It’s February! Which only means it’s time to commemorate Black History Month, a month dedicated to recognizing and celebrating African-American culture, history, and our hard-working community. One of the ways we can honor this month is by supporting Black entrepreneurship, this goes for Black-owned beauty brands that strive to offer a diverse range of products for every skin and hair type.
In the past, Black women and men have long struggled to find products that suit a variety of skin tones and hair textures. As of late, we’ve seen a huge shift in the Black owned brands to offer inclusive beauty products that cater to every need you’re looking for. We’ve found some hidden gem beauty brands founded by incredible Black Americans. Whether it’s body care, makeup, or hair care, these diverse brands are paving the way for future Black Americans.
Founder and CEO Terrinique Pennerman of Kurlee Belle grew up concocting her homemade hair products using only natural ingredients from recipes passed down from Bahamian women. Kurlee Belle was born out of inspiration from the Islands of the Bahamas. Each product can be used for curly hair, natural hair and relaxed hair types. Made from the finest natural ingredients that will hydrate and repair your hair without using harsh chemicals.
The beauty behind the brand, Nadja Renise founded Femme Noire after she wanted to embrace her naturally curly hair free from any harsh ingredients linked to cancer. With her constant struggle of hair fall due to traction alopecia and postpartum hair shedding, she wanted products that wouldn’t cause any further damage to our bodies. Each hair product includes plant-based ingredients that are carefully selected free from mineral oil, sulfates, parabens and are certified by PETA for its cruelty-free status.
When it comes to curls and kinks, especially type 4 hair, dryness is a certainty. Patrina Haupt founded Natural Hair Queen to provide a solution to hydrate and nurture kinkier texture hair. As a family-run business that makes and ships each product, you can find everything from a Natural Hair Care Starter Kit to Satin Hair Bonnets and Detangling Sprays. She started the brand with their popular Butta Butta Cream, a staple in her type 4 natural hair care routine to manage and hydrate her locks. She continues her journey to educate women and children in her community using her Natural Hair Care Made Easy with a step-by-step detailed routine for all curl types.
Founder Kamika J. King started Makeba by creating products that improve scalp health, increase hair length, and boost moisture balance for natural hair. The brand believes in organic natural ingredients with only the best quality you could ask for from prepoo to deep condition. Each product is formulated to repair and condition damaged hair. Not to mention a complete range of men’s haircare, skincare, and beards too!
Founded by Asara Tsehai, Ancient Treasure is a breakthrough skincare and wellness beauty brand that seeks to improve the natural beauty of every woman. Her easy 2-step skincare kits are made for sensitive skin types from head to toe. Tsehai infused Ancient Wisdom with modern living to create the simplest range of body care products to make your skin radiate.
If you’re looking for skincare from the feet up, MïkTu Naturals provides safe and non-toxic skincare for even the most sensitive prone. Their range of products includes Body Souffle, Foot Balms, Foot Bath, Foot Spray, and more. Each is formulated with the most nourishing and protective natural ingredients such as essential oils, shea butter, and vitamins A and E. The Black-owned brand is also active in the local community with charitable donations across local non-profit organizations.
Founded by Brooklyn Palmer, Nedia Beauty was created to make you feel pampered no matter what you’re going through. As a new mom who struggled with postpartum “baby blues", she started her journey to experimenting with easy-to-use formulas to hydrate her dry skin. Her brand’s all-natural whipped body butters, body polish, and moisturizing body oils are all made free from parabens and sulfates to leave behind a supple glow.
False eyelashes have become a staple in our makeup routine if you struggle with naturally straight and short lashes. For those with eye sensitivities, LaFarra & Co. was founded with the goal of allowing all women to safely use eyelashes without worrying about adverse reactions. As a long-time pathologist and autoimmune thriver, LaFarra created a safer product line for those who often find themselves sensitive to toxic ingredients in cosmetics.
In 2015, Sylvia Brownlee founded Skin by Brownlee & Co. to offer niche skin expertise specializing in the treatment of acne and hyperpigmentation. The Ohio-based skincare clinic offers 7 different corrective skin treatments, each custom-tailored to meet your individual needs. As an esthetician and skincare expert, Brownlee has been on a mission to help every client achieve the skin of their dreams. Also, Brownlee just got into Target.com and we are dancing hard over her in celebration.
Make your skincare a self-care ritual with M. Sugar Beauty’s range of gentle cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. Each product offers a blend of replenishing formulas that are safe enough for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. Founder Erica Woods-Phipps, is on a mission to provide simple and effective skincare products that will leave you feeling hydrated and youthful.
No matter what race or ethnicity, Aumello‘s founder Tosin created the inclusive skincare brand out of her frustration with problematic skin. Her background in pharmacy and clinical research led her to explore solutions for her uneven skin tone and ingrown hair that affected her confidence. The brand was developed with deeper complexions in mind to address hyperpigmentation with clinically proven ingredients safe for all skin types.
As a mom, it’s easy to get into a rut. For a basic, uncomplicated, and effective skincare routine that goes hand in hand with all of your mommy duties, Gorgeous Confidence is a three-step skincare routine founded by Nicole Van Lun. With just a few essentials that will help you feel and look beautiful even if you're short on time. Their best seller G.L.A.M (Glow Like a Mother) Hydration Trio includes a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer for brightening and anti-aging benefits to help you perk up your skin in no time!
For the man in your life, natural and organic skin and beard care by Cognac Blac will help nourish and soothe even the most troubled skin types. Founded in 2019 by Anthony Finch, his goal was to target professional middle-aged black men to help prioritize their skincare game. Each ingredient is carefully selected and manufactured with effective formulas that are gentle on the face and body. The range includes a premium beard oil as part of a modern men's skincare routine to keep your facial hair groomed and conditioned.
These 13 Black-owned businesses demonstrate a strong commitment to their community. You're not only investing in amazing products when you support Black-owned brands, but you're also supporting an inclusive approach to beauty.
