Prescription skincare brand shortlisted for share of £5m investment

A Leeds-based doctor has seen-off hundreds of competitors to make it to the final of a nationwide search to find the next “billion-dollar company”.  

Dr Emma Horton and her skincare company Uncouth have been shortlisted for The Next Unicorn, a “Dragon’s Den style” initiative set up by Brewdog founder James Watt to identify and support exciting new businesses. 

From over 700 applicants, Uncouth has made it to the final 20, and is in with a chance of winning a trip to Las Vergas and a share of a £5m investment.  

Horton, 33, set up Uncouth from her home in Leeds last year after identifying a gap in the skincare market.

Through her job as a dermatology specialist doctor, she saw the impact that common skin conditions were having on the everyday lives and mental wellbeing of her patients.

But because of the pressures on the NHS, patients can wait months to see a dermatologist, and private consultations can cost more than £250.  

She said she wanted to offer an accessible and personalised prescription service to the millions of people who experience treatable and everyday skin conditions like acne or rosacea.  

Uncouth offers its customers a virtual consultation system and a personalised formula that they can access without moving from their sofa.

It aims to solve everyday skin complaints effectively, simply and rapidly, as well as providing targeted formulas to improve texture and signs of skin ageing.  

Horton said: “There’s a lot of frustration around skin issues. The skincare world is confusing and there are lots of products out there that promise the world, but have very little evidence to back up their claims.

“Prescription formulas are often very effective, but they need to be prescribed by a medical professional. 

“Uncouth offers a personalised, doctor-led skincare service that tailors the concentration of ingredients to suit people’s skin.”