Behind the Brand: facile CEO and Co-Founder, Danielle Nadick Levy
And the recent skin news worth taking a look at.
While there are so many beauty brands out there, it can be hard to overlook who is actually calling the shots on all the product formulation, marketing campaigns, and inventory management. Behind the Brand gives you a glimpse of the founders and CEOs of the brands you use on your skin daily.
Today’s interview features Danielle Nadick Levy, CEO and co-founder of facile. The dermatologist-approved skincare brand recently made its way into Sephora and has been named the retailers “Next Big Thing” by WWD. Their products launched on Sephora.com on March 25 and will be available for purchase in 276 stores on May 16.
Keep reading for a look at the inspiration behind facile and running a growing beauty brand.
Q: What inspired you to create facile?
A: The idea for facile skincare came directly from our clinics. From day one, we carried incredible third-party brands, but over time, we realized something was missing. There was a clear opportunity to simplify the overly complicated routines we were seeing every day. My partner, Dr. Sam spoke to thousands of patients about their skin and quickly noticed how confused many of them were. Using multi-step routines that often did more harm than good. That’s what inspired us to create facile, a line of dermatologist-formulated, effective, and easy-to-understand products at an accessible price point. What truly sets us apart is the foundation of our brand, rooted in real clinical experience and driven by a desire to make skincare feel simple not overwhelming.
Q: Who are facile’s products for?
A: Our products are designed to be gentle, effective, and inclusive. They're safe for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. We wanted to create a line that younger consumers could use without compromising their skin barrier, while still being potent enough to support more targeted concerns. The one exception is Reverse, our retinol, which is best suited for those in their mid-20s and up. Overall, facile is for anyone looking to build a thoughtful, streamlined routine that actually works.
Q: Can you talk a little about your best-sellers?
A: Our top seller is Barely There, our lightweight moisturizer. I have incredibly sensitive, breakout-prone skin, so I was determined to create something that deeply hydrates, supports a healthy barrier, and never clogs pores. It’s a staple for so many because it checks all the boxes: moisturizing, calming, and layers well under makeup and with other products. Another favorite is Brighten, our targeted brightening serum. I personally struggle with melasma and sun damage, and I've seen real results with this formula. The recent clinicals are also really compelling. It’s gentle but powerful, exactly what we strive for across the line.
Q: What is the hardest part about running a growing beauty brand?
A: I love this question. Before facile, I had built and sold a service based business, and the transition to product was a whole new world. One of the biggest challenges early on was learning to manage inventory. Forecasting accurately is crucial, over-order and you tie up cash, under-order and you risk going out of stock. Another challenge, which is also one of my favorite parts, is how much content is required to stay top of mind in beauty. In many ways, running a brand today feels like running a creative agency. You constantly need fresh, engaging, educational content across platforms. It’s a lot to keep up with, especially as a small team, but LA is full of amazing creatives and freelancers, and we’ve found great ways to stay agile and resourceful.
Q: Where do you see facile in 5 years?
A: Everywhere! Right now, we’re still in our early stages, but our exclusive partnership with Sephora has been such an exciting milestone. In five years, I see facile as a leader in accessible clinical skincare, expanding within retail, continuing to innovate, and becoming a trusted go to brand for people who want high-performance skincare without the complexity.
Nara Smith recently partnered with Cetaphil to promote their Rapid Relief Cream. This is her first beauty campaign, and she shared with BOF how it aligns with her own struggles with eczema.
YSL Beauty unveils Art of Flowers at 50th annual Macy’s Flower Show. "YSL Beauty US is thrilled to be partnering with Macy's for their 2025 Flower Show, a true retail statement from an iconic retailer. Flowers, in their daring and raw beauty, are at the heart of our products, but also our brand – and have served as a constant source of inspiration for M. Saint Laurent. They represent the vulnerability, beauty, and possibility in our world, which we try to always amplify. The YSL BEAUTY ART OF FLOWERS experience epitomizes the spirit and vision of the brand we're honored to bring this to life." – Juliette Ferret, YSL BEAUTY US General Manager.
Glossier’s newest launch was officially announced: Espresso Balm Dotcom. I was hoping they would do something a little less expected.
Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter discussed repurchasing the brand from L’Oréal and the hopes for the brand, including new products and connecting with its core consumer. This is one of a handful of founders repurchasing their brands after selling—maybe the big houses aren’t all they seem to be anymore?
Saie shared their quarterly tracker of helping build a cleaner, more equitable future with eliminating plastic waste on Instagram. Other brands should follow suit.
CeraVe unveils new products: Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Refills.
Fenty Beauty shared with their followers on Instagram how their Invisimatte Instant Setting & Blotting Powder is refillable—and users are mind blown.
Clinique released a new vitamin-powdered foundation last week. It’s called NEW and is available in 28 shades.
I <3 Facile !!! Their lippy is the best