13 African Diaspora Businesses in Beauty and Cosmetics

From shea butter to plant-based solutions and clean beauty products, the African diaspora is making its mark on the beauty and cosmetics industry. With a focus on natural ingredients, ethical sourcing, and innovative solutions, Black-owned businesses are leading the charge in creating products that not only enhance beauty but also empower communities.

Download the first chapter of The Storytelling Series: Beginners’ Guide for Small Businesses & Content Creators by Obehi Ewanfoh.

African Diaspora Businesses In The Beauty And Cosmetics Industry

The beauty and cosmetics industry has always been dominated by major players from Western countries, but in recent years, there has been a surge of African diaspora-owned businesses breaking through and making their mark in the industry.

See also – 12 African Diaspora Businesses In Accessories

These businesses are not only creating innovative and effective products, but they are also incorporating their cultural heritage and values into their brands, making them stand out in a sea of generic products.

From shea butter-based skin and hair care products sourced directly from cooperatives run by women in Nigeria and Ghana, to nontoxic, organic, and hydrating beauty products that aim to “uncover the masks” we hide behind, African diaspora-owned businesses are changing the game in the beauty and cosmetics industry. They are also offering solutions for issues that are often overlooked by major players, such as menstrual care and products for diverse skin tones.

These businesses are not only providing quality products, but they are also creating opportunities for African diaspora communities, particularly women, to become economically empowered. By sourcing materials directly from local communities and providing job opportunities, these businesses are helping to support and grow the economies of the countries from which they originate.

Naturalicious

Naturalicious is a Black-owned beauty and wellness brand that offers a wide variety of lotions, potions, and supplements for skin and hair. Their products are all-natural and aim to help transform you into the best and healthiest version of yourself. Their styling crème and definition gel are particularly popular.

Unsun

Unsun, founded by Katonya Breaux, is a sunscreen brand that offers clean options for women of color. Their products, which include SPF-infused highlighters, tinted mineral sunscreens, and body lotions, leave no residue and promote healthy skin.

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Danessa Myricks Beauty, owned by self-taught makeup artist Danessa Myricks, offers products that complement and accentuate all skin tones, especially darker hues. Their rich and long-lasting makeup, many of which are waterproof, make bold looks easy to achieve day or night.

Alaffia

Alaffia, established in 2003 by Olowo-n’djo Tchala, offers an impressive collection of vegan and cruelty-free personal care products. Their range includes curl-enhancing shampoos, shea-infused bubble baths, triple-milled soaps, and more.

The unscented Authentic African Black Soap is a customer favorite, but what makes Alaffia stand out is its commitment to giving back.

Through their Empowerment Projects, they support African Togolese communities, focusing on education, maternal health, and environmental sustainability.

Ustawi

Ustawi, founded by former refugee, model, and Miss Congo Natacha Paugam, offers skin-care essentials with all-natural ingredients based on family recipes from Africa. Their products address issues commonly associated with melanated and darker-hued skin, such as hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

The Niacinamide Dark Spot Corrector and Red Algae Detoxifying Toner are among their most popular products.

Beneath Your Mask

Beneath Your Mask is a hair and skincare brand that is committed to helping you “uncover the masks” we often hide behind. Founder Dana created the brand after being diagnosed with lupus and searching for clean, nontoxic products that would help rejuvenate her skin without worsening her condition.

Their organic and hydrating products, such as the Heal Whipped Skin Souffle, are formulated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and essential oils.

25th & June

25th & June offers fun, bold, and non-toxic nail polishes in a wide range of colors from pale pinks to glittery sparkles. Their polishes are 10-Free, meaning they are free of the 10 most commonly found chemicals in nail polish. With 25th & June, you can feel good about your mani on various levels.

Shea Radiance

The secret to Shea Radiance’s ultra-moisturizing skin and hair care products lies in the use of shea butter, a prized ingredient in West Africa for both beauty and healing. Founder Funlayo Alabi sources shea nuts directly from cooperatives run by women in Nigeria and Ghana, creating economic opportunities that support these communities and provide the means for women to care for and educate their children.

Every purchase from Shea Radiance contributes to this mission, making it a purchase you can feel great about.

Mischo Beauty

Mischo Beauty is a trailblazing beauty brand that has earned the distinction of being one of Oprah’s Favorite Things for its vegan nail lacquers. Founder Kitiya Mischo King created the brand in 2013 after struggling to find high-quality, richly colored, and nontoxic nail polish during her pregnancy.

Mischo Beauty’s products are 10-Free, making them safe for you and the environment.

Butter by Keba

Butter by Keba is the brainchild of Makeba Lloyd, who discovered her passion for perfumery and aromatherapy during a trip to Egypt in 2006. Today, her brand offers a range of body care products for men and women, deluxe gift sets, and hand products.

Femi Secrets

Femi Secrets is a brand that has revolutionized feminine care with their innovative 100% Leakproof Pretty Panty, which can make a significant difference during that time of the month. The brand has been designed with convenience in mind and offers customized subscriptions and packages for clients to receive monthly feminine-care products.

LYS Beauty

LYS Beauty is the first Black-owned Sephora Clean Color Cosmetics brand that offers clean beauty products in universal shades for women of all shades. They provide fabulous foundations, highlighters, cream blushes, and more that are free from harmful chemicals.

Undefined

Undefined is a beauty and wellness brand that provides a variety of natural, plant-based products. The founder, Dorian Morris, aimed to destigmatize plant-based solutions, including CBD, by creating the company. The R&R Sun Serum is a must-try product for those looking for a stunning addition to their skincare routine.

Conclusion on 13 African Diaspora Businesses in Beauty and Cosmetics

The African diaspora has made a significant impact on the beauty and cosmetics industry. These entrepreneurs have not only created innovative and high-quality products, but they have also prioritized ethical and sustainable business practices that benefit their communities.

By supporting these businesses, we can help to uplift and empower the voices and stories of the African diaspora. Let us celebrate and continue to amplify the achievements of these trailblazers and their contributions to the beauty and cosmetics industry.

Learn how to master your storytelling skills so you can build your influence. Download the first chapter of The Storytelling Series: Beginners’ Guide for Small Businesses & Content Creators by Obehi Ewanfoh.