The holidays came a little early for us this year, and we have some exciting news to share! Barrier + Beyond Vitamin Water Serum has been named one of the winners in Virginia Living’s 2026 Made in Virginia Awards in the Style & Beauty category.
It's always special to see a product we've put so much thought and care into get recognized, especially alongside other talented Virginia makers. And this isn't the first time Barrier + Beyond has caught the attention of the beauty world. More on that in a minute!
What the Judge Had to Say
This year’s Style & Beauty judge was Carter Johnston, who has spent more than 25 years in the fashion industry. After trying Barrier & Beyond, she shared:
“This serum feels amazing while having a very subtle, clean scent. It is definitely a product that would have you looking forward to doing your skin care!”
We couldn't ask for a better description of what we hope people experience with our products. Skincare should feel good to use. It's a few quiet minutes for yourself in the middle of a busy day, not another thing to check off your to-do list.
What Makes Barrier & Beyond Special
Barrier + Beyond is a lightweight, water-based vitamin serum that delivers hydration without leaving skin feeling heavy or greasy. It's an easy addition to just about any skincare routine, whether you're keeping things simple or layering on your favorite products.
Here's what makes it a customer favorite:
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Lightweight, water-based hydration. The silky formula absorbs quickly, delivering hydration without a heavy or greasy feel.
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Made with your skin barrier in mind. A thoughtful blend of ingredients helps keep skin hydrated and looking healthy.
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A subtle, naturally derived scent. Like all withSimplicity skincare products, Barrier & Beyond is synthetic fragrance-free, with its scent coming from essential oils and botanicals.
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Made in small batches in the USA. Every bottle is made right here in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with the care and attention that go into everything we create.
Barrier + Beyond Vitamin Water Serum was also featured in the Tips & Trends section of Vogue's September 2025 issue. We're pretty excited to see this serum continuing to get noticed!
How to Use Barrier & Beyond Serum
Adding Barrier & Beyond to your routine is easy. After cleansing, press a few drops into your face and neck. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
It's suitable for morning and evening use and layers easily under makeup.
Looking for an Easy Skincare Gift?
Not sure what to get someone when you don't know their exact skin type or skincare preferences? Barrier & Beyond Vitamin Water Serum is designed to fit into a variety of skincare routines, making it the perfect gift for a friend, teacher, family member, or anyone who could use a little extra hydration in their day.
About the 2026 Made in Virginia Awards
Now in its 15th year, Virginia Living's Made in Virginia Awards celebrate standout products made across the Commonwealth. The 2026 awards recognized 20 products across four categories: Food, Drink, Home & Lifestyle, and Style & Beauty.
A panel of expert judges worked with the Virginia Living team to select this year's winners. Barrier & Beyond was one of five products recognized in the Style & Beauty category, alongside handcrafted jewelry, leather goods, and a one-of-a-kind quilted jacket.
For our team, this recognition means a lot. Every withSimplicity product is made in small batches in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and we're proud to be part of a community of makers creating thoughtful, quality products in our state.
Thank you to everyone who has welcomed Barrier & Beyond into their skincare routine and continues to support what we're building. We wouldn't be here without you!
