In the world of clean and conscious beauty, there are some beautiful Black-owned brands that are starting to gain more traction in the market and get more notice. To this I say, BRAVO! Below are four that I've tried and tested and can recommend with enthusiasm:
Aster Raine
I recently discovered Aster Raine through a local women-in-business group that I belong to here in Hood River. When I learned that the founder, Fatima Morgan, lived the Gorge I just had to meet her. She is as lovely as her skin formulations.
Fatima's formulas are plant-based, using ingredients you find in products that are at much higher price points. Both authenticity and affordability are at the heart of Aster Raine's mission, and Fatima offers beautiful, effective, nontoxic skin care for all. Now THAT'S a mission I wholeheartedly support!
My favorite product (so far, I'm still testing!) is the Brightening Serum. It's plumping, brightening, and lightly hydrating all at the same time. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Plant Stem Cells, and antioxidants Astaxanthin and Vitamin C, it's working hard for you while you wear it. The fragrance is delicately citrus and herbal.
Nubian Heritage
I first discovered Nubian Heritage several years ago at my local grocery store. At the time I was looking for richly hydrating bar soaps and body lotions that had simple, clean ingredients and natural (not overpowering) aromas.
Nubian Heritage did not disappoint - their Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver is still one of my favorite fragrances of all time. While Vetiver might be an acquired taste, like Patchouli, if you like the deeper musky scents then give this one a try. And if fragrance isn't your jam, the Shea Butter & Aloe versions of both their soap and body lotion is ultra nourishing for your sensitive skin.
BrioGeo
BrioGeo is a hair care company that makes 100% cruelty-free and sulfate-silicone-paraben-pthalate-DEA-artificial dye-free products for hair of all types. Founder Nancy Twine developed BrioGeo (Brio = Italian for "vibrant and full of life", Geo = Latin for "of earth and nature") to address the lack of high performing natural hair care products on the market.
As a white woman with fine color-treated hair, I'm a huge fan of the Curly Girl Method approved Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. It hydrates (do you notice a theme with all my hero products?) without weighing down my type 2A/2B waves.
Honey Pot
Women. This is the feminine hygiene company we have alllllll been waiting for. Finally: tampons that are 100% certified organic cotton, free from pesticides, chemicals, chlorine, dyes, dioxins, or synthetic materials, with BPA-free bioplastic applicator derived from sugarcane, in 100% recyclable packaging. I mean. YES!!
And not only that, Honey Pot founder Bea Dixon has also created a complete feminine care system using natural and herbal ingredients to support vaginal health. From Bea, "The whole reason I started The Honey Pot Co was because I was suffering from bacterial vaginosis for months and couldn't get relief. One night, an ancestor visited me in a dream and gifted me with a vision to heal myself." Amazing. From tampons to bath bombs, cleansing wash to post-partum healing wipes, she has the well-being of your honey pot at heart.
Do you have any favorite Black-owned clean/conscious beauty brands? If so please let me know - I'd love to try them!
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