Here we’ve listed 30 vegan and cruelty-free and vegan black-owned skincare and beauty brand along with the skin type and concerns they address. We’ve also included a little about the founders’ stories. Please enjoy!
#1 Black Girl Sunscreen
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Shontay Lundy, Ed.D Organizational leadership, MBA, Business Economics B.S.
Shantay says, “ I got started with Black Girl Sunscreen after tirelessly looking for a sunscreen that was non-toxic and rubbed into my skin tone leaving no white cast. After realizing there was a major gap in the market, I decided to take matters into my own hands by creating Black Girl Sunscreen. My life experience as a black woman has influenced the mission and core values behind Black Girl Sunscreen as we are committed to excellence. We have consistently been ignored by both the beauty and sun care industry with a lack of representation. Based on this, it's been a part of our mission to make a space for us and finally include black people into the discussion. Our mission is to spread awareness about sun safety to people of color and encourage the use of sunscreen.”
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 - $18.99
Why it’s effective: Black Girl Sunscreen is a lightweight formula infused with avocado, carrot juice, cacao, and jojoba. Black Girl sunscreen does not leave a white cast and is specifically made to protect and moisturize melanin-rich women from UV and radiation!
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@blackgirlsunscreen
#2 Bolden USA
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Chinelo Chindozie, global finance expert / Ndidi Obidoa, economist
If you listen to your body, you’d be surprised at all she’s designed to do.
-The Bolden USA founders
Why it’s effective: This toner uses niacinamide with the intention of protecting the skin from pollution, treating acne, and calming oiliness and shine.
- Skin types: Oily, blemish-prone, hyperpigmentation
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@Bolden USA
#3 Hyper Skin
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Desiree Verdejo, Juris Doctorate
"I knew that black-owned businesses weren’t as hidden as the industry made them seem. Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.”
-Desiree Verdejo
Hyper Clear Vitamin C Serum - $36
Why it’s effective:This serum combines the power of vitamin C, Vitamin E, salicylic acid, and turmeric to help hyperpigmentation. It usesVitamin C and Vitamin E to even the skin and to fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars. It may prevent further breakouts with ingredients like fruit enzymes, bearberry, turmeric, koji, and salicylic acid.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
- Skin types: All
@Hyperskin
#4 Pholk Beauty
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Niambi Cacchioli, PhD Sociology and Politics
“Every black and brown woman needs to know how to treat their skin with kindness. While yes, we are a resilient people, the beauty industry often gives us the harshest products on the shelves and expects our skin to be just as resilient.”
-Niambi Cacchicoli
Honeysuckle, Rose Hydrating Mist - $20
Why it’s effective: Made to hydrate and soothe naturally with rose water. The honeysuckle is meant to gently cleanse pores. This product may refresh and balance pH levels after a workout or a long day and brightens the eye area. It is usable before the application of makeup.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
- Skin types: Dry skin, keloid safe, hyperpigmentation, fine lines
@pholkbeauty
#5 Aba Love Apothecary
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Aba Gyepi-Gabrah, corporate wellness expert
“Always keep going and acknowledge your growth. And most of all, prioritize your mental health!”
-Aba Love Apothecary
Flower crown facial serum 1 oz - $81
Why it’s effective: Authentic botanical skincare is 100% derived from plants. While natural skincare can be irritating to sensitive skin, chamomile and rose-water can actually be quite soothing and even anti-inflammatory. This product intends to even tone and fade blemishes for sensitive skin through hydration and repair.
- Skin types: All skin types
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@abaloveapothecary
#6 Kaike
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Keli Smith, Entrepreneur and former fashion model
“Make sure you surround yourself with people that help you grow and to be the best that you can be.”
-Keli Smith
Mango Butter Lip Frosting - $5
Why it’s effective: With mango butter, castor, and coconut oil this lip frosting is a moisturizing treat for lips during the wintertime. Uses Castor oil, candelilla wax, mango butter, coconut oil to deeply moisturize lips and gives a sheen.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
#7 True Moringa
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Kwami Williams, Aerospace Engineer
True Moringa has literally helped 2 million trees be replanted in Ghana to combat deforestation and directly sources from Ghanian farmers. They’ve also served over 5,000 farmers! It’s something rare and certainly worth celebrating when you can find sustainability and social good in great skincare! Thank you, Kwami!!
Why it’s effective: This kit includes magic black soap, moringa mist, true raw shea, moringa oil which gently cares for skin. The moringa mist contains the vitamins of moringa leaves and the moringa oil moisturizes by locking in that hydration. It’s easily absorbed and lightweight and provides a barrier for the skin.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@TrueMoringa
#8 Glam Body
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Danika Berry
“Maintaining a self-care sanctuary is so important for our mental and physical health.”
-Danika Berry
Coconut Coffee Body Scrub -$19.95
Why it’s effective: With Arabica coffee, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, sugar, pink Himalayan salt, and vitamin E, this scrub naturally and gently exfoliates dry skin, moisturizes, tones, and gives a radiant glow to the body and face.
- Skin types: Dry skin, eczema, dark spot-prone
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@iamglambody
#9 Shani Darden Skin Care
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Shani Darden
“As a biracial woman, I’ve experienced both struggle and opportunity which have each molded me into the person I am today. “
-Shani Darden
This is a non-drying, foaming cleanser that is made with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, oat bran extract, and olive oil that restore the skin’s moisture but also removes pore-clogging impurities.
- Skin types: Dry, combination, oily
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@shanidarden
#10 Brigeo
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Nancy Twine
“Allow yourself time to heal, to reflect, and give yourself compassion while doing so.”
-Nancy Twine
Charcoal + Tea Tree Scalp Treatment - $32
Why it’s effective: This producttreats dry, flaky, itchy scalps, and promotes follicle health. The charcoal removes impurities while the tea tree oil heals and cools the scalp. Using biotin, this product may also support hair growth.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@Briogeo
#11 Buttah Skin
Founder, Owner, and CEO: Dorian Renaud
“Anyone who is continuously striving to be themselves and live with purpose inspires me.”
-Dorian Renaud
Why it’s effective: This detox max exfoliates with charcoal and replenishes with argan oil and shea butter.
- Skin-type: Richly Melanated
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@buttahskin
#12 Ayele & Co.
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Danielle Bahi
“Even if the funding isn’t there, continue to believe in your goal.”
-Danielle Bahi
Why it’s effective: With rosewater and aloe vera, this mist hydrates and restores the PH balance of your skin while soothing irritation.
- Skin type: All
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@ayeleskincare
#13 Nola Skinsentials
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Jane Orman
“You’re going to make it. Don’t let anyone come in between you and your goals.”
-Jane Orman
Why it’s effective: Without harsh chemicals, this treatment is a 5% glycolic acid cream and removes dead skin cells so that the skin can breathe and better receive moisture while it regenerates overnight.
- Skin type: Dry, combination, oily
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@nolaskinsentials
#14 MaryLouise Cosmetics
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Akilah Releford
“Natural skincare should be accessible for everyone.”
-Akilah Releford
Why it’s effective: This serum is great for treating severe hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Infused with cold-pressed turmeric oil, it helps combat UV damage and leaves a glowy and non-greasy finish.
- Skin type: All, acne-prone, hyperpigmentation concern.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@marylouisecosmetics
#15 Golde
Founder, Owner, & CEO Trinity Wofford, Forbes 30 under 30
“Approach yourself with kindness, gratitude, and a lot of patience.”
-Trinity Wafford
Why it’s effective: This super all-natural face mask uses lucuma, papaya enzymes, and Vitamin C to exfoliate your skin and to give it a radiant glow
- Skin types: All
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@golde
#16 AbsoluteJoi
Founder, owner, & CEO: Anne Beal, M.D and Public Health Expert
“I am declaring AbsoluteJoi a space where we can focus on self-care, wellness, and healing ourselves.”
-Anne Beal
Skin Refining Night Oil with Retinol and Vitamins C+E - $57
Why it’s effective: This oil nourishes the skin with Vitamin C&E, and as the last step of your nighttime skincare routine, it will lock in moisture.
- Skin types: All
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@absolutejoi
#17 BeautyStat Cosmetics
Founder. Owner, & CEO: Ron Robinson, Cosmetic Chemist
“As far as being more inclusive, the beauty industry can do a better job of having POC represented in their leadership teams.”
-Ron Robinson
Beauty Stat Universal C Eye Perfector - $65
Why it’s effective: With a 5% pure vitamin C formula, the Universal C eye correctorfades dark circles ,puffiness, and inflammation. Using caffeine, magnolia, and hemp oil, it also protects against free radicals from pollution and reduces wrinkles.
- Skin types: All
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@beautystatcosmetics
#18 Dehiya Beauty
Founder, Owner, and CEO: Mia Chae Reddy, Phd
“Black History Month is not a moment. This month is a celebration of the work we do all year long to accurately write Black people into the American narrative.”
- Mia Chae Reddy
Why it’s effective: The exfoliant scrubber was handmade and dyed in Morocco with natural pigments by a women’s co-op, and it is made from 100% organic cotton.
- Skin types: All, sensitive
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@Dehiyabeauty
#19 Klur Skincare
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Lesley Thorton, Esthetician and business expert
“Working hands-on in my community is my wellness routine for the foreseeable future.”
-Lesley Thorton
Stellar Restoration Corrective Complex -$110
Why it’s effective: Through the night, this serum rejuvenates your complexion with Vitamin A, B, and C and has major anti-aging properties like retinol that combats dermal breakdown for firmer, more even, and more supple skin.
- Skin types: Mature
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
#20 Oui the people
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Karen Young, Business Executive
I’ve only ever wanted to be a founder, but I’ve never shied away from being a Black woman, and I revel in the fact that our creativity and business acumen is finally being seen. Real change looks like including Black-owned brands in articles about inspiring founders, interviewing us in podcasts and listing us, and our products, outside of Black History Month posts.
-Karen Young
Why it’s effective: The gluconolactone in this toner draws water to the sensitive skin around ingrown hair, and it also has poly-hydroxy acid which exfoliates dead skin cells and allows the essential fatty acid and antioxidants of the product to penetrate deeper into the skin for healing.
- Skin types: All, sensitive
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@ouithepeople
#21 Laws of Nature Cosmetics
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Jasmine Rose
“Our products truly reflect and compliment the diverse shades and undertones of Black women. Ultimately, we want Black women to enhance their natural beauty and feel empowered by taking control of what is being put on their bodies.”
-Jasmine Rose
Loose Mineral Foundation - Espresso Matte Finish -$30
Why it’s effective: Properties like green tea, lavender, and chamomile extract may ease inflammation on sensitive skin. This product is talc-free and provides a smooth finish that will last all day.
- Skin type: All, sensitive
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@lawofnaturecosmetics
#22 Hanahana Beauty
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Abena Boamah
“I made this specifically for black women, and anybody can use the product; but it’s important for black women to know when things are made with them in mind.”
-Abena Boamah
Eucalyptus shea body butter- $28
Why it’s effective: This eucalyptus shea body butter is directly sourced from a women’s cooperative in Ghana and nourishes the skin for long-lasting moisturization.
- Skin types: all
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@hanahanabeauty
#23 Anne’s Apothecary
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Anne Suinner-Lawoyin, RN
“We thoroughly vet every ingredient and supplier. It’s an easy thing to do when you have no motive other than making wholesome products.”
- Anne Suinner-Lawoyin
Why it’s effective:Anne’s Tea Tree Floral uses calendula, marshmallow, sunflower extract, irish moss, and aloe to soothe, calm inflamed acne, and provide moisture.
- Skin types: All, Acne prone
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@Annesapothecary
#24 Mented Cosmetics
Founder, Owner, & CEO: KJ Miller, MBA
“Women of color deserve a lot more options.”
-KJ Miller
Summer Semi-Matte Lip Shades -$45
Why we love it:These summer semi-matte lip shades are made with melanin undertones in mind, glide on with a creamy texture, and they are deeply pigmented.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@mentedcosmetics
#25 Jacq’s
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Barbara Jacques
“I promised myself that I would stop feeding into fears, so here I am.”
Revitalizing face toner - $24.99
Why it’s effective: After you wash off your makeup, this PH restoring toner is a good option for removing the stubborn bits left behind. This product is made with mint, hibiscus, floral tea, burdock root, restores PH, and helps unclog pores after wearing makeup.
- Skin types: All
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@Jacqs
#26 Uoma Beauty
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Sharon Chuter, MBA
“Beauty starts the moment you decide to be yourself.”
Savage Black Magic Color Palette in Poise -$44
- Why we love it: This colorful palette is abundant with deep, blendable shades that give a metallic finish and no creases.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@uomabeauty
#27 Rose MD Skin
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Rose Ingleton, MD
“During med school, I discovered my love for helping people feel at ease in their own skin.”
-Rose Ingleton
Blemish Control Booster Serum -$70
Why it’s effective: With glycolic acid, natural alpha hydroxy acid, and a complex of antioxidants like orange, lemon, blueberry, and sugar cane extract, this serum may clarify complexion, control breakouts, clear pores, and reduce blemishes by dissolving dead skin and by boosting cellular turnover.
- Skin types: All, Acne prone
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@Rosemdskin
#28 Danessa Myricks Beauty
Founder, Owner, & CEO: Danessa Myricks, MUA
“The issues at hand run deeper than adding shades to a collection. It involves changing the minds of people and opening their hearts to upstanding the root of the problem and taking steps on many levels to address the imbalances and inequities.”
-Danessa Myricks
- Why we love it: Deep in pigment and satin semi-matte in finish, this product can be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks.
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@Danessamyricks
#29 Eadem
Founder, Owner, & CEO:Marie Kouadio Amouzame and Alice Lin Glover
“The women in my family taught me that beauty is never about perfection or complying with Western beauty standards. Our beauty lies within our multifaceted identities and dual cultures.”
- Marie Kouadio Amouzame
Milky Marvel Dark Spot Serum -$68
Why it’s effective: This contains a blend of niacinamide and encapsulated Vitamin C that works to even and soothe skin
-
Skin type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
@eadem.com
#30 Ami Colé
Founder:Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye
“I wanted to provide the basics for people of color,”
-Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye
Light catching highlighter -$22
Why we love it: This has a lightweight texture with golden light-reflective minerals that add an instant glow to the face and glides seamlessly over makeup and bare skin!
- Cruelty-free ✔ Vegan ✔
@byamicole
Cover photo cred: Health Magazine