While there are plenty of great Black-owned beauty brands out there that stress inclusivity, there are also a bunch that is focused on clean beauty. But, asking for a friend here…what is clean beauty, again? It’s actually a trickier concept than you’d think. “There is no agreed-upon definition of ‘clean,’” says Julie Pefferman, founder of The Lab & Co. “I think about clean beauty as products formulated without ingredients that are proven or suspected to harm human health.” Board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics in Fulton, MD, defines clean beauty as “beauty and skincare products that are natural and free of harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients. They are both safe for our bodies, and also safe for the environment.” Clean beauty products are also often ethically sourced and sustainable, Rodney says. “Some people think that ‘clean beauty’ and ‘organic products’ are interchangeable, but this is not the case,” she says. “A product can be all-natural and organic while still being damaging to our skin or bad for the environment.” “We slather ourselves, and our children in cosmetic products, and so we should ask questions and become ever more educated about ingredients,” Pefferman says. “It’s important to recognize that not all health effects from cosmetics are not seen immediately. I have gotten an immediate rash from a product, sure, but there are long-term and cumulative effects, too, like hormone disruption, cancer, autoimmune problems, [and] respiratory issues that aren’t adequately studied or understood.” Pefferman shares what she calls her “shortlist” of what should not be in clean beauty products:
EthanolaminesEthoxylated IngredientsFormaldehydeChemical SunscreensParabensPhthalatesResorcinolTriclosan and TriclocarbanBHA (ButylatedHydroxyanisole)BHT (ButylatedHydroxytoluene)HydroquinoneMethyl Cellosolve or 2-MethoxyethanolMethylchloroisothiazolinoneChemical SunscreensCyclic SiliconesMethyl Cellosolve or 2-MethoxyethanolTolueneMethylchloroisothiazolinone
Why does this matter? “Substances that absorb through our skin can definitely be harmful to our bodies,” Rodney says. “But it depends on the individual substance, the concentration that is applied to the skin, and how much of it is actually absorbed. That’s why we should be aware and knowledgeable about the ingredients in our products.” Still, there’s a lot of wiggle room here. Ultimately, advocates say, aiming to buy clean beauty products is a good thing for your overall health—and the health of the planet. Looking to expand your beauty repertoire? These Black-owned clean beauty brands are a good place to start. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Black-Owned Clean Beauty Brands
Lys Beauty
Lys (which stands for Love Your Self) is a collection of clean, vegan skincare and beauty products that are exclusive to Sephora. The affordable line—prices range from $12 to $22—features matte cream blush, setting powder, and primer in a range of shades. The brand’s Triple Fix Serum Foundation comes in 39 inclusive shades. Check out Lys Beauty here.
Fenty Beauty
Fenty Beauty, developed by Rihanna, has been a huge success practically ever since it launched in 2017. Not only does the brand offer almost everything you could want in makeup and skincare, but it also follows the European Union’s guidance for clean cosmetics and has a laundry list of ingredients that won’t appear in its products. The brand is also affordable, with lipsticks starting as low as $9. Check out Fenty Beauty here.
Hyper Skin
Hyper Skin has just one product—its $36 Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum—which uses a combination of vitamins C and E to combat hyperpigmentation. That’s not ~all~ it can do, though. The serum can brighten skin, reduce fine lines, and help reduce the appearance of acne scars. The brand is vegan and doesn’t use parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Check out Hyper Skin here.
Pattern Beauty
Created by Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern Beauty promises to “nourish your hair with affordable and effective products and cherish your health with safe ingredients.” The affordable line is specially designed for women with curly hair, with products including conditioners, treatments, and tools and accessories. Check out Pattern Beauty here.
B. Simone Beauty
Launched by YouTube star B.Simone in 2019, this vegan, cruelty-free line has been a breakout success. The brand focuses heavily on products for your lips—lip glosses, lip liners, and lip mattes—and also offers up some cool, giftable items, like a $120 curated Box of the Month. Check out B. Simone Beauty here.
Coloured Raine
Coloured Raine is the place for fun, high-quality, inclusive beauty products. The company focuses on offering up vegan, paraben-free, and gluten-free goods, including liquid lipsticks, foundations in a range of colors, and a $20 “glowlighter” to highlight your skin. Check out Coloured Raine here.
Epara
Epara, which means “to cocoon oneself” in the Nigerian dialect of Ebira, focuses on luxe skincare for women of color. The brand, which was created by Oxford graduate Ozohu Adoh offers up cleansers, serums, a $49 intense hydrating mask, and more, using ingredients sourced from organic farmers in Africa. Check out Epara here.
Qhemet Biologics
Qhemet Biologics features a range of clean conditioning, softening, and cleansing products for textured hair. Must-haves include a $16 hydrating balm, $16 Egyptian wheatgrass cleansing tea, and $19 burdock root buttercream. Check out Qhemet Biologics here.
Mented
Mented was specially created with inclusivity in mind. The company features a wide range of vegan lipsticks, foundations, and nail polishes to allow you to go as nude or bold as you want. All Mented products are paraben-free, non-toxic and cruelty-free. Check out Mented here.
Pholk
Created by vegan skincare expert Niambi Cacchioli, Pholk focuses on natural skincare using ingredients sourced from around the world. The brand offers an array of skincare options, including a $20 Daily Detox Face Wash, preservative-free masks, and toners. You can’t beat the pretty packaging, too. Check out Pholk here. Next up: Black-owned businesses to shop with.
