I’ve recently made a bunch of purchases from Black owned skincare brands, some I was already familiar with, and others I’m new to. After a few weeks of using the products in my Black owned skincare collection, I’m sharing a mix of my first impressions and a review of my favorite Black owned skincare products right now.
Hyper Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum
In my post on Black owned Vitamin C serums, I mentioned that I had been using this product. I love this serum not only because it works, but because the packaging reflects the thought that went into creating this product. In addition to fruit enzymes, licorice root extract , bearberry extract, and other fruit enzymes, the hyper clear serum is packed with vitamin C and kojic acid, both of which are known to brighten and even out the skin tone. However, both of these ingredients are also known to be unstable ingredients that lose efficacy when they are exposed to sunlight. Because of that, Hyper skin packaged this serum in an opaque bottle so that you get your money’s worth out of a serum that works and lasts longer. The downside of that is that you can’t really tell when the serum is almost done, but if you’re using once a day, it should last up to 6 weeks.
My personal experience has been that this serum has certainly enhanced my glow and helped reduce hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately because of another batch of breakouts, I’ve got another set of hyperpigmentation to deal with all over again. However I’m finally getting my acne under control (which you should always do first, because that’s the source of the hyperpigmentation) and I’m excited for this serum to continue to work its magic!
Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly
It’s a miracle I got my hands on this product because it really does sell out in an instant. It’s only been about a week since I’ve started using the Base Butter moisturizer, so consider this more of a first impression review.
I already knew something would be different about this product by virtue of the fact that it’s called a “jelly.” The texture and consistency of the product lives up to its name, likely due to the aloe vera leaf juice (aloe barbadensis) that this product is formulated with. The aloe is a good ingredient for soothing your skin, which has been especially important for me while I use acne prescription creams. The evening primrose oil improves hydration and elasticity while the tea tree oil purifies your skin. I especially love how lightweight this moisturizer is, which leads me to believe this might be my new summer moisturizer favorite. When I apply the face jelly on my combination/oily skin, it nourishes my skin without leaving it too greasy. I can see what the hype is about.
Absolute Joi Sunflower and Moringa Fresh Oil
As I’ve gotten more consistent with oil cleansing in my routine, I was on the hunt for a Black owned skincare brand that created oil cleansers. Besides one from Kaike, which was sold out at the time, I found this one from Absolute Joi, a clean beauty brand devoted to giving women of color healthy skincare options.
Sunflower seed oil is rich in vitamin E and helps your skin retain moisture. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is another ingredient in the oil that is known for replenishing in the skin, and moringa oil is a non-fragrant plant oil that contains several antioxidants and vitamins. The bottom line is this: these are the best and cleanest ingredients you could put on your skin. I highly recommend this product and I will be replacing my previous oil cleanser, the dermalogica pre-cleanse (which has way too much fragrance), with this one.
Nolaskinsentials Pumpkin Enzyme Mask & Porefect Toner
When it comes to Nolaskinsentials products, I can tell immediately that these products are as natural as they say they are. The pumpkin enzyme mask smells just like what it is called. (Someone else owns it that I spoke to said it reminds them of baby food lol.) Besides pumpkin, the mask is formulated with 10% glycolic acid, an AHA known to help shed dead skin and renew the skin’s surface. The porefect toner had a somewhat strong smell, but it made sense once I looked at the ingredients and saw it was made with peppermint oil and rosemary. Both, I would say are very strong and should be used according to the instructions (e.g. do not keep the enzyme mask on for more than 5-7 minutes.) The day after I use the mask in particular I notice a fresh glow. I’ve had to take a break from the porefect toner because I was overloading my skin and have instead turned to a hydrating toner from another brand.
There are plenty of options from Nolskinsentials depending on your skin needs. If you’re not sure where to begin or not ready to commit, that’s no problem! The brand allows you to try out small samples of each product, which is also another thoughtful move from this brand.
What’s your favorite Black owned skincare product right now?
“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” Exodus 34:29
