Nothing makes me happier than witnessing the rise of melanin-focused skincare. There seems to be a common theme among the Black and Brown entrepreneurs who dared to create their own lines: They couldn’t find skincare (or makeup, for that matter) that supported their specific needs. Melanin-rich skin sometimes needs extra TLC—it’s more prone to dark spots, discoloration, and uneven texture. Luckily, these entrepreneurs were able to find solutions that work well for all people of color and their varying skincare challenges.
Now that there are so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow it down. Well, let me help with that by introducing (or reintroducing) you to the incredible products formulated with Black and Brown skin in mind. Scroll through below, and find the best skincare products all people of color should absolutely know about.
This hyperpigmentation treatment is infused with a whopping dose of vitamin C to brighten up dark spots at a record pace. CEO and founder Desiree Verdejo formulated it with her own skin in mind having struggled with acne and scarring quite a bit in her life.
I would argue this is both a skincare and a beauty product. It’s designed to amp up your natural complexion with ingredients like hibiscus flower, pumpkin seed, and baobab-seed extract.
If dryness is a challenge for you, this hydration-boosting serum from Rose Ingleton MD is a must. It also contains green and white tea extracts to soothe the skin and protect it against further damage—both key things for melanin-rich skin.
I know, I know. I talk about this product a lot—sue me. Once you get your hands on this dark-spot corrector, though, you’ll see why. It’s uniquely formulated for people of color and works wonders on old acne scars.
This set comes with face wash, exfoliating pads, and moisturizer to round out the ultimate blemish-treating routine. The exfoliating pads contain 10% glycolic acid to gently yet deeply lift away dirt and debris from the pores.
Ustawi’s dark-spot corrector with niacinamide is another must-have product for people of color. It’s formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin and gently restores uneven texture with a potent dose of niacinamide.
Black Girl Sunscreen’s signature formula is designed to protect melanin-rich skin against UVA and UVB rays that can cause dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
If you have a skin condition like eczema, this Topicals mask was literally made for you. It’s a great sister product to the brand’s Faded Serum ($36) for dark spots to help smooth the skin.
This retinol cream was formulated by celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden for a multitude of skin types—including those rich in melanin. It both brightens and clarifies the skin with the addition of AHA and apple extract.
To brighten up your complexion and keep dull, uneven texture at bay, try Buttah’s Vitamin C Serum. It was formulated specifically with Black and Brown skin in mind, so it delivers an extra-potent amount of antioxidant protection to brighten up dark spots.
Dry, ashy winter skin doesn’t stand a chance against this hydrating hand-and-body cream. Shea butter, jojoba, and baobab oil soften the skin and help it maintain a healthy barrier.
Pholk Beauty’s founder, Niambi Cacchioli, is an aesthetician who is deeply inspired by nourishing skin foods native to Africa. Her products, including the Daily Detox Face Wash, are enriched with these botanicals. The face wash contains beneficial cleansing oils that leave skin feeling renewed and refreshed.
I mean, Epara literally means to “cocoon yourself” in the Nigerian dialect of Ebira. So why not cocoon yourself in this luxurious-feeling moisturizer? It utilizes African botanicals to deliver your softest, most radiant skin yet. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces hyperpigmentation.
Founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, BeautyStat aims to create potent, long-lasting formulas. This moisture-boosting cream is great for a loss of firmness and combination skin that may be dry some days and oily others. It pairs great with the brand’s Universal C Skin Refiner ($80).
Lorraine Beraho believes skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for people of color. She decided to address the skincare challenges biracial and Black adults often face by creating GlowRx. This charcoal detox mask is powered by activated charcoal, kaolin, and lecithin that help clear away congestion in the pores and rehydrate skin. It also works great for anyone with eczema.
With native Haitian ingredients, this hydrating eye serum instantly brightens dark circles and discoloration. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients that target fine lines and help speed up collagen production.
This tinted moisturizer is great for Black and Brown skin tones. It’s nutrient-rich, non-irritating, and contains a non-pore-clogging mineral sunscreen.
I must admit I love a good two-in-one. This toner-serum combo targets enlarged pores and improves the appearance of dark spots with niacinamide.
This highly concentrated blend of oils is great for dry, dull, and uneven skin. Keep in mind some of the oils could potentially be triggering if you have acne-prone skin. If you don’t, however, it’s a great winter staple to keep in your arsenal.
I can always get on board with a product that can be used on both my scalp and face. This soothing oil blend calms irritation and inflammation caused by breakouts on the skin and can calm an itchy scalp while it’s at it.
