I've been waiting YEARS for this moment. Topicals skincare [1] has officially launched in the UK. The US Black-owned skincare brand is specifically made with Black skin in mind, and this one is for all my fellow hyperpigmentation [2]sufferers. Topicals products are known for great results on discoloured skin and in recent times, the brand has taken over our Instagram feeds and TikTok For You Pages. [3]
After a trip abroad without putting on sunscreen, I was left with sun damage and dark discoloured marks all over my face. It's a skin concern that I'm still dealing with and have yet to find products that can reverse the damage. However, upon hearing the news that Topicals was finally coming to the UK I was overjoyed. There is a gap in the market for hyperpigmentation products that specifically target Black skin in the UK.
"This is skincare by us, for us," Topicals co-founder founder Olamide Olowe said. "I might not be I'm not the smartest or the most well connected in beauty, but because of our community, we can do anything." During a quick bus ride around London to launch the brand in the UK, the co-founder spilled everything about Topicals and even revealed some UK exclusive product information. There are some key changes for us UK girlies so read ahead to find out...
Topicals Faded Serum
Faded Serum [4] (£35) is made to target dark marks and stubborn discolouration. This TikTok viral hyperpigmentation-safe serum reduces post-blemish marks, scars, and spots for all ethnicities. It's a gentle enough formula for daily use and claims to produce visible results in as little as two weeks.
"Faded was a product I made specifically for myself," explains Olamide. "I grew up with a tonne of dark marks. I really wanted to make something that was going to be effective but wasn't skin bleaching. I'm Nigerian and I grew up going there and I understood how skin bleaching had a huge effect on my grandma, aunties and people that I loved. I thought to myself, 'Is there a way to create a product that says what it's going to do?' like lighten dark sports but not alter your skin tone in a ways that's not negative for your melanocytes (which is a fancy word for the cells that produce melanin in your skin). The reason why the product works well and so quickly is because we included all the products you need to have in one product. I'm not in the business of telling you a 10-step skin routine."
What's the difference in Topicals Faded in the UK?
In the original product sold in the US, Faded has a strong sulphur-like smell but this isn't the case for the UK products. Olamide says: "What I'm really excited about is that Faded no longer has a smell. Like none, zero, ziltch. This unscented version is currently only exclusive to the UK because we had to alter certain ingredients to be approved here.
"In the original product, glutathione was causing the smell so we've shifted to oxidised glutathione for a better product experience. The colour is also a bit different because it contains turmeric extract instead of turmeric butter. It's now a silky white serum instead of a dense yellow paste.
"It took us about 18 months to reformulate this product because not only did we need to take certain ingredients out, but we wanted to make sure that it was still going to be just as effective for our UK customers. Shout out to the UK regulatory board though because although it was tough, they pushed us to innovate to make the product better."
Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Moisturizer
The Like Butter Hydrating Moisturizer [5] (£30) is a soothing, hydrating moisturiser that helps maintain the skin's moisture, keeping flaky skin away. It's new formula is richer and creamier and it delivers even more hydrating support.
"This was actually made with my sister in mind, she had really bad eczema growing up," says Olamide. "What's really great about this product is that it targets the different pathways in why people have eczema. This is a really great daily hydrating moisturiser. You can use it on your face, but a lot of people use it on their hands or on the back of their legs and see great results."
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, redness, and dullness.
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
The Slather Exfoliating Body Serum [6] (£27) helps to buff away rough patches and you are left with soft-touch skin. This milky body serum and moisturiser includes retinol and AHAs that help exfoliate the body and address visible roughness, bumps, scales, dullness, and flakiness. Topicals advises to use thus product on the body two to three times per week.
"We've all seen retinol being hyped as a product to use for 'anti-ageing', or in some cases for acne," says Olamide. "But it also can be a product that works great for people who have Keratosis Pilaris (rough bumpy skin texture). Slather is also good for targeting dry skin."
Skincare Concerns: Dryness, Uneven Texture.
Topicals Faded Under Eye Mask
Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that the Faded Under Eye Mask [7] (£20) has become a fashion statement. UK celebrities and influencers such as Indiyah Polack [8] and Nella Rose have been spotted wearing them everywhere — from the club to events. Yes, they look cute but what do they do?
The pair of brightening hydrogel under-eye masks support an even-toned under-eye. If you're a regular hydrogel eye-mask user you'll know that often these can slip off your face. But this product has a firm grip to the point where I've been able to use them out and about for hours as an accessory.
"This product has taken the internet by storm the last couple of months," says Olamide. "I really challenged our team to think about bringing skincare outside the box. It targets dark circles but I really wanted to create a product that people would be excited to wear outside. If you're someone who loves to do your skincare on the go, for a walk or even before a date, you can! They can be used for as little as 15 minutes but people like using them for longer."
Skincare Concerns: Dullness, Dark Circles.
Topicals Sealed Active Scar Primer
Topicals's Sealed Active Scar Primer [9] (£30) is a "fun product because this is our first makeup-skincare hybrid product," says Olamide. "You can wear it with makeup to prime your skin or without makeup because it's a clear consistency. This doesn't just target dark spots but also targets scars left from acne. This product includes peptides, retinol, onion bolt extract and silicone. You can immediately put this product on and it will fill any pit, indented scars or large pores. Also, because it includes onion bolt extract, long-term it actually helps the pitted scars on your skin heal and improve over time. It's a dual-focused product. Immediately you'll see that blurred effect but long-term it's a skincare product so it's also retexturing your skin."
Skincare Concerns: Uneven Texture.
When is Topicals Slick Salve Coming To the UK?
If you've got to the end of this product piece and you're wondering where US favourites Slick Salve lip balm and High Roller are, you're not alone! "We're still trying to get these through products through immigration but they're coming," Olamide reveals. So, don't worry, you'll get your hands on them soon!
Where is Topicals Available to Buy?
In the UK, Topicals is available to buy from Sephora UK in store and online. You can still purchase on Topicals main US website if you wish, but you might face import fees.
Aaliyah Harry [10] (she/her) is the associate editor at PS UK. She writes extensively across lifestyle, culture and beauty. Aaliyah [11] also has a deep passion for telling stories and giving voice to the voiceless. Previously, she has contributed to Refinery29, Grazia UK and The Voice Newspaper.