Scarlett Johansson Gets Real About Postpregnancy Skin, Event Prep, and Finding Clarity in 2026
Recently, we gathered at a candlelit townhouse on the Upper West Side to celebrate the newest launch from The Outset—Scarlett Johansson’s five-year-old brand of clean skin-care essentials. The evening, clarity in 2026, included clairvoyant astrology readings and a manifestation tree.
It's a theme that resonates personally for the actor, mom of two, and entrepreneur (she also runs a production company, These Pictures) heading into the new year. “I think there’s something really powerful about intention. Whether you call it manifestation or simply getting clear on what you want, I love the idea of taking a moment to reflect and set a direction for yourself," she says. "It doesn’t have to be overly serious; it can be playful, but it definitely helps me feel more grounded and open.”
Johansson’s skin was a walking testament to The Outset’s Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum—the gentle vitamin C alternative we’ve recently added to our own skin-care lineup—but we were eager to learn what else might be contributing to her glow, even in the dead of New York City winter. So we asked her to give us a peek at her current beauty and wellness routine.
The Outset was born from your own skin journey, and the new Dark Spot Serum builds on that. How did your experience with hyperpigmentation shape its formulation, and what kind of response have you seen so far?
"Dark spots have been something I’ve dealt with for years, first from acne, then hyperpigmentation after my pregnancies. I tried everything, but with sensitive skin, most traditional brightening treatments were just too aggressive for me. That frustration really shaped this formula. I wanted something that actually worked, but felt calm and supportive on skin. When we started developing Total Clarity, I was the first person to test it and seeing a real difference without irritation was huge for me. Friends and family have been texting me asking what I’ve been using, which is always the best sign."
Has your wellness and self-care routine shifted with the new year or the change in seasons?
"Pilates is still a big part of my routine—it’s grounding and keeps me feeling strong without feeling depleted. In the winter especially, I really prioritize warmth and rest. I love anything that feels calming and restorative. I’ve learned that consistency matters more than intensity."
What does your morning routine look like these days, compared to when you first launched The Outset? Are there any new must-have skin-care products in your daily lineup?
"It’s honestly become even more streamlined. I’ve learned that my skin does best when I don’t overdo it. I’m very loyal to the basics—our Gentle Cleanser, Prep Serum, and Daily Moisturizer—and now Total Clarity has earned a permanent spot."
No-Makeup Makeup
"Makeup-wise, I’m all about things that enhance skin rather than cover it. A little concealer, cream blush, and something hydrating on the lips like our Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment usually does it."
What’s your approach to combating dry skin—even in the middle of a blizzard—and do you have any quick fixes for dull winter skin?
"Winter in New York is no joke. I definitely lean more into hydration this time of year. In the daytime, if I need a little something extra, I mix the Boosting Oil with the Daily Moisturizer, and in the evening, I use our Restorative Niacinamide Night Cream. For body, I still love exfoliating regularly because it makes such a difference, especially in winter—and I follow with a really rich body cream. If my skin feels dull and I need a quick fix, I love a cream bronzer or a little warmth on the cheeks. It instantly makes you look more alive."
What does skin prep look like for you before a red carpet or photo shoot?
"For me, it’s all about prep over coverage. I focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and giving my skin time to calm down before anything big. For everyday, I rely on the Prep Serum because it's the perfect primer to use before any foundation. I love facials that focus on lymphatic drainage and barrier support, nothing too aggressive. And I’m very consistent in the weeks leading up to an event rather than trying to do something last-minute."
As someone whose days are jam-packed, how do you turn your brain off from work and wind down for sleep?
"I really try to create a clear transition at night. That usually means putting my phone away, dimming the lights, and doing my skin-care routine. It's almost like a signal to my brain that it’s time to shut down. Even just a few quiet minutes makes a big difference."