Skin care, like hair care, is all about figuring out what works best for the unique chemistry of your body. There might not be a cure-all that's suited for everyone, but there are a few tried-and-tested beauty products that work especially well for Black women's skin [1]. We reached out to five beauty enthusiasts with varying skin types to find out which products Black women are loving right now.
When it comes to cleansers, Paula's Choice and The Inkey List are favourite brands, followed by moisturisers from The Ordinary, Embryolisse, and Dermalogica. For a perfectly poreless makeup look, two out of five women reach for Becca's matte priming perfector. And if you fancy simple and clean skin care, we'd recommend brands like Weleda, Astral, and using pure aloe vera gel with tea tree oil as a natural but effective replacement to your daily cleanser. For hot summer days, don't forget your suncream [2] — we're loving Glossier's Invisible Shield because it's lightweight and doesn't leave a gray cast over chocolate skin tones.
Ahead, 13 skin-care products that 5 Black women swear by.
Wendy, Makeup Artist
Name: Wendy Asumadu [3]
Age: 25
Title: Makeup Artist, Content Creator, Model
Skin type: Dry, Sensitive
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
"I love Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate [4] (£40). It's not only my go-to in the evening but sometimes I wear it during the day for extra hydration. You only need a few drops, and it'll have your skin feeling replenished and moisturised." — Wendy, 25, Dry/Sensitive Skin
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
"I love how The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 [5] (£6) is affordable and how healthy my skin looks when I use it. The product is a key part of my skin-care routine and lives up to the hype. An essential to smooth, flawless, and hydrated skin overnight." — Wendy, 25, Dry/Sensitive Skin
Embryolisse Laboratories Lait-Creme Concentre
"I love Embryolisse Laboratories Lait-Creme Concentre [6] (£13)! Not only does it provide a good base for makeup but it's also great for healing and moisturising your skin. And the best part for those with sensitive skin is that it's unscented." — Wendy, 25, Dry/Sensitive Skin
Iman Leila, Publicist
Name: Iman Leila
Age: 25
Title: Public Relations & Influencer Manager
Skin type: Oily
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
"Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant [7] (£28) has helped clear up my skin so quickly, especially during lockdown. I haven't had a blackhead in months." — Iman, 25, Oily Skin
Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
"When my skin is oiler than a frying pan, Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector [8] (£14) keeps me matte all day." — Iman, 25, Oily Skin
Kara, Editor
Name: Kara Kia [9]
Age: 27
Title: Editor at POPSUGAR
Skin type: Combination, Blemish-Prone
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
"The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser [10] (£11) has a simple, straightforward formulation that keeps my skin clear from the occasional spot — plus it costs you only a little over a tenner." — Kara, 27, Combination/Blemish-Prone Skin
Foreo Luna Play Plus Cleansing Brush
"What a game changer! The Foreo Luna Play Plus Cleansing Brush [11] (£39) gives me a thorough deep-pore cleansing every time and has totally elevated my skin-care routine." — Kara, 27, Combination/Blemish-Prone Skin
Weleda Skin Food Light
"I'll be using Weleda Skin Food Light [12] (£8) for the rest of my life. It's intensely hydrating without the greasy feeling, made from natural ingredients, doesn't make me break out, and it's under a tenner — love!" — Kara, 27, Combination/Blemish-Prone Skin
Carol, Entrepreneur
Name: Carol Lathbridge [13]
Age: 39
Title: Cofounder of Tiwani Heritage
Skin type/concern: Oily, Combination
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil
"Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil [14] (£68) is great for the skin barrier, leaving my skin feeling supersoft." — Carol, 39, Oily/Combination
Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector
"Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector [15] (£14) smooths out my skin and absorbs excess oil, creating a great base to apply my makeup." — Carol, 39, Oily/Combination
Memunatu, Textile Designer
Name: Memunatu Barrie [16]
Age: 21
Title: Textile Designer
Skin type/concern: Dry, Combination
Aloe Pura Optima Organic Aloe Vera Gel With Tea Tree
"I use Aloe Pura Optima Organic Aloe Vera Gel With Tea Tree [17] (£4) as my daily cleanser. The aloe vera gel is soothing, and tea tree is a natural antiseptic. I like to keep my skin care simple and natural." — Memunatu, 21, Dry/Combination Skin
Astral Intensive Moisturiser Original
"When my skin gets really dry, I use Astral Intensive Moisturiser Original [18] (£9), which is a great recent find." — Memunatu, 21, Dry/Combination Skin
Glossier Invisible Shield
"I top it off with Glossier Invisible Shield [19] (£20). I really like it because the product is super lightweight and doesn't leave a cast." — Memunatu, 21, Dry/Combination Skin