A Spotlight on Black Women-Owned Beauty Brands

Within the last few years, the focus of the beauty industry has shifted dramatically towards brands that hold a higher standard of diversity and inclusivity. The beauty world has often been dominated by powerhouse brands whose founders have traditionally prioritized creativity and brand awareness rather than inclusivity. The impact of Black women-owned beauty brands has allowed for inclusivity and representation to become a new standard for the industry. 

There have been exceptional contributions of Black women-owned beauty brands that have stood out in recent years. We all know Fenty Beauty, the beauty brand started by the influential Rihanna. Fenty Beauty has stood out because of its incredible shade range and inclusivity standard, yet is also surrounded by many brands that don’t offer the same. Still, many unrecognized brands offer similar, if not better, options for people of color when it comes to beauty and skincare products. By shedding light on these lesser-known brands and their remarkable efforts, the beauty industry can reach new heights and acknowledge that beauty comes in all forms. Here are five Black women-owned beauty brands that are redefining the industry in 2024. 

Uoma Beauty

Uoma Beauty was founded by Sharon Chuter, who has been involved in the beauty industry since she was a teenager. Uoma Beauty is the first “Afropolitan” makeup brand on the market. The beauty industry has long ignored “Afropolitan” makeup, a term that combines "Africa" and "cosmopolitan," highlighting a modern and global African identity or aesthetic. They offer traditional makeup products such as foundation, powder, concealer, lipstick, and more, at a high-end price. They are sold on their brand website, Ulta Beauty, and JCPenney. What makes Uoma Beauty stand out is the 51 shades of their Say What?! Foundation. Each of the shade groups Uoma offers has formulas that are specifically designed to target the major concerns of each skin tone. The endless five-star reviews given to this foundation make it a leading, yet underappreciated inclusive foundation within the beauty industry.  

Pat McGrath Labs

The industry powerhouse Pat McGrath has been named one of the most influential makeup artists in the world, per Vogue. McGrath’s ‘glass skin’ looks for the Maison Margiela Spring-Summer 2024 Haute Couture show went viral, blowing up on social media platforms like TikTok. Aside from the impact McGrath has made on the runway, Pat McGrath Labs stands at the forefront of many Sephoras as a leading makeup brand. Her SatinAllure Lipstick is a smash hit and an Allure 2023 Best of Beauty Award Winner. With 11 shades to choose from ranging from a soft nude to a dark berry, this lipstick is an industry favorite. McGrath was also featured on Time’s 2019 Most Influential People list—if that doesn’t also show her range as a makeup artist and entrepreneur!

Black Girl Sunscreen

Back in 2016, Shontay Lundy developed Black Girl Sunscreen, a brand committed to creating an SPF sunscreen specifically for women of color. With melanated skin in mind, BGS no longer eliminates Black women from the conversation of sunscreen and dries completely clear, leaving no chalky-white cast. Lundy wanted to prioritize creating a defense line for the skin against UV, while also ensuring smooth and clear coverage. With the infusion of Jojoba oil, while also being a clean, cruelty-free, and vegan product, BGS is also free of silicone, parabens, fragrance, and aluminum. At an affordable price, Black Girl Sunscreen is sold on their website, at Target, CVS, Amazon, and Walgreens. 

Melanin Haircare

Melanin Haircare is a haircare brand created in 2015 by sisters Whitney and Taffeta White. The White sisters’ brand ensures a total and clean line of haircare, with an extremely reliable formula that will last years. The White sisters developed a chemical-free line of products that have a formula that they say will last on your bathroom shelf, maintaining the same precision quality. Melanin Haircare is offered on their website, as well as at Sephora and Target, at an affordable price. Their standout product is their Melanin Haircare Twist Elongating Style Cream, which has over 300 reviews on Sephora, highlighting it as one of the best style creams on the market for braids, waves, curls, twists, and other wet-set styles. Melanin Haircare has many other products, such as conditioner, shampoo, oils, and bundle kits for all of your hair care needs. 

Oui The People

From razor burn, to dry skin, to hyperpigmentation—Oui The People has a product for it all. Founder Karen Young developed Oui The People after years of seeing brands use antiquated terminology to sell their products. Young was sick of the language used that only harmed women’s psyche. Since their release in 2015, Oui The People has been inspiring women and allowing them to feel beautiful in their own skin without the feeling of searching for flawlessness. On their website, they allow customers to shop by routine, whether that be shaving, exfoliating, hydrating, or rejuvenation. A standout product by Oui The People is hard to pinpoint, but some of their bestsellers include Resurfacing Body Serum, Rose Gold Sensitive Skin Razor, and Hydrating Body Gloss. 

The landscape of beauty in 2024 is characterized by the creativity, innovation, and resilience of the many founders of leading brands. These five women mentioned have established themselves as leading voices in the world of cosmetics, offering products that rewrite the narrative of beauty. These brands make beauty accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for those of all backgrounds. The influence of Black women-owned beauty brands is continuing to shape industry standards, challenge norms, and amplify diverse voices. Celebrating these influential entrepreneurs and inspiring brands is key to cultivating a future where every individual feels seen and valued within the beauty industry.