Kinder Beauty, a company known for its cruelty-free beauty and lifestyle subscription boxes, has ceased operations. Founded in 2019 by activist Andrew Bernstein alongside vegan actresses Daniella Monet and Evanna Lynch, the company aimed to deliver 100% vegan and cruelty-free beauty products to its subscribers. Despite initial success, Kinder Beauty faced significant financial challenges, leading to its liquidation after four years of operation.
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The company's closure was abrupt, leaving many customers and Reddit users feeling blindsided. Subscribers expressed their disappointment on online forums, noting the lack of communication from Kinder Beauty regarding the cessation of services. Customers discussed the sudden disappearance of the company, highlighting that no emails were sent out to inform them of the shutdown, and January boxes were never dispatched. This lack of transparency and customer service in the company's final days has led to frustration among its once-loyal customer base.
It was later revealed that Kinder Beauty was acquired by Farsedakis Beauty Brands to the surprise of many subscription members who did not receive their last subscription boxes after being charged prior to the closure and acquisition. In an email revealed by a former customer it says, "Kinder Beauty faced some sudden and overwhelming challenges that led to them closing down their operations. There’s been understandable frustration and disappointment felt by many Kinder customers and we can only imagine how disappointing this is to hear."
"Our company acquired certain assets from Kinder, but it did not include their past operational responsibilities or subscriptions. Farsedakis Beauty Brands may be a new name to you, our company has been dedicated to beauty for over 30 years. Our team is here to create a positive experience for you as your satisfaction and trust in our family of brands is paramount to us."
Kinder Beauty's downfall is indicative of broader struggles within the subscription box market. The segment has been under strain, with other companies like Birchbox and Glossybox also experiencing difficulties. As consumers' shopping habits evolve and the market becomes more competitive, subscription box services are finding it increasingly challenging to maintain profitability and customer interest.
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Commenters said in response to post:
"I'm so upset at the CEO and the company because I had 5 boxes left and I reached out for weeks on every platform I could find Them turning their comments off made me so upset. I don't get how this is legal and I filed something with the BBB but I doubt we're getting our money back which is upsetting because we were paying for something "ethical" and good for the environment just to get screwed."
"Looks like it was a good thing I cancelled my subscription with them a few months back. I was a subscriber for over a year but I wasn’t impressed with the boxes anymore."
"I have 5 months left on mine as well on my 1 year subscription. I'm extremely disappointed and quite angry."
"I recommend you go to your credit card company immediately, explain the situation and see if they would be able to refund you a prorated amount. If you're lucky maybe they will refund you. But honestly expect to just lose that money. Looks like Kinder has shut down just like Alltrue did and all their assets will be liquidated to pay creditors. The investors and secured creditors that put money into Kinder will get first dibs at the money. Consumers like us will be the base of the totem pole."
"With the recent acquisition of Kinder Beauty by Farsedakis and the website automatically redirecting to this new one, I am now unable to log in, view my subscriptions, or cancel them."
"I have been a yearly subscriber since 2019 and definitely never would have thought they would just disappear. I noticed Andrew being silent in the Facebook group back in November, but had customer service interaction in early December. I am guessing they were scrambling to try and find another investor and just couldn’t. What I don’t understand is why we are not being directly told."
"I tried reaching out to them multiple times after receiving dried out mascara in my December box - no reply whatsoever. They’ve just vanished! Not very KIND"
"Kinder Beauty billed me for 3 months in December and I just now realized I did not receive a box! I sent an email a couple of days ago and have no received any kind of response."
"So glad I paused right before charge date! I thought it was weird that there was no personalization for January. When I tried, it said the window for December was over. I emailed them and never got a response so I paused just in case. I need to go cancel now!"
"uper disappointed by this! I paid for the yearly subscription box and still had 4 boxes left before my subscription was set to renew. Those are four boxes I’ve already paid for and won’t receive. I was suspicious when there was no mention of a January beauty box, but I naively thought maybe they were slow to respond with the holidays. I emailed, messaged on social media and never got a response."
