In our Q&A with Crystal Atkins, CEO & Founder of Dolce Dew Skin Co., Beauty News NYC Official gets the scoop on all things Dolce Dew, from its conception to its recent Editor’s Choice Award win, to more!
First, congratulations on winning Beauty News NYC Official’s 2025 Editor’s Choice Award for Best Emerging Indie Skincare Brand! What does this recognition mean to you personally and to Dolce Dew as a brand?
Thank you so much! This recognition is incredibly meaningful—not just for me as a founder, but for the entire Dolce Dew journey. As a brand born from equal parts passion and perseverance, being acknowledged by Beauty News NYC feels like a validating moment. It tells us we’re not just making beautiful products – we’re making an impact. For Dolce Dew, this award reinforces our commitment to formulating thoughtful, effective skincare that honors both skin health and real-life rituals.
What inspired you to create the Dolce Dew line, and is there a story behind the name?
When I was pregnant and about to deliver my second son during a pandemic, I developed stubborn skin concerns that nothing seemed to help. Every vitamin C serum I tried either made me itch or break out. So I decided to create my own – a Daily Dose of vitamin C that was deeply hydrating, barrier-safe, and left the skin dewy and calm, instead of irritated.
From the start, I knew I wanted the word “Dew” in the name because it perfectly captures that fresh, glowing complexion we all crave. I was torn between a couple of names, so I brought it up to my very Italian grandmother while we were sitting on the beach. Without hesitation, she said, “Oh, honey, it has to be Dolce Dew. That’s luxury.” And that was it. The name was born.
I am curious about your vision for developing products, such as the Blue Cleansing Oil and Enzyme Glaze + Glow.
When I created the Blue Cleansing Oil, I wanted it to feel like a ritual, not a chore. It’s silky, effective, and comforting. It dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and buildup without stripping the skin. Plus, the blue tansy lends calming, anti-inflammatory properties that make it as soothing as it is functional.
The Enzyme Glaze + Glow was created for clients who wanted immediate radiance without irritation. It’s a gentle exfoliant-meets-hydrator hybrid that polishes the skin while infusing it with moisture, leaving you with that “glass skin” look after just one use.
What sets Dolce Dew apart from the other skincare brands in the indie beauty space?
Every product in our line was created with a real person in mind. For example, Dream Cream was developed for my mom, who couldn’t tolerate retinol or tretinoin. It’s gentle, reparative, and results-driven—just like everything we create. We don’t formulate for the masses. We formulate with care, for specific needs, and always with intention.
Did you face any challenges in getting Dolce Dew off the ground, and if so, how did you approach overcoming them?
One of the biggest challenges was cutting through the noise. Skincare has become so overwhelming that people often feel paralyzed about what to use. I realized early on that educating people in a clear, empowering way was just as important as the products themselves. That’s why every formula is easy to understand and even easier to fall in love with.
How have your own skincare experiences and needs influenced Dolce Dew products?
We are deeply barrier-focused because I’ve made all the mistakes – over-exfoliating, stripping my skin, damaging my barrier. Every active ingredient in our formulas is carefully chosen to support the skin, never to compromise it. I truly believe that hydrated, healthy skin is the best skin, and a damaged barrier is the enemy of confidence and glow.
How intentional was the balance between aesthetics, effectiveness, and simplicity in your branding and product experience?
Very intentional. I wanted to bring femininity back into corrective skincare. So many of the professional brands we carry at our spa (Cucumber and Mint) have gone in a sterile, clinical direction—and while that works for some, I wanted something that felt elevated, beautiful, and still effective. My goal was to create packaging that reflects the quality of what’s inside: luxe, thoughtful, and impossible to ignore on the shelf.
Do you have a personal skincare philosophy, and if so, how does that translate to Dolce Dew’s product line?
My philosophy is rooted in consistency over perfection. Skincare is about showing up for yourself daily, through every season and stage of life. I believe confidence is the most powerful thing you can wear, and our products are designed to bring out that glow instantly while delivering deeper transformation over time.
Tell us, what’s next for Dolce Dew?
Yes! We’re preparing to launch a microbiome-friendly moisturizer that complements our core serum lineup. We’re also exploring a limited-edition seasonal product that ties into our wellness pillar, because we believe skincare is a whole-self experience. Stay tuned for some exciting collaborations with estheticians we love and trust!
If you were to recommend a single Dolce Dew product for someone to try, which would it be and why?
Daily Dose is the product that started it all. It hydrates, calms, strengthens the barrier, and gives the skin an instant glow. It’s skincare that feels good and does even better. Nicknamed “Glow in a Bottle”.
But if you want that instant wow-factor? Be Still Peptide Serum – nicknamed “Botox in a Bottle” – is a fan favorite for a reason. It smooths, plumps, and truly embodies everything Dolce Dew stands for: performance, luxury, and glow that goes beyond the surface.
To learn more about Dolce Dew Skin Co., visit HERE.
