By Marian Hale

I can proudly proclaim I’ve been a skincare enthusiast ever since I was little; I remember rushing to the bathroom after watching a Neutrogena or Clean & Clear commercial to reenact the infamous water splashing scene with whatever cleanser my mom had lying around in the bathroom. HOWEVER, as I have grown older, skincare has become an educational experience and an exciting escape for me. With my curiosity still intact, of course. Considering this, I have learned the importance of using products that cater to melanin in addition to skin type. With the skincare industry booming, we have such a wide variety of moisturizers, sunscreen, and exfoliants formulated by Black femme experts with Black women in mind. If you are seeking skincare products for Black women by Black women, here is a list of skincare products that I’m currently loving/interested in created by Black queens with a host of degrees, incredible ideas, and expertise like no other:)

Be Transcendent

Created by Janeya Anderson

Blackness truly exemplifies magic, exceptionality, beauty, etc. To be black is to be transcendent. For Janeya Anderson, finding skincare brands that reflected her skin needs and values was hard to find, so she went on to make her own products that aimed to help with Black, sensitive skin for a glowing and revitalized complexion. Be Transcendent has a fantastic array of clean, botanical formulas that recharge the skin with little to no irritation guaranteed from serums to cleansers. Considering the complexities of skincare today, it is nice to know some products assure simplicity and ethics in the world we live in today.

I have sensitive/oily/acne-prone skin, and finding a cleanser that doesn’t strip my skin or effectively cleanse my face has been difficult. Luckily, I purchased their Recharge Facial Cleanser, and, baby, it is the skin for me! A miracle product 🙂

Topicals

Co-created by Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng

Common issues found in the skin of color are hyperpigmentation and eczema–skin conditions that have been the primary reason for launching the skincare brand Topicals. The “Gen-Z” line was founded by 23-year-old Nigerian-American Olamide Olowe and 24-year-old Asian-American Claudia Teng. The two graduated pre-med in college with pursuits in dermatology when they decided to formulate gels and balms that would make skincare self-care and equitable for those with skin color. With Olowe dealing with hyperpigmentation and Teng living with eczema, the line’s Faded gel and Like Butter salve is the cornerstone of skincare treatments for the future.

I am currently using the Faded gel, and it has been a lifesaver for my acne scars and hyperpigmentation ❤

Black Girl Sunscreen

Created by Shontay Lundy

I meaaaaaan we can’t talk about Black girl products without mentioning Black Girl Sunscreen. Right now, Black Girl Sunscreen is one of the hottest and sought-after skincare products out there, period. Their products are inclusive of all skin types, skin tones, and ages. There is no white cast, scent, purple cast, stinging, or gray cast. Thinking about the different colors, I looked at while wearing sunscreen is innumerable and traumatic. Trust me. This revolutionary brand was founded by Shontay Lundy, a millennial entrepreneur who achieved a $1 million investment for Black Girl Sunscreen just last year. Created in 2016, Lundy’s array of sunscreens has introduced the critical conversation of sun protection within the Black community through non-irritating and aesthetically-pleasing products.

I love Black Girl Sunscreen. Like, I looooooove it. The broad-spectrum SPF 30 formulation is incredible for oily skin.

Huda Organics

Created by Huda

Qasil Powder is an ancient secret that Somali women have passed on from generation to generation. The powder comes from the Gob tree in the East African country and provides healing benefits, such as detoxifying the skin and hair. The powder can be used as a face mask, hair mask, shampoo, face wash, etc. Qasil’s uses are endless as the natural skincare remedy wonders for all skin, especially melanated skin. Huda, the creator and founder of Huda Organics, has had a passion for DIY skincare since she was nine and has made it a campaign to reinvest the spiking profits of Huda Organics to plant new trees and nurture those that are still standing in Somalia amidst the deforestation crisis the country has been experiencing.

I have used Qasil powder for years now, and I’m pretty sure it has contributed to my glowing complexion as a young Somali girl. This particular brand has a fantastic cause that for sure has piqued my interest.

Hyper Skin

Created by Desiree Verdejo

If you search for a Vitamin C serum that will get rid of your hyperpigmentation and textured skin ASAP, hyper skin is what you have been looking for. Creator and founder Desiree Verdejo dealt with hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation and bestowed this phenomenal product for her and the masses to fix these issues. It has the skin of color friendly ingredients, like kojic acid and turmeric, and works like a dream! Or so I’ve heard. I haven’t purchased it yet–keyword yet–but this pandemic had a hold on me, and I’m looking for a hero product like this one.

Your Turn 🙂

This is a short list, but I’m interested and excited for others to share any Black femme-owned/Black owned/skin of color friendly skincare brands they swear by! Feel free to drop some product gems in the comments, whether it is a moisturizer or a lip balm. I’ll be on the other side taking notes, researching, and eating, lol. ❤ ❤ ❤

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Marian Haile is a contributing writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. A literature graduate, she believes that storytelling and analyzing history can assist in developing an understanding of those around us and ourselves. You can follow her Instagram @marianhaile.