12 BLACK-OWNED NATURAL BEAUTY BRANDS TO SUPPORT
In the past few weeks, we’ve seen people around the world rally to fight against systemic racism everywhere. Many people joined the cause, but as the momentum slows, it’s important that we all stay committed to promoting racial justice in the long term. Among all the ways you can help (see here for anti-racism resources and here for a watchlist), one powerful one is to buy from Black-owned businesses whenever you can, as part of both helping bridge the economic disparities that Black and minority ethnic people suffer from, and supporting Black creatives in their work. Here, I’ve compiled Black-owned natural beauty brands that are committed to ethical and sustainable practices — all while creating beautiful products that are kind to your skin and hair, and look great on your bathroom shelf.
Brits Liha and Abi create products that incorporate “a mixture of natural African roots and a quintessentially British attitude.” They blend the Yoruba traditions for making oils, soaps and lotions with English aromatherapy, for a range of products that honour both of their backgrounds. Their oils, soaps, candles and other beautiful cosmetics are “innovative, luxe natural, organic and vegan,” and come in gorgeous recyclable and reusable packaging that is made in the UK by family-run businesses.
BRIOGEO (available at Cult Beauty or SpaceNK)
Founded by West Virginia native Nancy Twine, Briogeo are committed to providing nourishing care for every hair type to help detoxify, hydrate and protect. Their products are 6-free, meaning that they contain no harsh sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA or synthetic colour, with an ingredient list that is 90 to 100% naturally derived. They also commit to transparency by clearly listing all ingredients in each product.
PLANT APOTHECARY (available at Selfridges and Content Beauty)
Brooklyn-based PLANT Apothecary make self-care products for every skin type that are organic and eco-friendly. They use high quality essential oils and botanical ingredients, for a range that is vegan and cruelty-free. In the UK, get your hands on the organic body wash and light oil moisturiser from Selfridges or Content Beauty.
Flora & Curl is plant-based hair care for all curl types, from waves to coils. Their shampoos, conditioners, gels, lotions, oils, mists and more are made using plant-based ingredients and without harsh chemicals that harm your strands. Expect to find hibiscus, honey, jasmine, shea butter and many more natural ingredients that help to protect and repair your hair in Flora & Curl products — they also have a readily available list of the ingredients they never use and those they actively avoid on their website. The founder, Rose, started the brand when she couldn’t find gentle yet effective products that worked for her natural hair. And if you needed another reason to support this brand, they donate part of their proceeds to She’s The First and Womankind, both of which work to bridge gender inequalities and empower women globally.
Soapsmith was created in a bid to capture the vibrant mix of cultural experiences that make up London. Each scent is named after an area, from Bloomsbury to Whitechapel, and comes in handmade soap, hand wash, hand lotion and the brand’s iconic bath soak. Each product is vegan, cruelty-free and organic, with recyclable packaging.
As you might have guessed, London-based brand Holy Curls cater to all textures of curly hair. Their shampoos, conditioners, creams and gels are vegan, made with naturally derived ingredients and guaranteed cruelty-free. They’re a label that’s “resilient, rebellious and pretty damn cool.”
Another great brand for curly hair that’s difficult to manage, Bouclème have created a 3-step process to cleanse, condition and define your curls. They are committed to fair trade and sustainable practices. They have a 0% policy for harmful chemicals listed here, are eco-certified and cruelty-free. All of their products are made in the UK, using British ingredients wherever possible.
Hyper Skin was created by Desiree Verdejo when she found herself breaking out while pregnant with her first child. The hero product she created as a result is Hyper Clear, “a vitamin C serum with a blend of hyper-effective clean and natural ingredients like vitamin e, kojic acid, turmeric and bearberry that work together to brighten skin, smooth texture and drastically treat hyperpigmentation.” Hyper use natural ingredients wherever possible, they don’t use parabens, sulfates and phtalates, they are vegan and cruelty-free.
Aba Gyepi-Garbrah, a certified aromatherapist, created Aba Love out of her passion for nature and the stories it tells. The label’s mission “is to create lush, handcrafted botanical skincare and healing aromatics with the intention of showing love and reverence to the authentic people we all are by nature.” This brand is the only one not available in the UK, but I encourage anyone reading this in the US to check it out.
Afrocenchix create safe, effective and natural hair care for Afro hair. They are careful to never use common allergens such as parfum and other artificial fragrances, and use organic ingredients wherever possible. They manufacture their products in the UK and are careful to support British suppliers, as well as promoting fair trade practices as much as they can. Their packaging is 100% recyclable.
An award-winning brand, The Afro Hair and Skin Co. are based along the English coast and make hair and skin care using organic local ingredients and Fairtrade-certified ingredients from further away. They cater first and foremost to Afro textured hair and melanin-rich skin, but anyone can benefit from their naturally formulated, high quality products, including hair oils, shampoo bars, clay masks and more.
Sunu Kër, Wolof for “our home,” was founded by British/Senegalese artist Aïcha Daffé, inspired by the time she spent working in Senegal. The raw ingredients she used on her hair and skin in West Africa were eye-opening for her, offering results she’d never been able to obtain before. Back in England, she began creating her own natural products, which then turned into Sunu Kër. The brand carries body butters, hair masks, lip balms and more for quality care that’s 100% naturally formulated, vegan and cruelty-free.
Sources:
https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/g32751706/black-owned-beauty-brands/
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/black-owned-beauty-brands
https://news.yahoo.com/25-black-owned-beauty-brands-195900506.html