When I’m not writing, catching up on assignments, or binging old CW shows, I’m probably researching what beauty and skincare products I should have on my radar. In the spirit of Black History Month, I found myself wanting to learn more about some black-owned businesses and the unique perspectives they bring to the beauty and skincare industries. What I found is a host of brands committed to changing the way we do skin care with natural, ethically sourced, and eco-friendly formulas. Here are 6 of my favorites.
- Klur
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Klur is a high-end, minimalistic skincare line created by Lesley Thornton that values sustainability and inclusivity. Their products include serums, oils, masks, and treatments tailored to suit varying skin types and ethnicities. I also love that their ingredients are all-natural and are suitable for sensitive skin. In a recent post, however, they stated that “Klur is a community, not a product” and that they “imagine Black people in luxurious modern spaces.” Their prices range anywhere from $22-$115 a bottle, but their message to inspire change is well worth the support.
- Eu’Genia Shea
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The story behind Eu’Genia Shea is as great as the product itself. It was founded by Eugenia Akuete, the former president of the Global Shea Alliance, and her daughter Naa-Sakle Akuete. The “secret” of raw Ghanaian shea butter was passed down through generations of women until it became the company we see today. They employ local farmers and women in Ghana who receive fair wages, and they even donate 15% of their profits to funding education. Their natural shea butter is a great alternative to petroleum jelly and other chemical moisturizers on the market, and can be applied to your skin, hair, or anywhere else that needs moisturizing. At about $20 for 2oz (an amount that’ll last you a few months), the price isn’t bad either.
- Jacq’s Skincare
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This organic, vegan, and cruelty-free brand arose from Barbara Jacques’ need for non-toxic skincare when she discovered an ovarian tumor during her pregnancy with her daughter. Together, she and her husband developed a line free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and fragrances. Their products are full of ingredients that are locally sourced in South Florida where their products are made by hand. Every box says, “made by women of color for women of color” which is significant considering the lack of representation in the beauty industry and clean formulas specifically made for Black women.
- Beauty Bakerie
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You’ve probably heard of this one, as it is widely available in Ulta, Target, Nordstrom, Morphe, and many other stores. They’re known for their fun, bakery-themed aesthetic to which all of their products hold true. Their formulas hold up too, as this line was made in response to Cashmere Nicole’s battle with breast cancer, during which time she became conscious of the ingredients in makeup that are harmful to our bodies. The result is not only a non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free makeup line, but also a brand of activists fighting for inclusiveness in the beauty industry and beyond. Cashmere also founded a non-profit called Sugar Homes that helps provide for orphaned children all over the world. Next time you’re at Ulta, keep a lookout for their display.
- Range Beauty
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Range Beauty is eczema and acne friendly makeup line founded by Alicia Scott, who wanted to see more diverse shades available to women of color who need gentler beauty products on their skin. The formulas are clean, non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, and are free of parabens, talc, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, fragrances, and other irritants. The oils and extracts found in their products nourish the skin and help to heal the skin barrier, something that excites me as someone whose skin has endured some damage over the years.
- Uoma Beauty
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Uoma Beauty is a makeup brand founded by Sharon Chuter, born in Nigeria and based out of LA and London. On their website, they list self-expression, colorful living, African pride, empowering tribe, inclusivity, and beautiful rebellion as the values behind their brand. A champion of diversity, their Say What?! Foundation comes in an impressive 51 shades, each formulated to suit the primary skin concern associated with that skin type. The ingredients are cruelty-free, vegan, and non-irritating. Need I say more?