The Interview: Cosmetic Consult's Ashley Stobart on building a community-driven brand and plans for product expansion
Ashley Stobart began her career working in a plastic surgery clinic and has since built a successful path as an influencer-turned-entrepreneur, notably co-hosting the Nip Tuck podcast with best friend Lauren Adamson.
During the pandemic, when access to clinic treatments was limited, Stobart spotted a gap in the market. Motivated by this, she set out to create a simple, one-step product that delivers professional-quality results at home - all at a fraction of the cost. After four years of development, she finally launched Cosmetic Consult in October 2024.
The debut product, Miracle Skin Transformation, is a pre-soaked peel pad packed with ingredients targeting everything from acne and pigmentation to dullness and fine lines. It recently launched in the Lookfantastic store in Altrincham, marking a signifiant milestone for the brand,
In this interview with TheIndustry.beauty, Stobart discusses how her previous experience helped in developing Cosmetic Consult, its launch at Lookfantastic, her plans to introduce more products, and the importance of customer feedback and community insight in shaping the brand’s evolution.
What inspired you to launch Cosmetic Consult?
I’ve had a passion for skincare for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always believed in the power of great skin to boost confidence. I wanted to create a results-driven treatment that people could use in the comfort of their own home. Not everyone feels confident enough to leave the house without makeup - even for a facial - so it was important for me to develop something that was effective, accessible, and easy to use.
During COVID, I couldn’t get to my regular facials, and that’s really what sparked the idea. I started thinking: how could I bring that post-facial glow home? I already had a deep understanding of skincare - I’ve tried pretty much everything on the market - and I knew I wanted to create something that actually works, but without the hefty price tag that often comes with results-led products.
I spent three years researching formulations and skincare innovations, and over a year in product development before getting it just right. It’s been a real labour of love, and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve created - especially when I read the daily feedback from customers and see the difference it’s making to their skin.
How has your previous experience helped in developing the brand?
I’ve always been a total skincare junkie - from cult indie products to luxury brands and trending treatments, I’ve tried it all. I’m also a huge fan of in-clinic treatments and have had more than my fair share over the years, which really gave me insight into what works and what doesn’t.
Before launching Cosmetic Consult, I also worked as a practicing skin specialist, so I understand skin on a deeper level - from how it functions to the various concerns people struggle with daily. That hands-on knowledge helped me identify a clear gap in the market and gave me the tools to develop a formula that delivers real results across multiple skin concerns.
How do you differentiate Cosmetic Consult in a competitive market?
The skincare category is saturated - I knew that going in, so I also knew I had to create something different. For me, the mission has always been clear: to develop one hero formulation through a simplified approach that works for a wide range of people and skin concerns.
The product tackles multiple concerns in one step - from pigmentation and rosacea to acne, dullness, and even early signs of ageing by stimulating collagen. It’s designed to help your skin look brighter, smoother, and more even-toned - without overcomplicating your routine. That streamlined, results-led approach is what sets Cosmetic Consult apart. I’m so proud of what we’ve built and how many people it’s already helped.
Can you tell me about your debut product and why you launched it?
I wanted to create a formulation powered by high-performance ingredients, but one that was gentle enough for a broad range of skin types. There are so many products out there that are overly potent, leaving skin purging or needing downtime - and that’s just not realistic for most people. I wanted something that gives visible results after one use, but without compromising comfort or skin barrier health. There really aren't many products on the market you can say that about.
This debut formula sets the tone for the entire brand - it’s the foundation everything else will be built on. We’ve got some incredibly exciting NPD launching over the next few months, and they’ll all carry this signature formulation DNA. It’s a powerful blend: natural retinol alternative Bakuchiol, prickly pear extract, salicylic acid, Vigna Aconitifolia to support cell turnover, Salix Alba for gentle exfoliation, plus a cocktail of Seven Seed Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, and Hamamelis Virginiana - each chosen for specific skin-boosting benefits.
So, you're expanding the range. Can you tell me more about your approach to new products?
Absolutely - launching the hero formula has made expanding the range so much more exciting. That said, it's not been easy. There's been a huge amount of trial, testing, and fine-tuning behind the scenes. I’m incredibly fussy and will never put my name to something I don’t 100% believe in.
I’m thrilled to say we just signed off our next product, which I’m so proud of - it’s taken time and care to get it right. Eventually, the goal is to have a full treatment-led range, supported by a curated line of core skincare staples that complement the formulations perfectly.
How important has customer feedback and community insight been in shaping the brand’s evolution?
It’s been integral - I genuinely believe the community is the heart of this brand. We receive customer testimonials daily, either through the site or directly into my DMs. I think we’ve had over 500 since we launched in October. That kind of response is very humbling.
To hear stories about how Cosmetic Consult has helped people feel confident enough to go to the gym without makeup or leave the house bare-faced - that’s what keeps me going. We’ve built an amazing community, not just through the brand but also through my podcast. I love connecting directly with customers, which is why I host regular community-driven events. Our recent one with Lookfantastic in Altrincham was such a special moment.
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Tell me about your launch at Lookfantastic - what do you hope to achieve from this retail partnership?
I’ve shopped at the Lookfantastic store in Altrincham since it opened, so partnering with them just felt right. They’ve been so supportive from day one, and it’s a great way for me to connect directly with our customers. It’s not just about stocking a product on a shelf - it’s about creating a tangible brand experience and being there with the community in real life. Cosmetic Consult has been #1 performing brand since launch - I’m so excited to see where this partnership takes us.
In your opinion, how has the skincare industry evolved in recent years - and how do you see it changing?
It’s changed massively. We’ve seen a huge rise in new brands and even entire new categories, especially in the younger and teen skincare space - which comes with its own controversy. Social media has played a massive role in driving product demand, which is amazing for visibility but can also be overwhelming and even detrimental for consumers trying to navigate it all.
Cosmetic Consult has definitely had viral moments, but I’m very clear that we’re not just a viral brand. We’re creating luxury, accessible skincare that genuinely works - and that’s why retail expansion is so important. It gives us the opportunity to meet consumers where they are and ensure the brand is available to everyone
What are your ambitions for Cosmetic Consult?
My ambition is for Cosmetic Consult to be a household name and become a leading skincare brand. Global growth is definitely on the roadmap - we’ve already tested appetite in some international markets and the demand is there, which is incredibly exciting.
We’re still under a year old, but I’m growing a talented team and laying the foundations to take things to the next level. The vision is big - and we’re just getting started.
