By Dionne Phillips, Contributing Beauty Editor
In today’s ever-changing social, political, and cultural climate, there has been a recent call-to-action. More and more companies are choosing to work toward inclusion, representation, and diversity in their products, staff, and markets. There has also been a conversation around supporting the brands of BIPOC and encouraging others to do the same. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite Black-owned, eco-friendly beauty brands that put representation at the forefront of their industry.
$20 USD
Founded by brilliant chemist and beauty expert Kitiya Mischo King, Mischo Nails is dedicated to creating high-end nail lacquers that are free from dangerous ingredients. Every product from this brand is guaranteed to be vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and free from artificial fragrances. Some of my favorite shades include Diana, a stunning scarlet, and La Vie En Rose, a rose-toned gold shimmer.
PC: Mischo Nails
$35 USD
After finding a disappointing lack of skincare products geared toward people of color, Dr. Lorraine Beraho founded GlowRx to resolve common skin challenges that Bi-Racial and African-American adults experience. GlowRx is committed to using ethical, sustainably-sourced, vegan ingredients, and providing jobs for women in Rwanda. Some of my favorite products include the Moringa Luminous Face Oil for hydration and anti-aging and the Hydrating Toner Mist for a refreshing and soothing pick-me-up.
PC: GlowRx
$18.99 USD
Black Girl Sunscreen was created to give women of color skin-safe and non-white sunscreen. So many melanin-rich beauties have never used a sunscreen that was specifically formulated with their skin tone in mind, and Black Girl Sunscreen is working hard to change this. They are available in Target (you can read more about why this is a huge cause for celebration here) and on their website, where they carry an SPF 30 for adults and SPF 50 for kids.
PC: Black Girl Sunscreen
$12 USD each
Founded in 2010 by Andrea Lisbona, Touchland’s hand sanitizers are beautiful, naturally derived, and TSA-friendly, so they can be thrown in a purse, carry-on, or even on a keychain to be taken anywhere. Touchland is also dedicated to creating a positive impact in the world. They dedicate a portion of their profits to send their hygiene products to developing countries. My favorite scent is their watermelon, but they also have a fragrance-free version that is safe for the scent-sensitive.
PC: Touchland
$112 USD
Tracy has spent over a decade in the skincare industry, led by her passion for helping others and knowledge on the science behind skincare. She has an incredible spa that offers medical-grade treatments for people with a variety of skincare concerns as well as a range of carefully formulated skincare products. My favorites include the Complexing Perfecting Pads and Hydroquinone Lightening Cream, which are both excellent for hyperpigmentation.
PC: Tracy Hudson Skincare
$40 USD
Lauren has changed the makeup wipes industry with her revolutionary cotton cloth wipes infused with the highest quality botanical extracts. Her brand is committed to using recyclable packaging, maintaining cruelty-free production, and avoiding hazardous microbeads. Three different versions of wipes are available, but my favorite is Cleanse, because it is extremely moisturizing and complexion-smoothing.
PC: Lauren Napier Beauty
$39 USD
Damone has been a powerful figure in the beauty industry for many years and his influence cannot be overstated. His experience has turned into an entire brow empire -- it was even featured on the TV show,Empire, in 2015. Hailed by many as the “king of eyebrows,” his Brow Gain “Youth in a Tube” is considered a holy grail for lovers of a full brow and lush lashes.
PC: Damone Roberts
$15 USD
Tru-Colour was started as the passion project of an adoptive dad who wanted to celebrate his son’s identity and beauty. They now offer a range of products in four different skin tones and are available in Target stores nationwide. Their mission is to embrace Diversity in Healing and believes in the importance of representation across every industry. You can order a variety pack here to experience the beauty of inclusion here.
PC: Tru-Colour Bandages