By
Your Beauty Plug
Clean beauty is more than just a trend. It’s a movement that aims to provide consumers with products that are safe, ethical, and effective for their skin and hair. Clean beauty brands avoid using harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors, and instead opt for natural, organic, or vegan alternatives.
But while the clean beauty market is growing rapidly, it is still lacking in diversity and representation. Many mainstream brands do not cater to the specific needs and preferences of Black consumers, who often face challenges such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, breakage, and inflammation. That’s why it’s important to support Black-owned clean beauty brands that are creating products with Black people in mind. These brands are not only delivering high-quality and innovative solutions, but also celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black culture.
Here, we break down 10 Black-owned clean beauty brands you need to know. From skincare to haircare to makeup, these companies are making waves in the clean beauty space with their unique offerings.
54 Thrones is a luxury skincare brand that sources natural and organic ingredients from across Africa. The brand’s founder, Christina Funke Tegbe, was inspired by her Nigerian heritage and her travels across the continent to create products that showcase the richness and diversity of African beauty traditions. 54 Thrones offers products such as body butters, oils, masks, and balms that are infused with African botanicals such as baobab, moringa, marula, and shea. The brand is also committed to ethical and sustainable practices, such as partnering with local cooperatives, using recyclable packaging, and donating a portion of its profits to social causes.
Topicals is a skincare brand that is changing the way we think about skin conditions. The brand’s co-founders, Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, both suffered from chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and hyperpigmentation and were frustrated by the lack of effective and affordable products on the market. They decided to create their own line of products that are clinically proven, dermatologist-approved, and cruelty-free. Topicals offer two products: Faded, a gel serum that targets dark spots and discoloration, and Like Butter, a whipped mask that soothes and hydrates dry and sensitive skin. The brand is also on a mission to destigmatize skin conditions and promote mental health awareness, by donating 1% of its profits to mental health organizations and creating a supportive online community.
Ami Cole is a new makeup brand that is designed for melanin-rich skin tones. The brand’s founder, Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye, is a former social media strategist at L’Oreal, who saw a gap in the market for products that cater to the needs and preferences of Black women. She launched Ami Cole in 2021 with a vision to create products that are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, and that enhance the natural beauty of Black skin. Ami Cole offers products such as skin-enhancing tint, lip treatment oil, and highlighter sticks, that are formulated with nourishing ingredients such as baobab oil, moringa oil, and niacinamide. The brand is also committed to giving back to the community, by supporting organizations that empower Black women and girls.
Epara is a luxury skincare brand that is tailored for women of color. The brand’s founder, Ozohu Adoh, struggled with dryness, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation, and could not find products that worked for her skin. She decided to create her own line of products that are made with natural and organic ingredients sourced from Africa, such as argan oil, marula oil, licorice root, and shea butter. Epara offers products such as cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and masks, that are designed to address the common concerns of women of color, such as hydration, brightness, and clarity. The brand is also certified by the Soil Association, which means that its products are free from harmful chemicals and environmentally friendly.
Briogeo is a haircare brand that is inspired by the diversity of hair textures and types. The brand’s founder, Nancy Twine, grew up making natural hair products with her grandmother, and later left her corporate job to pursue her passion for clean beauty. She launched Briogeo in 2013 with a vision to create products that are customized for different hair needs, such as curl, volume, repair, and scalp health. Briogeo offers products such as shampoos, conditioners, treatments, stylers, and tools, that are formulated with natural and organic ingredients such as avocado, coconut, rosehip, and tea tree. The brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from sulfates, silicones, and parabens.
[Range Beauty] is a makeup brand that is inclusive of all skin tones and types. The brand’s founder, Alicia Scott, was a former fashion assistant, who noticed that many models of color had to bring their own makeup to set, because the makeup artists did not have products that matched their skin. She decided to create her own line of products that are made with natural and safe ingredients, such as aloe vera, chamomile, and clay. Range Beauty offers products such as foundations, powders, primers, and highlighters, that are designed to suit a wide range of skin tones, from fair to deep, and skin types, from oily to dry. The brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from talc, fragrance, and gluten.
[Oui the People] is a bodycare brand that is redefining the way we shave. The brand’s founder, Karen Young, was tired of the conventional shaving products that were harsh, irritating, and wasteful. She decided to create her own line of products that are gentle, effective, and sustainable. Oui the People offers products such as razors, blades, shave gels, and body oils, that are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable shave, without causing ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or dryness. The brand is also eco-friendly, as its razors are made from stainless steel, its blades are recyclable, and its packaging is biodegradable.
[Hyper Skin] is a skincare brand that is focused on treating hyperpigmentation. The brand’s founder, Desiree Verdejo, suffered from dark spots and acne scars, and could not find products that effectively faded them. She decided to create her own product that is made with natural and potent ingredients, such as vitamin C, kojic acid, turmeric, and bearberry. Hyper Skin offers one product: Hyper Clear, a brightening clearing vitamin C serum, that is designed to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, while also improving the overall texture and tone of the skin. The brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
[Uoma Beauty] is a makeup brand that is inspired by the diversity and beauty of African culture. The brand’s founder, Sharon Chuter, is a former beauty executive, who wanted to create a brand that celebrates the uniqueness and individuality of every person. She launched Uoma Beauty in 2019 with a vision to create products that are innovative, inclusive, and rebellious. Uoma Beauty offers products such as foundations, concealers, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and mascaras, that are formulated with high-performance ingredients and vibrant pigments. The brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, talc, and fragrance.
[Golde] is a wellness brand that is rooted in the power of superfoods. The brand’s co-founders, Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori, wanted to create a brand that makes wellness accessible, fun, and easy for everyone. They launched Golde in 2017 with a vision to create products that are made with natural and organic ingredients, such as turmeric, matcha, cacao, and coconut. Golde offers products such as powders, tonics, masks, and lattes, that are designed to boost your health and beauty from the inside out. The brand is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from gluten, dairy, and fillers.
Q: What is clean beauty?
A: Clean beauty is a term that refers to beauty products that are made with natural, organic, or vegan ingredients, and that avoid using harmful chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors. Clean beauty products are also often ethical and sustainable, meaning that they are not tested on animals, and that they use eco-friendly packaging and sourcing methods.
Q: Why is it important to support Black-owned clean beauty brands?
A: It is important to support Black-owned clean beauty brands because they are creating products that are tailored for the specific needs and preferences of Black consumers, who often face challenges such as hyperpigmentation, dryness, breakage, and inflammation. Black-owned clean beauty brands are also celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black culture.
Q: How can I find clean beauty products that suit my skin type and tone?
A: The best way to find clean beauty products that suit your skin type and tone is to do some research before you buy. You can look for reviews, testimonials, or recommendations from other people who have similar skin concerns or preferences as you. You can also check the ingredients list and labels of the products to see if they are certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free, or free from harmful chemicals. You can also look for products that offer samples, trials, or consultations, so you can test them out before committing to a full-size purchase.
Q: How can I make the switch to clean beauty easier and more affordable?
A: Switching to clean beauty does not have to be overwhelming or expensive. You can start by replacing one product at a time, instead of throwing away everything you have. You can also look for products that have multiple uses, such as tinted moisturizers, lip and cheek stains, or oil cleansers. You can also shop around for deals, discounts, or bundles, or look for brands that offer refillable or recyclable packaging.
Q: What are some of the benefits of clean beauty for the environment?
A: Clean beauty is not only good for your skin, but also for the planet. By choosing clean beauty products, you are reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals that can pollute the air, water, and soil. You are also supporting brands that use sustainable and ethical practices, such as sourcing ingredients from organic farms, using renewable energy, or donating to social causes. You are also minimizing your waste and carbon footprint, by using products that have biodegradable or recyclable packaging, or that use less water or plastic.
Clean beauty is more than just a trend. It’s a lifestyle choice that can benefit your health, your skin, and the environment. By choosing clean beauty products, you are saying yes to natural, organic, and vegan ingredients, and no to harmful chemicals, animal testing, and environmental damage. You are also supporting Black-owned brands that are creating products with Black people in mind, and celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black culture. Whether you are looking for skincare, haircare, or makeup, there is a clean beauty brand for you. So, what are you waiting for? Join the clean beauty movement today and discover the difference it can make for you and the world.
