[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/6AL9fb3lLj6YvgCGXivhlettgLs=/1500×0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Byr_BlkOwnedBrands_Social-2ceef8490ff84b36930dadadebb74dfa.jpg”]
16 Emerging Black-Owned Beauty and Wellness Brands Shaping the Future
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/JLFheadshot-jessicafields-f543a234af2d4cf9a5da467f8f49a178.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Byr_BlkOwnedBrands_LeadRecirc-ace9fb77bc5f4560bcabad0c215189ec.jpg)
Courtesy of Brands / Byrdie
Inclusivity in beauty hasn’t always been a given—and while the industry has made meaningful progress over the years, that momentum has once again been challenged. In the past year alone, several Black-owned brands have spoken openly about the financial hardships they’ve faced, with some ultimately forced to shutter. As the landscape continues to shift, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sustained support for Black beauty founders is not guaranteed.
Still, the future of Black beauty is far from bleak. A new generation of independent, Black-owned brands is emerging and filling critical gaps in skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance. Ahead, we’re spotlighting standout, on-the-rise Black-owned beauty brands that deserve more attention, visibility, and investment this year. From Tonal Cosmetics to Bask & Lather, these are the companies to keep on your radar now.
Tonal Cosmetics
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/519571950_18106412674536637_2791799988541497643_n1-da11959756e04666ba4678aec531aa0d.jpg)
@TONALCOSMETICS/INSTAGRAM
The relationship between SPF and melanated skin has long been complex—but for Christal Alert, the solution was simple. Sun protection and skin-loving ingredients shouldn’t be mutually exclusive, especially in makeup. For Tonal Cosmetics’ hero product, Sunveil, Alert drew on both her Caribbean roots and her background as a cosmetic chemist. More than just makeup or another SPF offering, Sunveil is formulated to deliver reliable sun protection and buildable, skin-like coverage.
IA Beauty
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/iabeauty-6d520f4a61044c789a3887a07d2944cb.png)
@iabeauty.shop / instagram
India Hester founded IA Beauty to create a makeup experience that feels inclusive and empowering. After years of navigating limited shade ranges and overwhelming beauty aisles, she transformed her frustration into a brand that’s both inspiring and accessible. Enter IA Beauty’s lineup of creamy lip liners and buttery glosses. From everyday neutrals to bold cherry reds and glossy peach hues, the brand’s products make creating the perfect lip combo effortless.
June Skin
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/622047164_17929338075194745_7594399764240210056_n1-17522245cd1b4476bca90299b22d564d.jpg)
@MYJUNESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Influencer Morgan Brown founded June Skin after the life-altering loss of her father in June 2017, which led her to discover the healing power of skincare. What began as an act of self-care became a full wellness practice, inspiring her to create a brand that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and accessible. The brand’s first launch, The Essential Cream, is a gentle, barrier-strengthening moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and support for all skin types.
S.S.K Labs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/613658935_17933152281150643_3117651610501342872_n1-44e2ec59fb0b4a5bb47b7b8d4a04f984.jpg)
@SSKLABS_/INSTAGRAM
Co-founders Terry Kezoh and Jeanine Stanislaus created S.S.K Labs to champion the growing trend of “scent stacking” and personalized fragrance wardrobes. Their debut collection features a versatile kit that includes an eau de parfum and two oils, which can be worn individually or layered together. Amber notes take center stage across the first launch: the signature EDP blends complementary florals, while the AM—O (Tonka) Huile De Parfum offers a warm, leathery, woodsy profile, and the AM—O (Myrrh) Huile De Parfum presents a fresher, herbaceous twist.
Yes Day
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/612036560_17891726337392610_7116650110968746759_n1-b8b71223dfba4ce4a1bc402104b43bde.jpg)
@YESDAYWORLD/INSTAGRAM
Tween skincare received a major glow-up in 2025, with brands like Yes Day leading the charge. Formulated with gentle, caring ingredients, the products are specifically designed for younger skin—think a foaming face wash without harsh actives and whipped moisturizer that leaves skin dewy and hydrated. Even more impressive is the duo behind the brand: 13-year-old Coco Granderson and storied cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson.
Elise x Elisia
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/534315475_18381915187125861_7644679279786660364_n1-da446950aaef4d8992a50dba8a72f8dd.jpg)
@ELISEXELISIA/INSTAGRAM
Elise x Elisia is the newest body care brand on the block. The brand’s hero SKU, the Papaya Glow Nectar Body Wash, is your secret to glowing skin. It stars papaya extract, which gently exfoliates the skin, and is packed with natural ingredients proven to fade dark spots and nourish the skin, like turmeric, kojic acid, and shea butter.
MIA
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/hairblock-73178ab22a8946bfa7cd9d31838c460f.png)
@thebrandismia / instagram
If your vacation plans include swimming in crystal blue water and lots of naps on the beach, you’re going to need to stock up on MIA’s HairBlock. The nourishing serum acts as a barrier between your hair and the elements, protecting it from exposure and environmental stress. Think: UVA/UVB rays, heat damage, corrosive salt water, and frigid weather. Best of all? The lightweight formula won’t weigh your hair down and can be spritzed on to any style, including braids, to provide protection.
Perlae
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/565280994_17871908727443526_4344758387490256217_n1-19ee8437afb144e1b9f8dc3a37801a3e.jpg)
@PERLAEOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
Think oral care can’t be aesthetically pleasing? Then you haven’t met Perlae, a beautifully packaged oral care brand created by Penn State student, Daniella Omijeh. Free from fluoride and irritating ingredients, Perlae’s signature toothpaste transforms the simple act of brushing your teeth into something much more pleasing.
Vervazi
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/502399737_17883589902325318_9177445127637384366_n1-13357a75c8fb4e919f84d65049769596.jpg)
@VERVAZIOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
For Timi Adeogun, fragrance has always been a passion rooted in her father’s bold scent choices, which inspired her own love for rich aromas. Vervazi is the culmination of her lifelong enthusiasm for fragrance, featuring a debut collection of two eau de parfums and a discovery set. Radiance is a spicy floral with notes of cinnamon, fresh pepper, and ginger, while Truth blends citrus and woods with bergamot, leather, and sandalwood.
Kenatae
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/kenatae-b7f9d8b194b74c66829092f71cbab672.png)
@KENATAE.SKIN / INSTAGRAM
Kenatae is an Ethiopian-rooted skincare brand that blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Its Radiant Shield Antioxidant Oil Serum centers on green coffee, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, known for shielding skin from free radicals and environmental stress. Kenatae’s team of scientists transformed this ingredient into a proprietary anti-aging complex called CAFÉ-M5. The result is a lightweight oil-serum hybrid that nourishes and protects, leaving skin with a naturally radiant, glowing finish.
Samir Grey
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/kahh4-7fb63c45d630426e9a5585dc1e2fb1c7.png)
Kahh Spence / Samir Grey
Kahh Spence, a beauty expert and former celebrity hairstylist, is the founder of Samir Grey, the fragrance label behind One Parfum. This highly concentrated unisex parfum contains over 30% fragrance oil and offers 8+ hours of wear. At the top are tiare flowers, almond milk, and peony; the heart blends jasmine, orris, candied peach, and salted moss; while the base rests on sunbleached wood, golden amber, solar musk, and decadent vanilla. It’s a luxurious, softly lingering scent that will turn heads without question.
In Real Life Skin
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/570594542_17898811506322902_196338315444604397_n1-35ef81ffe6e146bdb3189939c1fc81b1.jpg)
@INREALLIFESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Alyssa Ashley, the founder of In Real Life Skin, grew up in a traditional West Indian household where self-care was more than a routine—it was a way of life. After spending a decade working in consumer packaged goods and health industries, she saw a gap in skincare that connects inner wellness, sustainably sourced ingredients, and outer beauty. In Real Life Skin was born to address this white space, offering products like the Timeless Hydrating Dew Gel-Cream for Skin Barrier Recovery and the Dreamer Magnesium Spray with Lavender and Bergamot.
Bask & Lather
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/basklather-aaed14905a724b5e8234964fcc483f49.png)
@baskandlather.co / instagram
Shaina Rainford, founder of Bask and Lather, was inspired to create her brand after her younger sister lost all of her hair to a ringworm infection that was initially misdiagnosed as dandruff. The brand’s core products were developed to promote hair growth and nourish and strengthen it, combining efficacy with natural, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. And the testimonials don’t lie, a quick scroll through Bask & Lather’s Instagram shows one success story after another.
Her Juice Bar
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/herjuicebox-032ed78f1d024ad4aac2175b5357d49e.png)
@herjuicebox / instagram
Abigail and Monica Murdock, founders of Atlanta-based Her Juice Bar, launched the brand to reimagine feminine care. Inspired by candid conversations with friends, they realized that many women had silently experienced infections, irritation, intimacy challenges, or other “down-there” issues. Her Juice Bar’s mission is to empower women to take control of their vaginal health, sexual pleasure, and reproductive wellness, offering products designed to relieve dryness, discomfort, and discharge while promoting self-care. The line goes beyond washes and topical items to include a range of balancing supplements. Even more compelling is the pretty packaging that looks great in your shower and medicine cabinet.
Koko Guerra Beauty
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/koko-1560a20e06ae4d9fb4812026c3266d31.png)
@kokoguerrabeauty / instagram
ICYMI: full-glam makeup is back, big time. And while many brands can create products to match the trend, few have the expertise of a founder who has been crafting flawless, full-coverage looks for years. Makeup artist Koko Guerra, who has worked with clients like Yandy Smith, brings that experience to her eponymous brand. Her collection features Black- and Brown-friendly setting powders and inclusive lip pens, delivering the same expertly beat, full-glam vibe fans see on her Instagram feed.
Soft Rows
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/softrows-a404a9a6d8a94adb84b87312eea33373.png)
@soft_rows / instagram
After years of working with the buzziest brands like Briogeo, Youth To The People, Versed, and Rhode, Quani Burnett recognized that true industry inclusion requires action, not just conversation. So, she started Soft Rows. Her vibrant, newly-launched line celebrates the beauty of tightly textured hair. The overall mission? To transform hair care from a chore into a ritual of self-care through products that elevate and evolve your wash day routine.
Related Stories
-
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/julialede-fc59b07e80014397af0f7df53cc9c7f4.jpg)
It’s So Easy to Fall In Love With February’s 25 Best Beauty and Style Launches -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/rhodelipmask-c4a9b34d2d6d4de6a30a8e21eab1e886.png)
Rhode’s February Launches Are Made for Sculpting and Smooching -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/misscirclelede-a65dee8ef8334b9583249729b410f11b.jpg)
47 January Beauty and Style Launches to Kick Off 2026 in Good Taste -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Byr_NewLuminousSilk_LeadRecirc-b24c8d9ac1b24cd8addc818aab863bc7.jpg)
Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Got a Really Good Facelift -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Byr_LeadRecirc-8dae8664196a4ac5a997963c2199b031.png)
We’re Ditching Our Skin Tints for Mary Phillips’ Silky New Foundation -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/milaniexclusive-55485417dcfd471abe534b6357fb61e2.png)
Milani Is Entering a Glowy New Era (But Your Fave Blush Is Staying Put) -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/unovelede-894d26a1f4004ecfa6b656996613165d.jpg)
Korea’s Favorite “Glass Hair” Brand Is Coming to Sephora -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Byr_LeadRecirc-65ca4d0c1ee34e90b0d2952c1c358ef0.png)
8 Artist-Approved Products Used on the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet
-
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/daefairyblaster-fc91f9b7ab764d3895fe88d55599f067.png)
Dae’s New Styler Offers “Fairy-Touched” Texture -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ballerinashoeslipstick-8a1888f075e94ef58fe0f2dfcfe7e677.png)
L’Oreal’s Viral Ballerina Shoes Lipstick Breaks All My Beauty Rules in the Best Way -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ultraviolettesequin-85349504a66d4f5a885bdec00059da10.png)
Ultra Violette’s Newest SPF Will Make Your Skin Shine—In a Good Way -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/pepsilede-819b80726116497ba42b8bea5fe40a62.jpg)
Vacation’s New Lip Balm Is like Cracking Into a Cold Cherry Pepsi -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/hmelf-0d9fef69b5b0416f9c3bad95b5c49b00.png)
Want To Smell Like You’re Good at Makeup? e.l.f. Made a Fragrance for That -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/dessertlede-f9e8f8f7177941aa9cc2cf000e7cb108.jpg)
Dr. Idriss Put the Yummiest Twist on Her Iconic Lip Basting Kit -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/violettelede-d173b007da7c4389b92eed444466f925.jpg)
December’s 42 Best Beauty and Style Launches, From Cozy to Festive -
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/batistelede-0277819002a5482ca123de61c8779893.jpg)
Your Favorite Drugstore Dry Shampoo Now Comes in a Powder
16 Emerging Black-Owned Beauty and Wellness Brands Shaping the Future
Courtesy of Brands / Byrdie
Inclusivity in beauty hasn’t always been a given—and while the industry has made meaningful progress over the years, that momentum has once again been challenged. In the past year alone, several Black-owned brands have spoken openly about the financial hardships they’ve faced, with some ultimately forced to shutter. As the landscape continues to shift, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sustained support for Black beauty founders is not guaranteed.
Still, the future of Black beauty is far from bleak. A new generation of independent, Black-owned brands is emerging and filling critical gaps in skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance. Ahead, we’re spotlighting standout, on-the-rise Black-owned beauty brands that deserve more attention, visibility, and investment this year. From Tonal Cosmetics to Bask & Lather, these are the companies to keep on your radar now.
Tonal Cosmetics
@TONALCOSMETICS/INSTAGRAM
The relationship between SPF and melanated skin has long been complex—but for Christal Alert, the solution was simple. Sun protection and skin-loving ingredients shouldn’t be mutually exclusive, especially in makeup. For Tonal Cosmetics’ hero product, Sunveil, Alert drew on both her Caribbean roots and her background as a cosmetic chemist. More than just makeup or another SPF offering, Sunveil is formulated to deliver reliable sun protection and buildable, skin-like coverage.
IA Beauty
@iabeauty.shop / instagram
India Hester founded IA Beauty to create a makeup experience that feels inclusive and empowering. After years of navigating limited shade ranges and overwhelming beauty aisles, she transformed her frustration into a brand that’s both inspiring and accessible. Enter IA Beauty’s lineup of creamy lip liners and buttery glosses. From everyday neutrals to bold cherry reds and glossy peach hues, the brand’s products make creating the perfect lip combo effortless.
June Skin
@MYJUNESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Influencer Morgan Brown founded June Skin after the life-altering loss of her father in June 2017, which led her to discover the healing power of skincare. What began as an act of self-care became a full wellness practice, inspiring her to create a brand that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and accessible. The brand’s first launch, The Essential Cream, is a gentle, barrier-strengthening moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and support for all skin types.
S.S.K Labs
@SSKLABS_/INSTAGRAM
Co-founders Terry Kezoh and Jeanine Stanislaus created S.S.K Labs to champion the growing trend of “scent stacking” and personalized fragrance wardrobes. Their debut collection features a versatile kit that includes an eau de parfum and two oils, which can be worn individually or layered together. Amber notes take center stage across the first launch: the signature EDP blends complementary florals, while the AM—O (Tonka) Huile De Parfum offers a warm, leathery, woodsy profile, and the AM—O (Myrrh) Huile De Parfum presents a fresher, herbaceous twist.
Yes Day
@YESDAYWORLD/INSTAGRAM
Tween skincare received a major glow-up in 2025, with brands like Yes Day leading the charge. Formulated with gentle, caring ingredients, the products are specifically designed for younger skin—think a foaming face wash without harsh actives and whipped moisturizer that leaves skin dewy and hydrated. Even more impressive is the duo behind the brand: 13-year-old Coco Granderson and storied cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson.
Elise x Elisia
@ELISEXELISIA/INSTAGRAM
Elise x Elisia is the newest body care brand on the block. The brand’s hero SKU, the Papaya Glow Nectar Body Wash, is your secret to glowing skin. It stars papaya extract, which gently exfoliates the skin, and is packed with natural ingredients proven to fade dark spots and nourish the skin, like turmeric, kojic acid, and shea butter.
MIA
@thebrandismia / instagram
If your vacation plans include swimming in crystal blue water and lots of naps on the beach, you’re going to need to stock up on MIA’s HairBlock. The nourishing serum acts as a barrier between your hair and the elements, protecting it from exposure and environmental stress. Think: UVA/UVB rays, heat damage, corrosive salt water, and frigid weather. Best of all? The lightweight formula won’t weigh your hair down and can be spritzed on to any style, including braids, to provide protection.
Perlae
@PERLAEOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
Think oral care can’t be aesthetically pleasing? Then you haven’t met Perlae, a beautifully packaged oral care brand created by Penn State student, Daniella Omijeh. Free from fluoride and irritating ingredients, Perlae’s signature toothpaste transforms the simple act of brushing your teeth into something much more pleasing.
Vervazi
@VERVAZIOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
For Timi Adeogun, fragrance has always been a passion rooted in her father’s bold scent choices, which inspired her own love for rich aromas. Vervazi is the culmination of her lifelong enthusiasm for fragrance, featuring a debut collection of two eau de parfums and a discovery set. Radiance is a spicy floral with notes of cinnamon, fresh pepper, and ginger, while Truth blends citrus and woods with bergamot, leather, and sandalwood.
Kenatae
@KENATAE.SKIN / INSTAGRAM
Kenatae is an Ethiopian-rooted skincare brand that blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Its Radiant Shield Antioxidant Oil Serum centers on green coffee, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, known for shielding skin from free radicals and environmental stress. Kenatae’s team of scientists transformed this ingredient into a proprietary anti-aging complex called CAFÉ-M5. The result is a lightweight oil-serum hybrid that nourishes and protects, leaving skin with a naturally radiant, glowing finish.
Samir Grey
Kahh Spence / Samir Grey
Kahh Spence, a beauty expert and former celebrity hairstylist, is the founder of Samir Grey, the fragrance label behind One Parfum. This highly concentrated unisex parfum contains over 30% fragrance oil and offers 8+ hours of wear. At the top are tiare flowers, almond milk, and peony; the heart blends jasmine, orris, candied peach, and salted moss; while the base rests on sunbleached wood, golden amber, solar musk, and decadent vanilla. It’s a luxurious, softly lingering scent that will turn heads without question.
In Real Life Skin
@INREALLIFESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Alyssa Ashley, the founder of In Real Life Skin, grew up in a traditional West Indian household where self-care was more than a routine—it was a way of life. After spending a decade working in consumer packaged goods and health industries, she saw a gap in skincare that connects inner wellness, sustainably sourced ingredients, and outer beauty. In Real Life Skin was born to address this white space, offering products like the Timeless Hydrating Dew Gel-Cream for Skin Barrier Recovery and the Dreamer Magnesium Spray with Lavender and Bergamot.
Bask & Lather
@baskandlather.co / instagram
Shaina Rainford, founder of Bask and Lather, was inspired to create her brand after her younger sister lost all of her hair to a ringworm infection that was initially misdiagnosed as dandruff. The brand’s core products were developed to promote hair growth and nourish and strengthen it, combining efficacy with natural, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. And the testimonials don’t lie, a quick scroll through Bask & Lather’s Instagram shows one success story after another.
Her Juice Bar
@herjuicebox / instagram
Abigail and Monica Murdock, founders of Atlanta-based Her Juice Bar, launched the brand to reimagine feminine care. Inspired by candid conversations with friends, they realized that many women had silently experienced infections, irritation, intimacy challenges, or other “down-there” issues. Her Juice Bar’s mission is to empower women to take control of their vaginal health, sexual pleasure, and reproductive wellness, offering products designed to relieve dryness, discomfort, and discharge while promoting self-care. The line goes beyond washes and topical items to include a range of balancing supplements. Even more compelling is the pretty packaging that looks great in your shower and medicine cabinet.
Koko Guerra Beauty
@kokoguerrabeauty / instagram
ICYMI: full-glam makeup is back, big time. And while many brands can create products to match the trend, few have the expertise of a founder who has been crafting flawless, full-coverage looks for years. Makeup artist Koko Guerra, who has worked with clients like Yandy Smith, brings that experience to her eponymous brand. Her collection features Black- and Brown-friendly setting powders and inclusive lip pens, delivering the same expertly beat, full-glam vibe fans see on her Instagram feed.
Soft Rows
@soft_rows / instagram
After years of working with the buzziest brands like Briogeo, Youth To The People, Versed, and Rhode, Quani Burnett recognized that true industry inclusion requires action, not just conversation. So, she started Soft Rows. Her vibrant, newly-launched line celebrates the beauty of tightly textured hair. The overall mission? To transform hair care from a chore into a ritual of self-care through products that elevate and evolve your wash day routine.
Courtesy of Brands / Byrdie
Inclusivity in beauty hasn’t always been a given—and while the industry has made meaningful progress over the years, that momentum has once again been challenged. In the past year alone, several Black-owned brands have spoken openly about the financial hardships they’ve faced, with some ultimately forced to shutter. As the landscape continues to shift, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sustained support for Black beauty founders is not guaranteed.
Still, the future of Black beauty is far from bleak. A new generation of independent, Black-owned brands is emerging and filling critical gaps in skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance. Ahead, we’re spotlighting standout, on-the-rise Black-owned beauty brands that deserve more attention, visibility, and investment this year. From Tonal Cosmetics to Bask & Lather, these are the companies to keep on your radar now.
Tonal Cosmetics
@TONALCOSMETICS/INSTAGRAM
The relationship between SPF and melanated skin has long been complex—but for Christal Alert, the solution was simple. Sun protection and skin-loving ingredients shouldn’t be mutually exclusive, especially in makeup. For Tonal Cosmetics’ hero product, Sunveil, Alert drew on both her Caribbean roots and her background as a cosmetic chemist. More than just makeup or another SPF offering, Sunveil is formulated to deliver reliable sun protection and buildable, skin-like coverage.
IA Beauty
@iabeauty.shop / instagram
India Hester founded IA Beauty to create a makeup experience that feels inclusive and empowering. After years of navigating limited shade ranges and overwhelming beauty aisles, she transformed her frustration into a brand that’s both inspiring and accessible. Enter IA Beauty’s lineup of creamy lip liners and buttery glosses. From everyday neutrals to bold cherry reds and glossy peach hues, the brand’s products make creating the perfect lip combo effortless.
June Skin
@MYJUNESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Influencer Morgan Brown founded June Skin after the life-altering loss of her father in June 2017, which led her to discover the healing power of skincare. What began as an act of self-care became a full wellness practice, inspiring her to create a brand that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and accessible. The brand’s first launch, The Essential Cream, is a gentle, barrier-strengthening moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and support for all skin types.
S.S.K Labs
@SSKLABS_/INSTAGRAM
Co-founders Terry Kezoh and Jeanine Stanislaus created S.S.K Labs to champion the growing trend of “scent stacking” and personalized fragrance wardrobes. Their debut collection features a versatile kit that includes an eau de parfum and two oils, which can be worn individually or layered together. Amber notes take center stage across the first launch: the signature EDP blends complementary florals, while the AM—O (Tonka) Huile De Parfum offers a warm, leathery, woodsy profile, and the AM—O (Myrrh) Huile De Parfum presents a fresher, herbaceous twist.
Yes Day
@YESDAYWORLD/INSTAGRAM
Tween skincare received a major glow-up in 2025, with brands like Yes Day leading the charge. Formulated with gentle, caring ingredients, the products are specifically designed for younger skin—think a foaming face wash without harsh actives and whipped moisturizer that leaves skin dewy and hydrated. Even more impressive is the duo behind the brand: 13-year-old Coco Granderson and storied cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson.
Elise x Elisia
@ELISEXELISIA/INSTAGRAM
Elise x Elisia is the newest body care brand on the block. The brand’s hero SKU, the Papaya Glow Nectar Body Wash, is your secret to glowing skin. It stars papaya extract, which gently exfoliates the skin, and is packed with natural ingredients proven to fade dark spots and nourish the skin, like turmeric, kojic acid, and shea butter.
MIA
@thebrandismia / instagram
If your vacation plans include swimming in crystal blue water and lots of naps on the beach, you’re going to need to stock up on MIA’s HairBlock. The nourishing serum acts as a barrier between your hair and the elements, protecting it from exposure and environmental stress. Think: UVA/UVB rays, heat damage, corrosive salt water, and frigid weather. Best of all? The lightweight formula won’t weigh your hair down and can be spritzed on to any style, including braids, to provide protection.
Perlae
@PERLAEOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
Think oral care can’t be aesthetically pleasing? Then you haven’t met Perlae, a beautifully packaged oral care brand created by Penn State student, Daniella Omijeh. Free from fluoride and irritating ingredients, Perlae’s signature toothpaste transforms the simple act of brushing your teeth into something much more pleasing.
Vervazi
@VERVAZIOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
For Timi Adeogun, fragrance has always been a passion rooted in her father’s bold scent choices, which inspired her own love for rich aromas. Vervazi is the culmination of her lifelong enthusiasm for fragrance, featuring a debut collection of two eau de parfums and a discovery set. Radiance is a spicy floral with notes of cinnamon, fresh pepper, and ginger, while Truth blends citrus and woods with bergamot, leather, and sandalwood.
Kenatae
@KENATAE.SKIN / INSTAGRAM
Kenatae is an Ethiopian-rooted skincare brand that blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Its Radiant Shield Antioxidant Oil Serum centers on green coffee, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, known for shielding skin from free radicals and environmental stress. Kenatae’s team of scientists transformed this ingredient into a proprietary anti-aging complex called CAFÉ-M5. The result is a lightweight oil-serum hybrid that nourishes and protects, leaving skin with a naturally radiant, glowing finish.
Samir Grey
Kahh Spence / Samir Grey
Kahh Spence, a beauty expert and former celebrity hairstylist, is the founder of Samir Grey, the fragrance label behind One Parfum. This highly concentrated unisex parfum contains over 30% fragrance oil and offers 8+ hours of wear. At the top are tiare flowers, almond milk, and peony; the heart blends jasmine, orris, candied peach, and salted moss; while the base rests on sunbleached wood, golden amber, solar musk, and decadent vanilla. It’s a luxurious, softly lingering scent that will turn heads without question.
In Real Life Skin
@INREALLIFESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Alyssa Ashley, the founder of In Real Life Skin, grew up in a traditional West Indian household where self-care was more than a routine—it was a way of life. After spending a decade working in consumer packaged goods and health industries, she saw a gap in skincare that connects inner wellness, sustainably sourced ingredients, and outer beauty. In Real Life Skin was born to address this white space, offering products like the Timeless Hydrating Dew Gel-Cream for Skin Barrier Recovery and the Dreamer Magnesium Spray with Lavender and Bergamot.
Bask & Lather
@baskandlather.co / instagram
Shaina Rainford, founder of Bask and Lather, was inspired to create her brand after her younger sister lost all of her hair to a ringworm infection that was initially misdiagnosed as dandruff. The brand’s core products were developed to promote hair growth and nourish and strengthen it, combining efficacy with natural, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. And the testimonials don’t lie, a quick scroll through Bask & Lather’s Instagram shows one success story after another.
Her Juice Bar
@herjuicebox / instagram
Abigail and Monica Murdock, founders of Atlanta-based Her Juice Bar, launched the brand to reimagine feminine care. Inspired by candid conversations with friends, they realized that many women had silently experienced infections, irritation, intimacy challenges, or other “down-there” issues. Her Juice Bar’s mission is to empower women to take control of their vaginal health, sexual pleasure, and reproductive wellness, offering products designed to relieve dryness, discomfort, and discharge while promoting self-care. The line goes beyond washes and topical items to include a range of balancing supplements. Even more compelling is the pretty packaging that looks great in your shower and medicine cabinet.
Koko Guerra Beauty
@kokoguerrabeauty / instagram
ICYMI: full-glam makeup is back, big time. And while many brands can create products to match the trend, few have the expertise of a founder who has been crafting flawless, full-coverage looks for years. Makeup artist Koko Guerra, who has worked with clients like Yandy Smith, brings that experience to her eponymous brand. Her collection features Black- and Brown-friendly setting powders and inclusive lip pens, delivering the same expertly beat, full-glam vibe fans see on her Instagram feed.
Soft Rows
@soft_rows / instagram
After years of working with the buzziest brands like Briogeo, Youth To The People, Versed, and Rhode, Quani Burnett recognized that true industry inclusion requires action, not just conversation. So, she started Soft Rows. Her vibrant, newly-launched line celebrates the beauty of tightly textured hair. The overall mission? To transform hair care from a chore into a ritual of self-care through products that elevate and evolve your wash day routine.
Tonal Cosmetics
@TONALCOSMETICS/INSTAGRAM
The relationship between SPF and melanated skin has long been complex—but for Christal Alert, the solution was simple. Sun protection and skin-loving ingredients shouldn’t be mutually exclusive, especially in makeup. For Tonal Cosmetics’ hero product, Sunveil, Alert drew on both her Caribbean roots and her background as a cosmetic chemist. More than just makeup or another SPF offering, Sunveil is formulated to deliver reliable sun protection and buildable, skin-like coverage.
IA Beauty
@iabeauty.shop / instagram
India Hester founded IA Beauty to create a makeup experience that feels inclusive and empowering. After years of navigating limited shade ranges and overwhelming beauty aisles, she transformed her frustration into a brand that’s both inspiring and accessible. Enter IA Beauty’s lineup of creamy lip liners and buttery glosses. From everyday neutrals to bold cherry reds and glossy peach hues, the brand’s products make creating the perfect lip combo effortless.
June Skin
@MYJUNESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Influencer Morgan Brown founded June Skin after the life-altering loss of her father in June 2017, which led her to discover the healing power of skincare. What began as an act of self-care became a full wellness practice, inspiring her to create a brand that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and accessible. The brand’s first launch, The Essential Cream, is a gentle, barrier-strengthening moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and support for all skin types.
S.S.K Labs
@SSKLABS_/INSTAGRAM
Co-founders Terry Kezoh and Jeanine Stanislaus created S.S.K Labs to champion the growing trend of “scent stacking” and personalized fragrance wardrobes. Their debut collection features a versatile kit that includes an eau de parfum and two oils, which can be worn individually or layered together. Amber notes take center stage across the first launch: the signature EDP blends complementary florals, while the AM—O (Tonka) Huile De Parfum offers a warm, leathery, woodsy profile, and the AM—O (Myrrh) Huile De Parfum presents a fresher, herbaceous twist.
Yes Day
@YESDAYWORLD/INSTAGRAM
Tween skincare received a major glow-up in 2025, with brands like Yes Day leading the charge. Formulated with gentle, caring ingredients, the products are specifically designed for younger skin—think a foaming face wash without harsh actives and whipped moisturizer that leaves skin dewy and hydrated. Even more impressive is the duo behind the brand: 13-year-old Coco Granderson and storied cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson.
Elise x Elisia
@ELISEXELISIA/INSTAGRAM
Elise x Elisia is the newest body care brand on the block. The brand’s hero SKU, the Papaya Glow Nectar Body Wash, is your secret to glowing skin. It stars papaya extract, which gently exfoliates the skin, and is packed with natural ingredients proven to fade dark spots and nourish the skin, like turmeric, kojic acid, and shea butter.
MIA
@thebrandismia / instagram
If your vacation plans include swimming in crystal blue water and lots of naps on the beach, you’re going to need to stock up on MIA’s HairBlock. The nourishing serum acts as a barrier between your hair and the elements, protecting it from exposure and environmental stress. Think: UVA/UVB rays, heat damage, corrosive salt water, and frigid weather. Best of all? The lightweight formula won’t weigh your hair down and can be spritzed on to any style, including braids, to provide protection.
Perlae
@PERLAEOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
Think oral care can’t be aesthetically pleasing? Then you haven’t met Perlae, a beautifully packaged oral care brand created by Penn State student, Daniella Omijeh. Free from fluoride and irritating ingredients, Perlae’s signature toothpaste transforms the simple act of brushing your teeth into something much more pleasing.
Vervazi
@VERVAZIOFFICIAL/INSTAGRAM
For Timi Adeogun, fragrance has always been a passion rooted in her father’s bold scent choices, which inspired her own love for rich aromas. Vervazi is the culmination of her lifelong enthusiasm for fragrance, featuring a debut collection of two eau de parfums and a discovery set. Radiance is a spicy floral with notes of cinnamon, fresh pepper, and ginger, while Truth blends citrus and woods with bergamot, leather, and sandalwood.
Kenatae
@KENATAE.SKIN / INSTAGRAM
Kenatae is an Ethiopian-rooted skincare brand that blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Its Radiant Shield Antioxidant Oil Serum centers on green coffee, one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, known for shielding skin from free radicals and environmental stress. Kenatae’s team of scientists transformed this ingredient into a proprietary anti-aging complex called CAFÉ-M5. The result is a lightweight oil-serum hybrid that nourishes and protects, leaving skin with a naturally radiant, glowing finish.
Samir Grey
Kahh Spence / Samir Grey
Kahh Spence, a beauty expert and former celebrity hairstylist, is the founder of Samir Grey, the fragrance label behind One Parfum. This highly concentrated unisex parfum contains over 30% fragrance oil and offers 8+ hours of wear. At the top are tiare flowers, almond milk, and peony; the heart blends jasmine, orris, candied peach, and salted moss; while the base rests on sunbleached wood, golden amber, solar musk, and decadent vanilla. It’s a luxurious, softly lingering scent that will turn heads without question.
In Real Life Skin
@INREALLIFESKIN / INSTAGRAM
Alyssa Ashley, the founder of In Real Life Skin, grew up in a traditional West Indian household where self-care was more than a routine—it was a way of life. After spending a decade working in consumer packaged goods and health industries, she saw a gap in skincare that connects inner wellness, sustainably sourced ingredients, and outer beauty. In Real Life Skin was born to address this white space, offering products like the Timeless Hydrating Dew Gel-Cream for Skin Barrier Recovery and the Dreamer Magnesium Spray with Lavender and Bergamot.
Bask & Lather
@baskandlather.co / instagram
Shaina Rainford, founder of Bask and Lather, was inspired to create her brand after her younger sister lost all of her hair to a ringworm infection that was initially misdiagnosed as dandruff. The brand’s core products were developed to promote hair growth and nourish and strengthen it, combining efficacy with natural, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. And the testimonials don’t lie, a quick scroll through Bask & Lather’s Instagram shows one success story after another.
Her Juice Bar
@herjuicebox / instagram
Abigail and Monica Murdock, founders of Atlanta-based Her Juice Bar, launched the brand to reimagine feminine care. Inspired by candid conversations with friends, they realized that many women had silently experienced infections, irritation, intimacy challenges, or other “down-there” issues. Her Juice Bar’s mission is to empower women to take control of their vaginal health, sexual pleasure, and reproductive wellness, offering products designed to relieve dryness, discomfort, and discharge while promoting self-care. The line goes beyond washes and topical items to include a range of balancing supplements. Even more compelling is the pretty packaging that looks great in your shower and medicine cabinet.
Koko Guerra Beauty
@kokoguerrabeauty / instagram
ICYMI: full-glam makeup is back, big time. And while many brands can create products to match the trend, few have the expertise of a founder who has been crafting flawless, full-coverage looks for years. Makeup artist Koko Guerra, who has worked with clients like Yandy Smith, brings that experience to her eponymous brand. Her collection features Black- and Brown-friendly setting powders and inclusive lip pens, delivering the same expertly beat, full-glam vibe fans see on her Instagram feed.
Soft Rows
@soft_rows / instagram
After years of working with the buzziest brands like Briogeo, Youth To The People, Versed, and Rhode, Quani Burnett recognized that true industry inclusion requires action, not just conversation. So, she started Soft Rows. Her vibrant, newly-launched line celebrates the beauty of tightly textured hair. The overall mission? To transform hair care from a chore into a ritual of self-care through products that elevate and evolve your wash day routine.
[analyse_source url=”https://www.byrdie.com/on-the-rise-black-owned-beauty-brands-11893261″]