Skincential Sciences Receives Funding From CIA's Venture Capital Unit

Cosmetics and skincare company Skincential Sciences has attracted interest and funding from In-Q-Tel, the venture capital unit of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, according to documents obtained by The Intercept. CIA’s interest in the company might have been triggered by Skincential Sciences, owner of the Clearista line of skincare products, through its patented technology that removes a thin outer layer of the skin. According to the company, the technology can reveal unique biomarkers that can be used for various diagnostic tests, including DNA collection. Founded by then-CIA director George Tenet in 1999, In-Q-Tel identifies innovative technology that can be used to support the mission of the CIA and other intelligence agencies.