The beauty industry has long been dominated by a narrow set of standards, often overlooking the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). However, in recent years, BIPOC-owned skincare brands have emerged as game-changers, addressing long-neglected concerns and reshaping the industry. These brands are not just creating products—they are driving inclusivity, representation, and innovation in ways that mainstream companies have failed to do for decades.
Why BIPOC-Owned Skincare Brands Are Essential
1. Addressing Unmet Skincare Needs
For years, mainstream skincare products were formulated primarily with fair skin in mind, often neglecting the unique challenges faced by darker skin tones. Some key issues that BIPOC-owned brands are tackling include:
- Hyperpigmentation: Melanin-rich skin is more prone to dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, requiring specialized formulations.
- Sunscreen Accessibility: Many traditional sunscreens leave an ashy white cast on deeper skin tones. BIPOC-led brands have pioneered lightweight, invisible SPF formulas.
- Hair and Scalp Care: Many skincare brands ignored the needs of textured hair and scalp conditions like dandruff or dryness, which are more prevalent among certain ethnic groups.
By developing products tailored to these concerns, BIPOC-owned brands have given consumers solutions that truly work for their skin.
2. Increasing Representation in Beauty
Representation in the beauty industry has historically been limited, with marketing campaigns and product lines primarily catering to Eurocentric beauty ideals. BIPOC-owned brands challenge this by:
- Showcasing diverse models in their advertisements.
- Creating products that cater to a broad spectrum of skin tones.
- Ensuring their leadership teams and employees reflect the diverse communities they serve.
When people see themselves represented in beauty campaigns and product offerings, they feel valued and included—a shift that is long overdue.
3. Promoting Cultural Heritage in Skincare
Many BIPOC-owned skincare brands incorporate traditional and culturally significant ingredients into their formulations, drawing from centuries-old beauty rituals. Examples include:
- Turmeric and neem (used in South Asian beauty traditions for their anti-inflammatory properties).
- Shea butter (a staple in African skincare for deep hydration).
- Sea moss and botanical extracts (widely used in Caribbean skincare remedies).
By bringing these time-tested ingredients into modern skincare, these brands are educating consumers about the benefits of natural, holistic beauty while celebrating cultural heritage.
The Impact of BIPOC-Owned Skincare Brands
1. Setting New Industry Standards
BIPOC entrepreneurs are proving that skincare doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. By prioritizing inclusivity, they have pressured larger companies to diversify their product lines and rethink their formulations. Many mainstream brands are now expanding their shade ranges, offering more inclusive skincare solutions, and hiring more diverse teams—all due to the pioneering efforts of BIPOC-led businesses.
2. Empowering Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship
The success of BIPOC-owned skincare brands is inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurs who see opportunities in serving underrepresented markets. These businesses are not just selling products—they are creating jobs, fostering economic independence, and reinvesting in their communities.
3. Shifting Beauty Standards and Consumer Awareness
As BIPOC-owned brands gain visibility, they are helping to redefine beauty standards. Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they buy, prioritizing brands that align with their values, such as ethical sourcing, cruelty-free formulations, and sustainability.
Notable BIPOC-Owned Skincare Brands Leading the Change
1. Fenty Skin (Founded by Rihanna)
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty revolutionized the cosmetics industry by launching an extensive range of foundation shades, and her skincare line, Fenty Skin, follows suit. The brand offers simple, effective products designed for all skin tones, proving that inclusivity sells.
2. Topicals (Founded by Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng)
Topicals focuses on addressing chronic skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea—conditions often overlooked by mainstream brands. Their fun, science-backed approach has made them a favorite among Gen Z consumers.
3. Hyper Skin (Founded by Desiree Verdejo)
Hyper Skin was created specifically to address hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. With ingredients like vitamin C and turmeric, the brand provides effective solutions for dark spots and uneven skin tone.
4. Hanahana Beauty (Founded by Abena Boamah-Acheampong)
This brand is dedicated to ethical beauty, using high-quality, natural ingredients while supporting women-led cooperatives in Ghana. Hanahana Beauty emphasizes sustainability, fair trade, and self-care.
5. Epara Skincare (Founded by Ozohu Adoh)
Epara is a luxury skincare brand that specializes in high-quality products for darker skin tones. With African botanical ingredients and a focus on hydration and skin repair, Epara fills a gap in the luxury beauty market.
The Future of BIPOC-Owned Skincare Brands
While BIPOC-led skincare brands have made significant progress, challenges remain. These businesses often face barriers in funding, distribution, and visibility compared to larger, established beauty corporations. However, as consumers demand more inclusivity and transparency, the support for these brands continues to grow.
How Consumers Can Support BIPOC-Owned Skincare Brands
- Shop Intentionally – Support brands that prioritize inclusivity and innovation.
- Amplify Their Voices – Share reviews, recommend their products, and follow them on social media.
- Hold Mainstream Brands Accountable – Encourage larger companies to prioritize genuine inclusivity, not just performative diversity.
Conclusion
The rise of BIPOC-owned skincare brands marks a pivotal moment in the beauty industry. These companies are not only meeting the needs of underserved consumers but also reshaping beauty standards, promoting cultural pride, and challenging industry norms. Their impact is profound, and as they continue to thrive, they are proving that skincare should be—and can be—truly inclusive.