As Black women, we're raised with the idea that "Black don't crack." While we're absolutely beautiful and age fine as wine, that doesn't mean that we should be careless when it comes to skincare and ignore the work that goes into keeping the natural glow of melanin. It's no secret that the winter seasons are a time for Black women to invest in protective styles such as braids, weaves, and wigs, but choosing the right skincare products is equally important.
Although Black skin is diverse—and needs will vary from person to person—there are key ingredients that could greatly benefit Black women in addressing skin concerns, including dryness, eczema, acne, and hyperpigmentation, says Elyse Love, MD, a dermatologist at GlamDerm in New York City. “Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are excellent ingredients for hydration; zinc and niacinamide are anti-inflammatory and soothe the skin; vitamin C, retinol, azelaic acid, and kojic acid help with pigmentation,” points out Dr. Love.
RELATED: How to Get Rid of Dry Skin This Winter, According to Dermatologists
For dry, winter months, you may want to make the switch to thicker creams, ointments and lotions for the body and use products featuring hyaluronic acid for the face to help hold moisture to the skin barrier, advises Boston-based dermatologist Karen Kagha, MD. And just because the days are grayer and shorter, doesn’t mean you can forego the SPF—80% of harmful UV sun rays can pass through clouds, so always be sure to apply sunscreen, says Dr. Kagha.
On top of swapping out some of your products, take short lukewarm showers, suggests Dr. Kagha, since long, hot showers tend to dry out the skin. After bathing, get into the practice of patting the skin dry and immediately applying a thick moisturizing cream to your slightly damp skin, which will help to lock in hydration, she adds. (Another pro tip: Setting up a humidifier in the home can also help to combat skin dryness.)
With so many beauty products out there, finding the right ones can be overwhelming. Luckily, we're here to give you the tea on the best Black-owned skincare essentials designed for BIPOC, to keep you glowing throughout winter—and beyond.
RELATED: The Best Moisturizers to Combat Dry, Flaky Skin, According to Dermatologists
Best Cleanser: ROSEN Skincare Super Smoothie Cleanser
black owned skincare products roden , helping to brighten skin and get rid of those pesky hyperpigmentation marks. The Black-owned product has a near-perfect rating on Urban Outfitters for a reason!
"This cleanser is THE TRUTH! I live in Alaska, and struggle with dryness especially in winter months," said one five-star reviewer. "I've seen a dramatic improvement in my skin while using this product. It's helped with acne (without drying out my skin!) and evening out my skin tone."
To buy: ROSEN Skincare Super Smoothie Cleanser, $18; urbanoutfitters.com
Best Body Bar: Redoux Turmeric Botanical Bar
black owned skincare products redoux , and rose clay to brighten and gently exfoliate dull skin—with reviewers swearing that it's safe for even sensitive types. Plus, the scent of sandalwood and ginger will have you and your bathroom smelling super fresh.
"This was my second purchase and I will definitely be a repeat customer," reported a shopper. "I love the smell and how the bar makes my skin feel. Soft, smooth, and refreshed. I have sensitive skin and most things irritate my skin but not this soap!"
To buy: Redoux Turmeric Botanical Bar, $16; redoux.nyc
Best Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Hyper Skin Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum
black owned skincare products hyper skin , vitamin e, and active bearberry, turmeric and kojic acids. It's paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalates-free, so it's gentle on sensitive skin, too.
One fan on Hyper Skin's site wrote: "I’ve been using hyper skin vitamin C serum for about a month and I’m literally Obsessed!!!! My dark spots have faded drastically and the overall appearance of my skin is hella Bright and Glowy."
To buy: Hyper Skin Clear Brightening Clearing Vitamin C Serum, $36; urbanoutfitters.com
Best Serum for Enlarged Pores: Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum
black owned skincare products fenty beauty for brightening properties—cactus flower for hydration, and the Japanese raisin tree for detoxifying skin.
"I've been using this for about 3 weeks and OMG it's AMAZING! Love how it makes my skin feel and look – so hydrating and my pores look much smaller. LOVE IT!" raved a customer.
To buy: Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum, $28; fentybeauty.com
Best Moisturizer: Buttah Facial Shea Butter
black owned skincare products buttah . "She said the smell is really mild and it leaves her skin feeling moisturized without the heavy greasy feeling some other moisturizers leave. Now I’m placing an order for myself!"
To buy: Buttah Facial Shea Butter, $19; buttahskin.com
Best Gel Moisturizer: Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly
black owned skincare products base butter gel to restore, protect, disinfect, and boost elasticity in skin. This is especially good for oily or combination skin, since it won't have your face feeling greasy or overly shiny.
One reviewer said: "I have been using this moisturizer for a few months now, and it is amazing! I struggle with combo skin and this balances my skin beautifully! I have an active job so I sweat a lot at work, but this not only provides the perfect balance to keep acne away but also still nourishes my skin. Plus the GLOW! Dewy skin without the grease! It is now a staple in my skin care regimen."
To buy: Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly, $21; basebutter.com
Best Toner: Temple Zen Facial Cleanser + Toner
black owned skincare products temple zen , environmental toxins, and makeup, and balance oil production.
"Love this facial cleanser," shared a customer. "I use it as a first step in my skincare routine and could not imagine my life without it, honestly."
To buy: Temple Zen Facial Cleanser + Toner, $15; yourtemplezen.com
Best Mask: Golde Clean Greens Face Mask
black owned skincare products golde . Chock full of spirulina, mango juice, chlorella (read: an algae), and naturally-activated chlorophyll, it detoxes skin and gives you a real glow.
"I've only used it twice now, but my skin feels so nourished afterwards and it noticeably helps dry active pimples! (I have dry/dehydrated, very sensitive, acne prone skin). It smells natural and earthy. Super easy to apply and to wash off as well," wrote one shopper with sensitive skin.
To buy: Golde Clean Greens Face Mask, $34; golde.co
Best Natural Sunscreen: Black Girl Sunscreen
black owned skincare products sunscreen , who also called this "magic in a bottle" raved: "Buying sunscreen is usually a hit or miss for me but this one was certainly a HIT! I was so impressed by how moisturizing this product was that I almost forgot that I was wearing sunscreen. It doesn't dry out my skin or leave a white undertone. Great for the winter weather too!"
To buy: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, $19; blackgirlsunscreen.com
Best Tinted Sunscreen: UnSun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
black owned skincare products unsun said.
To buy: Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, $29; unsuncometics.com
Best Scalp Care: Briogeo Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
black owned skincare products briogeo wrote: "Love this shampoo! It is something to use once a week maybe twice at most especially if you have sensitive skin," she wrote. "It exfoliates the scalp and refreshes the hair follicles from top to bottom. It has a minty coconut smell and feels cool and tingling."
To buy: Briogeo Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo, $42; briogeohair.com