"Melanin Safe" Beauty Products Are a Thing — And Here's Everything You Need To Know
Understanding the term that has been floating around the BIPOC beauty community.
Beauty in 2023 has become incredibly complex. With so many new products and treatments on the market, keeping up with all the jargon can be challenging. Terms like “clean beauty” and others can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the beauty industry or marketing channels.
As a Black man that worked in-house with a plethora of skincare and makeup brands, when it came to product development and making sure that products were effective on all skin types and hues, I quickly realized that there was a gap in the market for products that honed in on the specific concerns of Black and Brown people. Because of my richly melanin-filled skin, I’m always looking for ways to make sure my “Black don’t crack,” and I’m constantly using my access to question brands on what skin tests they’re running before the launch of products to make sure it is “melanin safe.”
What does “Melanin Safe” mean?
In layman’s terms, “Melanin Safe” can refer to skincare, body care, hair care, and makeup products that were developed with people of color in mind.
When it comes to product ideation and R&D efforts, people of color are often not included in the thought processes. Once, during my time working for a beauty company, I asked the founder why they didn’t create deeper shades of foundation for the brand. She responded, “The target audience wasn’t interested in those shades, and it wouldn’t be financially wise to create them.” I couldn’t help but feel disappointed by her unconscious bias and lack of consideration for a diverse audience.
Unfortunately, skincare brands have instilled a sense of shame in people with melanin-rich skin for having hyperpigmentation and other concerns. However, it’s important to note that strategies to reduce melanin can worsen skin imbalances and cause further inflammation. It’s crucial for individuals to embrace their natural skin tone and seek out products that are specifically formulated for their unique needs.
@_justemela_ Skincare with Melanin in mind @EADEM now available @sephora #skintok #skincare #eadempartner ♬ original sound – user59674626536
@melaninwisdom_ @melaninwisdom_ @melaninwisdom_ Here’s are a few skincare tips that I’ve E learned over time. Shall we have a part.2 ✨? #blackwoman #skintokthings #skincareforbeginners #skincaretips #skintok #sunscreen ♬ Almeda by Solange – Tana 🧛🏾♀️
Where Can I find Melanin Safe brands?
Melanin Safe brands aren’t just inclusive of Black Owned Brands. They’re a range of different skin types and hues and textures. Below is a list of a few for the masses to be aware of.
OUI The People
USTAWI
Topicals
Undefined Beauty
Ceremonia
Briogeo
Hyper Skin
Supernal
Common Heir
Tower28
EADEM
54 Thrones
The list is endless.
Can anyone use Melanin Safe products?
It’s important to note that while anyone can use these products, BIPOC brands specifically formulate their products to address common problems faced by those with darker skin tones. It’s not just about the shade of the skin but also about certain skin conditions that are more prevalent in melanin-rich skin. These brands are filling a void and providing solutions that were previously lacking.
@thebeautydoctrine Replying to @hainetzs #hyperpigmentation #melanin #skincareforhyperpigmentation ♬ original sound – The Beauty Doctrine
