Shark Tank Passed on This Top Beauty Brand—Here’s Why That Was a Mistake
When the PROVEN Skincare founder, Ming Zhao, walked into the Shark Tank with a bold ask—$500,000 for a 5% stake in PROVEN—she was met with more resistance than recognition. The valuation placed the company at $10 million, and while Zhao outlined an effective vision backed by dermatological science and cutting-edge technology, the Sharks didn’t bite. Some Sharks doubted the data’s value, saying, “It’s not there yet.”
But the real twist? PROVEN Skincare didn’t need a Shark to make it big. They’re achieving even more than expected, and here’s why.
The Pitch the Sharks Couldn’t See
Zhao’s pitch was more than just another skincare product. PROVEN was rooted in groundbreaking science—the MIT-awarded The Skin Health Index™, formerly known as the Skin Genome Project, the world’s largest privately held skincare database. This advanced system analyzes 47 distinct factors about each individual—from age, location, and diet to skin concerns, water hardness, and sleep habits—to create a truly customized formula.
Even with fast-growing online sales and a $3.5 million licensing deal on the table, the Sharks saw great potential but remained unconvinced. They saw early-stage risks, questioned the brand’s ability to scale, and balked at high customer acquisition costs. Nevertheless, what they actually failed to see was that PROVEN wasn’t chasing ordinary trends—it was pioneering a new category: hyper-personalized, data-driven skincare.
PROVEN Skincare Growth After Shark Tank
Despite walking away without a deal, PROVEN Skincare gained something just as valuable—nationwide exposure and increased sales. The so-called “Shark Tank effect” kicked in hard. PROVEN generated $3 million in revenue across 2019 and 2020, and they still have their eyes on growth. Website traffic spiked, brand awareness increased, and consumers took notice.
Media outlets did too:
For a brand dismissed as too risky, PROVEN has demonstrated the exact opposite.
What Sets PROVEN Apart
At its core, PROVEN carefully combines technology with dermatological science. Customers take a quiz, which captures a holistic snapshot of each person's lifestyle and skin profile. That information is then processed through their exclusive algorithm, which draws on an unparalleled database: over 20 million consumer reviews, scientific analysis of more than 20,000 skincare ingredients, and insights from over 4,000 peer-reviewed research papers.
The final result? A simplified 3-step skincare routine tailored precisely to the individual.
This unique blend of simplicity, precision, and personalization stands out in a crowded market filled with one-size-fits-all products. PROVEN, with over 100,000 happy customers, not only meets but anticipates the growing demand for personalized beauty solutions—a sector that’s projected to grow dramatically in the coming years.
Another Opportunity That Got Away
PROVEN now joins the ranks of other “Shark Tank misses” that turned into massive successes—e.g., Ring, Uber, Kodiak Cakes, and more. What the Sharks didn’t see was more than just a sound business model; it was a glimpse into the future of beauty. In passing on PROVEN, they didn’t just miss an investment—they missed an opportunity to be part of a revolution in beauty and skincare.
Not a Loss—Just the Beginning
PROVEN Skincare’s Shark Tank journey didn’t end with a deal, but it did launch a stronger beginning. The brand proved its worth in the real world, generating millions in sales and becoming a leader in personalized skincare. In hindsight, the Sharks' rejection wasn’t a failure—it was their fuel, and now… the data is here already. PROVEN didn’t just survive the Tank. It thrived without it. And to reinforce this statement, there are 13,000+ 5-star reviews from customers who have seen real results.
