Why you should support female, black-owned businesses
As a white woman I cannot speak on nor begin to understand the experience of black women in America. I am working to educate myself on anti-racism, white-privilege, and the racial injustices in our country. Right now, many wonder what’s the next step towards fighting for racial equality. Apart from posting on social media, how can you truly make a change in the long-run? One significant way we can help is through our spending-power. We all use personal care products, so next time you go to purchase another product, think about the impact of your purchase and how overtime purchasing from a black-owned business can make a difference in the economic injustices black people face, specifically black women. There is an immense disparity between white and black-owoneded businesses, and by purchasing from black-owned businesses you are helping to close this gap. Companies, like Sephora, are taking steps in the right direction by making a 15% pledge to carry more black-owneded beauty companies. As consumers we can create similar positive impact, if we shop consciously and with purpose.
Why clean beauty
Personal care products we use everyday are loaded with chemicals and toxins, mainly due to the lack of government oversight on cosmetic product regulation (in fact, beauty products are the least overseen consumer products). So, what does this mean for our long-term health?
According to the Environmental Working Group, consistent and long-term exposure to chemicals and contaminants in beauty products is linked to severe health problems, such as endocrine disruption and cancer. The European Union has banned over 1,300 chemicals in the use of beauty products. In contrast, the United States has only banned a shocking 11 chemicals and the last cosmetic ingredient regulation law was passed in 1938. Therefore, it is up to the consumers to shop consciously and read ingredient labels carefully to avoid long-term health consequences. Look for companies that are transparent about their ingredients. An instant red flag occurs when a brand does not release ingredient information to the consumer.
Here is a list of my three favorite clean beauty brands owned by black female entrepreneurs. These companies are committed to making the beauty market safer and to delivering high-performance products.
Briogeo invites you to think beyond the appearance of your hair, and pushes you to consider the actual health of your hair. Briogeo has something for everyone to support hair health; products ranging from scalp rejuvenation, repairing anti-frizz sprays, to superfood hair masks!
All of Briogeo formulas are free of harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA and synthetic color. Briogeo formulas are cruelty-free, gluten free, and ethically sourced.
Who doesn't love a transparent and clean beauty company!?
The founder and CEO Nancy Twine took after her grandmother, also known as the“town’s beauty guru,” who created natural, homemade hair care from her kitchen. Determined to bring her grandmother’s recipes to life and to clean hair care to the market, Nancy successfully entered the saturated beauty market with her unique brand and nutrient-powered products.
The Line Up:
“Be Gentle, Be Kind”
(Avocado + kiwi mega moisture superfood mask)
Why I love it: hydrates my hair without weighing it down, has phytonutrients such as avocado, kiwi, chia seeds, and spinach to restore and lock in moisture.
“Scalp Revival”
(Charcoal + coconut oil micro-exfoliating shampoo)
Why I love it: detoxifies, exfoliates, soothes and balances the scalp. Also, it’s the first clean, exfoliating shampoo on the market. Clarifies my hair from product build and removes dead skin cells on my scalp (sorry I know that sounds kinda gross) but if you have dry or flaky scalp, you will definitely want to try this.
SKINCARE
KLUR is an eco-inclusive, vegan, clean, and sustainable skincare line crafted utilizing plant-based, nature identical, (free of parabens, sulfates, fillers, fragrance, and dyes).
The Founder, Lesely Thorton’s vision was to create a brand that valued inclusivity, ethics, and human and planet health. “As an esthetician and formulator, I've always treated people with a complete approach to skin health; prioritizing minimalistic regimens that deliver multiple benefits and long-term results,” writes Thorton.
The Line-Up:
“Gentle Matter”
(Daily Moisture Cleanser)
Why I love it: great for sensitive skin. Very gentle cleanser with potent antioxidants and organic botanicals, such as green tea, aloe and Vitamin E. Also includes mild resurfacing ingredients which helps detox the skin while retaining optimal hydration levels.
MAKEUP
LAMIK (Love And Makeup In Kindness) Beauty is a vegan makeup line made with natural and organic ingredients.
Kim Roxie dreamt of creating her very own makeup line; however, after learning about the unsafe ingredients in many products, she knew she had to find a way to create a safer alternative. Stemming from her love of makeup and helping women to “discover their natural beauty”, Kim created an organic and vegan line made specifically to empower multicultural women and reveal their inner beauty.
“That's why I always say Beauty is Revealed, Not Applied” (Kim Roxie)
The Line-Up:
“Custom Blend Foundation”
Why I love it: it is truly custom; you send a selfie to LAMIK, they match you, and then send you a full sized product!
“Celebrity Brow-Kit”
Why I love it: you get to take a brow-quiz to find your perfect brow-kit.
These products are clean, high-performing, and sustainable. I have tried and swear by the majority of these products, except for the few I have yet to splurge on! Remember next time you purchase a self-care product to consider helping support black-owned brands that not only have great products but also prioritize your health and the environment.
Sources:
https://klur.co/collections/shop