across its direct-to-consumer site, in addition to online and in-store retailers including Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Amazon.com.  Inside Retail connected with Frezza to learn more about his passion for the skincare industry, the origin story of his brand, and upcoming retail initiatives for the brand. Inside Retail: How did the idea for Peace Out Skincare come about? Enrico Frezza: I tried more acne products, doctor prescriptions, and infomercial products than you can possibly imagine, and could not find an easy-to-use solution with fast-acting results. My frustration became the catalyst for developing a technology that treated the root cause of our pesky breakouts, not just the symptom. The breakthrough ‘a-ha’ moment came while I was scouring the drugstore aisles for anything that could possibly clear one of his nasty breakouts. It was then that I discovered hydrocolloid dressing — a biodegradable, flesh-colored dressing normally used to heal wounds in the medical field. I bought every hydrocolloid bandage in the drugstore and began self-testing until I found a one-step, easy skincare solution to treat my acne. I was immediately met with resistance from all labs except one. With a lab secured, I powered through the product development process of the first-ever hydrocolloid acne dot to be infused with active ingredients. After years of tireless research and 14 prototypes later, Peace Out Acne was born and recruited into an exclusive partnership with Sephora US in January 2017. IR: In what ways do you believe Peace Out Skincare fills a white space in the beauty and personal care market?  EF: Peace Out Acne hit shelves in July 2017 and immediately took Sephora by storm, while quickly becoming the leader in patch technologies. Today, we continue to deliver fast and effective solutions for acne-prone skin.  IR: What have been the biggest highlights and setbacks you’ve experienced in building the business thus far? EF: The biggest highlight has been developing the very first clean, patented, hydrocolloid acid-induced pimple patch in the industry. Getting the news from Sephora that they would love to carry Peace Out. They were the number one retailer I wanted to work with. They were my dream.  Also, becoming the number one prestige acne patch brand at Sephora and developing multiple first-to-market products while also securing patents for them.  The biggest setback was the pandemic, it really threw a lot of curveballs at us, like procuring the ingredients for our products. All the logistic nightmares were some of the most challenging times for us as a brand. IR: What type of products are you interested in launching next?  EF: Continuing to develop innovative, first-to-market, industry-leading products for all types of acne-prone skin from cystic to occasional. I am always interested in delivery systems, and building new ways to effectively deliver ingredients and treatments for acne-prone skin. I am very interested in tools that could treat acne.  IR: What are your top areas of focus for the brand over the next 12 months?  EF: Expanding on the success of our acne products and brand at Sephora and building up our business at Ulta and on Amazon.  We are also focusing on expanding our markets domestically and internationally, which is very exciting. IR: Where would you like to see your company in the next five years?  EF: We would like to be accessible globally and to continue to be the leader for acne-prone skincare in all the channels we distribute and are available, and maybe also a freestanding Peace Out Store. Further reading: Sephora to launch first Store of the Future concept in Asia