annotate, and monitor ingredients.
Future Development: Skin Details
Looking ahead, I’ve built the foundation for personalized recommendations based on users’ skin profiles for future app versions.
Sign In / Sign Up
While prioritizing simplicity and ease of use, I also wanted to incorporate custom tracking features. My solution:
Error Messages
I opted for simplicity in error handling:
Password Recovery
To minimize user frustration, I streamlined the password recovery process:
Username Management
With future community features in mind, I implemented username functionality:
