11 Black Owned Brands you need in your beauty collection

It has been difficult for me to talk about beauty products right now, with so much ugliness at the forefront. The ugliness of racism, that must be faced and dealt with head-on. Nothing can matter until that happens.

I want to share some of the thoughts and feelings I’ve been having over the past month. I will talk about black owned beauty products, but first, it’s crucial that we talk about what is important.

With shame, I can tell you that I did not fully realize the extent of police brutality. I did not realize it, because as a white woman, I haven’t experienced it, nor do I know anyone who has. I had not seen it.

I see it clearly now. Most of the time, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

I’ve watched countless videos that made me sick to my stomach, but I didn’t let myself look away. Knowing how disturbed I was, I truly cannot imagine the horror a black person feels watching the same videos of police violence.

“What have you done?
The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.”

Genesis 4:8-10

We cannot look away. We must be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.

I cannot rave about a new serum, without telling you that I denounce racism, in all forms.

I cannot tell you about a great mascara, without telling you that I won’t decide how black people should react to 400+ years of hurt.

The lyrics from this Billie Holiday song have been haunting me. Unless you are black, you could never empathize with that sort of horror.

Southern trees bear a strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees

“Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday

I cannot help you choose a foundation, until I help you to learn how you can help our black sisters and brothers.

I cannot show you lipstick swatches, if I’m not also showing you black- owned brands and black creators in the beauty industry.

If you feel uncomfortable, growth is to come from it, if you face it head on. So, don’t look away.

Please, whatever you do, just don’t look away.

Donations

I’m choosing to highlight black-owned hair and skincare brands in this post.

100% of the affiliate commissions earned from purchases made via this post will be donated to the The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

This new was founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of thee Diana Ross and star of Blackish. They line carries cruelty-free haircare plus a range of tools and accessories.

Founded by Nancy Twine, offers cruelty-free haircare made from ethically-sourced ingredients. The line is free of harsh sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA and artificial dyes. The and are personal faves.

Despite their melanin-rich skin, black men and women are still susceptible to sun damage. However, many sunscreens leave an ashy, white cast, due in part to titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Enter paraben and fragrance-free, broad spectrum protection via Black Girl Sunscreen.

Shani Darden

Shani is an accomplished Hollywood esthetician who recently launched her own line. I love how passionate she is about retinol because I too think it’s one of the most important anti-aging ingredients

I’m out of retinol so definitely want to try her Retinol Reform with 2.2% encapsulated retinol + 2% lactic acid.

Yes, there really is a Carol and her daughter is Lisa Price, the founder of the line of hair, skin and body care. Lisa began cooking up her products in 1993 from her Brooklyn apartment, first selling them at flea markets. You’ll find heavenly-scented products rich in marula and manoi oil, agave and shea butter, to name a few.

Curls

The Curls brand was founded by Mahisha Dellinger, frustrated with the lack of black haircare made from quality ingredients. I recently used the Curls Lavish Curls Moisturizer on a model with natural hair and we both loved it. It revived and refreshed her curls, adding moisture, but not heaviness. Since it’s a spray, it’s also really easy to use.

TPH by Taraj P Henson

Founded by the talented actress Taraj P Henson, TPH offers cruelty-free, scalp-focused hair products safe for all hair types, including weaves and clip-in’s. Any hair product that tingles, consider me and my scalp interested plus I love the applicator on the .

Miss Jessie’s founders, sisters Miko and Titi Branch started making their hair products in their salon, inspired by her grandmother Jessie Mae’s recipes. They have products for hair types ranging from wavy to curly to kinky. Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls is one of their most popular products, utilizing fabric softener technology!

Mielle Organics

If you’re into organic hair products and skincare, definitely check out Mielle, founded by Monique Rodriguez. Their Rosemary Mint Shampoo sounds downright delightful for heavy, hot hair this summer.

Emerge

The Emerge line is geared towards the Gen Z consumer. Their clean formulas utilize unique nourishing ingredients like pequi oil, native to Brazil. The Works Butter Cream promises defined, soft curls via a moisturizing butter cream formula. The small but mighty line is affordable too, each product only costing $6.99.

KNC Beauty

Kristen Noel Crawley founded the KNC Beauty line after an inspiring trip to Tokyo. The line offers buzz-worthy lip and eye masks that are not only effective but super cute for the gram.

The KNC School of Beauty will be launching July 14th, a free program to help black female entrepreneurs launch their beauty businesses.

Summary

For black entrepreneurs and businesses to succeed, like any business, they need support. Please consider doing so by making a purchase from one of these black owned brands.

Even if you aren’t black yourself, many of these haircare products will still work for your curls. Even if you have straight hair, you’ll still find value in hair masks, cleansing products, and skincare lines too.

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If you’re looking for black owned makeup brands, check out this post I did in February, commemorating Black History Month. That post does not contain affiliate links.