Before this country’s recent racial reckoning, so many Black-owned businesses spent years, if not decades, hustling in the shadows. I’ve since personally watched lots of Black-owned beauty brands finally get the love and success they deserve. But one thing hasn’t changed yet: the general misconception that their products are exclusively for Black people.
The truth is, these companies still tend to be “othered,” bypassed by those who consider them too niche or who don’t consider them at all. So here’s a PSA for all my non-BIPOC folks out there: Unless an item explicitly states it’s only for a specific ethnic group, skin tone, or hair type, it’s also meant for you.
“When you center skin of color first, you’re centering those who have the most reactive skin,” explains Chaneve Jeanniton, MD, founder of Epi.logic. “And you end up making products that are suitable for all.” Translation: These formulas are highly universal. They also back up one of my favorite sayings: Black-owned products are just as good as any and better than many.
Plus, buying from these brands gives you the opportunity to be a lot more intentional about your spending. Aligning your hard-earned money with your values never gets old. Neither does investing in things that will make you look and feel dope.
Anyone can start helping Black-owned brands not only survive but thrive by snagging some of the picks on this page (and by remembering that there are so many more out there to discover and support). Because ultimately, we’re all in this awesomely diverse world of beauty together, and it’s a win for everyone if that world keeps getting more inclusive. That’s why I’ll never stop adding products like the ones down below to my cart. Who’s with me?
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
I’m never without one of the high pigment powders that instantly take me from looking meh to amazing in just a few swipes. This bold hue is universally flattering in can be used on your cheeks, lips or anywhere you need some pizazz.
This multitasking oil is a gentle yet effective makeup remover (especially around the eyes) — and can then be used as a luxe leave-on moisturizer. I love using it to seal in my serum before I hit the sack every night and wake up to gorgeous glow skin.
I’ve tried hundreds of curl creams. No cap. And there are few that haven stolen my heart like this one. If you’re a curly girl treat your tresses to this rich and nourishing formula made with mango seed butter — and thank me later!
Radical Self Love Face & Body Scrub
If you’re looking for a scrub that will give you smooth, soft skin without jacking up your skin barrier — here ya go! The magic behind this all-natural exfoliant is the buffing beads that are made of jojoba oil and Moringa leaf powder.
Deon Libra Big Up Body Glaze
Get ready to glisten like the star you are! This adaptogen-infused body balm works wonders to give a stunning glow, while also hydrating and improving your skin’s texture. It’s a must-have for any look that shows some skin!
Epi.logic Double Feature Retinol + AHA Overnight Facial
This bottle of skin-perfecting awesomeness is a sound investment if you’re looking for a *chef’s kiss* complexion. The time-release retinol ensures dope results sans irritation — and the squalene-based serum is ultra-nourishing.
Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.
