Clarisonic plans to shutter its headquarters in Redmond, Wash., by the end of the year in a move that affects 92 employees. It’s the end of an era for the skincare device company, which has called the Seattle area home since it was founded in 2001. Clarisonic plans to move its operations closer to New York City, the U.S. home of parent company L’Oréal.
The employees, who were told of the decision last week, will receive relocation and severance packages, as well as the ability to apply for new positions. It is not clear how many of the 92 employees will be laid off and how many will be relocated. Clarisonic reported the closure as required by the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act.
“Clarisonic is very grateful for the contributions of these employees and is committed to supporting them throughout the transition period,” a company spokesperson said.
Three years ago, Clarisonic decided to outsource manufacturing to external partners, which reduced the Redmond workforce by 120 people.
The skincare company is known for its sonically-oscillating brushes that remove dry skin, dirt, and makeup from the skin. Clarisonic is the brainchild of David Giuliani, who also invented the Sonicare electric toothbrush based on technology created at the University of Washington. Giuliani sold his company, Pacific Bioscience Labs, to L’Oréal in 2011. He sold Sonicare-maker Optiva to Philips in 2000.
Clarisonic co-founder Robb Akridge left the company last year and has said he’s working on a new beauty device.
“Clarisonic has spent over a decade bringing industry-leading product innovation, scientific research and consumer insights that are driving the worldwide beauty device market. This change will further enhance Clarisonic’s ability to deliver innovative beauty devices to consumers around the world,” the spokesperson said.
