Last year, we spent $8 Billion on cosmetics and other personal care products, according to NielsenIQ. But some of those products we’ve invested in may do more harm than good because they contain a higher concentration of endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates (an ingredient in fragrances, nail polish, and makeup) and parabens (preservatives in various types of personal care products), which have been linked to reproductive issues and cancers. Many of us have not explored clean beauty as an alternative. These products may be better choices because they aren’t formulated without these potentially harmful ingredients. And yes, there are Black beauty founders making products in the space. We’ve chosen five that can keep you looking good from head to toe.
Sienna Naturals
You may be familiar with Sienna Natural because founder Hannah Diop’s partner in this clean haircare brand is actress, producer, and woman who roots for Everybody Black, Issa Rae. But this line should not be confused with a celebrity haircare brand. But its Rooted Technology, a clean approach to chemistry and formulation, makes this brand worth exploring. We love that you can shop by hair needs (dryness, hair loss, definition, or damage) or by individual products. All their offerings, including the Daily Elixir Scalp Oil, $28, are responsibly sourced, vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatology-tested.
Rebundle
We love protective styles, but many of us have reactions to the synthetic braiding hair we
are using, from itching to breakouts. Rinsing braiding hair with apple cider vinegar has been the go-to, but another option exists. And where is all that hair going when we are done? Enter Rebundle, founded by Ciara Imani, who has created the braidbetter solution created with ReGen Hair Fiber “using repurposed biopolymers, which makes it 97 percent biobased, earning the USDA’s Certified Biobased Product label.” This alternative is better for the scalp. Their line is available in Earth Tones and Sun Tones (our fave) for $45. They have a recycling program, and they accept any hair that isn’t attached to a weft.
People of Color Nail Polish
Jacqueline Carrington, founder of People of Color Nail Polish, created shades that look great
on our skin tones. One of her goals was to change the narrative of what she saw growing up and nail visuals that never reflected us. So, she has created shades with a range of brown skin tones in mind that are non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free in shades, including Brown Sugar Babe, Geechee Blue, and Mother of Earth, which cost $12.
Marie Hunter Beauty
It took five years for Marie Hunter Beauty’s founder, KeNisha Ruff, to find the ethically sourced ingredients she needed to design her line, which includes lipsticks, skincare, haircare, home fragrance, and leather goods. Her Matte Lipsticks,$40, for example, are formulated with moisturizing oils like Argan, Olive, Grapeseed, Meadowfoam, Camelina, Murumuru, plus Mango and Shea Butter, to help deliver long-lasting color without drying the lips out.
SkinMuse
When you want a taste of luxury, look at SkinMuse, which blends West African beauty practices and rich ingredients to create products that help you create your skin ritual. The founder, Ezinne Iroanaya, has created a line that blends luxurious benefits with clean beauty and a beauty-first ethos. Her Devine Body Oil, $50, is made with Egyptian Honey, Moroccan Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Vitamin E. It moisturizes the skin while a soft, powdery scent lingers.
