Can A-List Estheticians Build Viable Beauty Brands?

In March, a bright yellow bottle of serum was taking over my Instagram feed. Beauty editors, influencers and even non-industry Instagram users were posting about a $54 Mandelic Clearing Serum designed for acne-prone skin, the first product from New York City-based esthetician Sofie Pavitt.

Pavitt, who counts Zendaya, Lorde and model Paloma Elsesser as clients, launched Sofie Pavitt Face six years after opening her first studio on Canal Street…