How Black-Owned Clean Beauty Brands Are Redefining Industry Standards


Clean beauty is more than just  a trend—it's a movement dedicated to safer, more sustainable products that respect both our bodies and the environment. Leading this charge are Black-owned brands, which are not just participating in the movement; they are proving what is possible, crafting products that meet the real needs of Black women without compromising on quality or ethical standards.

The Importance of Clean Beauty

Why pivot to clean beauty? It's simple: the products we use every day shouldn't jeopardize our health. Traditional beauty items often contain harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, which are linked to serious health issues ranging from allergic reactions to hormonal disruptions. Switching to clean beauty means choosing products that are not only effective but also formulated with ingredients that are safe for long-term use.

For Black women, the move towards clean beauty is particularly impactful. Historically, the beauty industry has offered limited options that cater to the unique textures and tones of Black skin and hair. In addition to that, the products that were offered often forced a centralized beauty standard & contact with the most harmful chemical ingredients. Black-owned clean beauty brands are changing the narrative by providing products that are tailor-made for Black women, ensuring that beauty products are both inclusive and health-conscious.

These pioneering brands also lead with transparency, shedding light on the contents of their products and the benefits of each ingredient. This openness is more than just informative—it builds trust and empowers consumers to make choices that align with their health and wellness goals.

Moreover, embracing clean beauty aligns with a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. Many clean beauty brands prioritize eco-friendly practices, from sourcing ingredients sustainably to utilizing recyclable packaging, helping to reduce the beauty industry’s ecological footprint.

By supporting Black-owned clean beauty brands, consumers not only champion their own health but also contribute to a market that values integrity, transparency, and respect for the planet. It’s a powerful way to demand and drive change in the beauty industry, pushing it towards a future where health and beauty are not at odds but are mutually reinforcing.


Spotlight on Black-Owned Brands

The clean beauty movement is significantly enriched by the innovation of Black-owned businesses, which are pioneering the development of safe, effective, and high-quality beauty products. These brands challenge the status quo by prioritizing formulations free from harmful chemicals, catering to the specific beauty needs of Black women, who have traditionally been overlooked by mainstream beauty offerings.

Companies like Sienna Naturals, Unsun Cosmetics, Bask and Bloom, Eleven by Venus, and 54 Thrones - all recognized by the Non-Toxic Black Beauty Project - illustrate the potential when health and inclusivity drive product development. These brands encompass a range of products from skincare to haircare, all crafted without the toxic chemicals disproportionately affecting Black women. These businesses are redefining industry standards for safety and quality, proving that clean beauty can be luxurious and widely accessible.


Where to Buy

Here’s where you can find these innovative products:

  • Online Platforms: Many Black-owned clean beauty brands sell directly from their websites, which often provide the best range of products. Additionally, online retailers like Credo Beauty and BLK + GRN feature a selection of clean beauty brands, making it easy to shop clean online.

  • Pop-up Shops and Markets: Keep an eye out for local pop-up shops and markets, which are fantastic places to discover up-and-coming Black-owned clean beauty brands. These events often offer the opportunity to test products and speak directly with the creators.

Supporting these outlets not only helps sustain and grow Black-owned businesses but also advances the clean beauty movement as a whole. By choosing where to spend your money, you're voting for a healthier, more sustainable beauty industry.

Supporting the Movement

Empowering Black-owned clean beauty brands goes beyond individual purchases. It's about building a community that champions health, transparency, and inclusivity in the beauty industry. 

Here’s how you can help strengthen this movement:

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. Learn about the harmful chemicals commonly used in beauty products and share this information with your community. The more informed we are, the better choices we can make.

  • Participate in Campaigns: Join campaigns like the Non-Toxic Black Beauty Project that advocate for safer beauty standards. Participation can range from signing petitions to engaging in social media campaigns that highlight the importance of clean beauty.

The rise of Black-owned clean beauty brands is not just a hopeful trend—it's a powerful testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Black entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. By focusing on products that are safe, effective, and inclusive, these brands are setting new standards that benefit not only Black women but all consumers who value health and wellness. Their success is a spotlight for future generations of beauty industry leaders.

Call to Action

Now, more than ever, your choices matter. Each product you purchase, each brand you support, and each conversation you have about clean beauty contributes to a larger wave of change in the beauty industry. 

Here’s how you can take action today:

  • Explore and Purchase: Start by exploring the range of Black-owned clean beauty brands mentioned in this post. Make your next beauty purchase one that supports both your health and the growth of these pioneering companies.

  • Spread the Word: Share this post with friends and family. Discuss the importance of clean beauty on your social media platforms using the hashtags #CleanBeautyForBlackGirls and #VoteWithBeauty.

  • Join the Movement: Contact me to discuss how!


Your voice, your dollars, and your loyalty are powerful. Use them to champion clean beauty and support the Black women leading this vital movement.