18 Skincare Products People Of Color Swear By

Cactus soap, watermelon dew drops, tea tree body balm, and more. Let it glow, let it glow...✨

1. A bottle of niacinamide serum from The Ordinary to minimize the look of blemishes and refine your complexion. Whether you have normal, dry, combination, or oily skin, this serum can work for you.

@deciem / Via instagram.com

This product is alcohol-free, silicone-free, vegan, and gluten-free; made for all skin types. 

Promising review: "I am African American and 46 years old. I use this at night, and also during the day with a zinc oxide SPF 40. My texture is smoother and the areas of discoloration have faded. I am comfortable leaving the house without foundation now. The product description is spot on. For the price point, who can resist? I am on my second bottle." —Soyini

Get it from Sephora for $5.90.

2. A watermelon highlighting serum in case your skin is experiencing a dull moment. This bestseller is a lightweight gel that works to reduce hyperpigmentation to leave you with a dewy glow.

Sephora

Promising review: "I love what this does for my skin! i’m prone to hyperpigmentation, (I’m Indian so I have brown, olive undertone skin) and this helps so much. I use it twice daily, morning and night. I tone with Farmacy Deep Sweep and use this as my serum after. I’ve noticed such a huge difference in my overall complexion. I struggle with adult acne that naturally plays up around my period. I would get dark spots that would last for what felt like forever but this has made a noticeable impact in reducing how long my dark spots last and how often I get them. I don’t wear makeup so I don’t know how this looks/works paired with that, but it does give my skin a natural glow! (Personal note: I use two pumps at night and one in the morning.)" —leilalexander

Get it from Amazon for $35.75, Sephora for $34, and Glow Recipe for $34.

3. A double repair face moisturizer that'll grant you 48-hour hydration with built in SPF. This could easily become your next go-to daily moisturizer.

@larocheposayusa / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "I honestly believe this moisturizer helped clear my skin. I'm a Black woman and I've been told by my dermatologist that cocoa butter isn't meant for our skin and that it clogs our pores. So, I started using this moisturizer she recommended and it's been a godsend." —RFrancheska

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

4. An even tone cleansing bar ideal for people who suffer from uneven skin tone or who are looking to improve the appearance of dark spots.

Amazon

This cleansing bar, while amazing, is not suggested for people who suffer from dry skin. 

Promising reviews: "I love this bar. I use it in combination with their Even Tone Night Treatment and Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer. After I had my baby, my complexion was darker. I went to in-person to an esthetician and this really worked. It's been over six months and my complexion is flawless! I have sensitive skin and none of these products caused me to be red or irritated. I am African American, and I am pleased. It's a mainstay." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12.94 (available in two sizes).

5. A tea tree body balm — a magic stick, if you will, that can hydrate your skin without leaving you with that greasy feeling.

Kit Stone / BuzzFeed

Y'all, Bath & Body Works has moved past warm vanilla sugar sprays. Why is nobody talking about this stuff?! This body balm is amazing. I use it on my elbows, knees, feet, etc. Instant ash relief!!! And, because of the essential oils, it has a cooling effect on the skin. I carry it in my purse. It’s awesome!

Get it from Bath & Body Works for $16.50.

6. A body sunscreen that reviewers say is an essential for those with melanated skin. Say goodbye to having skin that looks ashy white when all you're trying to do is block out a little sun.

Marquaysa Battle / BuzzFeed

Here's what one of our BuzzFeed writers had to say about this sunscreen: 

"Babyyy! This was the best beauty find of 2020 for me. The first body sunscreen I've found that does NOT leave me looking ashy. Wearing sunscreen regularly (yup, even in the fall) is one of my new self-care methods and I feel good putting this on knowing it a) doesn't look ghostly on me and b) was made by Black women just like me." —Marquaysa Battle

Get it from Target for $15.99.

7. A cruelty-free and plant-based vitamin C serum reviewers say has tremendously reduced the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and improved overall skin appearance.

amazon.com

Promising review: "This product is a godsend! I have been suffering with acne ever since I can remember. I am West Indian of Indian descent, which has caused me to have genetic dark circles around my eyes and my acne has caused me to have hyperpigmentation along with really dark acne marks. I've been using this serum for one month and it has made a TREMENDOUS difference in my skin. Within three days, the hyperpigmentation was gone! My skin tone is more even than it ever was. I still have acne marks, but they have lightened significantly. My genetic dark circles have improved a lot! I had dark eyelids and the darkness stretched till where the crease of my eyelid is. After using this serum, my eyelids are no longer dark and the area above my crease is no longer dark; it is actually my actual skin color. No product has ever done this before! I just purchased my second bottle and will continue to use this. I also have extremely oily skin and this serum does not make your skin oily at all! It soaks right in. I also bought the vitamin c moisturizer to use along with this serum and I have seen an actual reduction in my acne and it also doesn't make my skin oily. You can use it under makeup, but my personal preference is to only use the moisturizer under makeup because I just feel like the makeup wont let the serum do its thing (just my personal preference). My next goal is to try the tea tree toner from this brand to see if it will help with my oily skin. Awesome product!!" —Kavita S

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

Check out our TruSkin Vitamin C Serum deep dive for more info!

8. A multi-use body oil made with a blend of cold pressed olive oil, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E, and lavender that you can use on your skin, face, hair, and nails. Reviewers say it can not only hydrate skin, shrink pores, and clear up acne, but it can also minimize the appearance of scars.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I've just begun my second bottle of the body moisturizer and it has not disappointed me in any way. First, I like the texture of the liquid as it is not too runny or too thick. I also like the bottle and spray dispenser because it's not messy like many other products I've tried before. The main thing is that this product works well for my skin (African American male) and it lasts all day. It has a naturally appealing fragrance and I can still wear light cologne on top of it if I choose to. I'm very pleased with this and will continue to use this." —Bridges Holmes

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

9. A cactus soap made by hand with plant butters and oils. You'll also enjoy the subtle scent of jasmine oil with rose clay that elevates the experience.

Nopalera

Nopalera is a small Chicana-owned beauty brand that creates botanicals for bath and body inspired by the culture, beauty, and richness of Mexico.

Promising review: "Honestly the most gentle, soothing soap ever. Anyone in my house that has used it never fails to immediately ask about it and where I got it from! I down to the packaging, this soap fulfills all of my aesthetic needs while also being an amazing symbol of mi cultura. I love sharing my culture with anyone in my life and doing that through a handmade soap is awesome!" —Priscilla Oropeza

Get it from Nopalera for $14 or from Nordstrom for $14. 

10. A hyaluronic acid serum that act as an anti-aging skincare product that seeks to fill in and diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I have been using this for a month. I have a medium complexion as I'm Hispanic and this product is REALLY evening out my skin tone. Sunscreen is a must. —Roxanne Souza

Get it from Amazon for $13.

11. A Dead Sea mud mask for people looking for a product to improve the tightness of their skin. This spa-like mask also reduce the pores, acne, and blackheads.

@newyorkbiology / Via instagram.com, @newyorkbiology / Via instagram.com

Promising review: "Starting off, I love the smell if this product. Unlike any other products that I use to cure acne, this product does it all, and there's really just innocent ingredients that are safe to use, like pure Dead Sea mud, shea butter, sunflower oil and my favorite — aloe vera juice. It does everything from reducing pores to deep cleansing your skin. I use it whenever I feel like the pollution is sinking into my Asian skin. :) The results were clear, baby soft skin. After a few uses, my pimples cleared away. Of course, it may be different for other people." —KimYeonHye

Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in four scents).

12. A scented shaving treatment oil featuring a blend of six natural ingredients that hydrate your skin and soothe irritation while preventing ingrown hairs.

Bushbalm

Bushbalm is an Ottawa-based small biz that specializes in creating skin treatments that are gentle enough to put on all areas of your body. And yes, we do mean all areas.

Promising review: "I'm Black and I have VERY thick and coily hair. I've always struggled with ingrown bumps on my face and bikini area, which leads to scaring due to hyperpigmentation. I made the mistake of shaving when I was like 12, and I've been suffering ever since. It's a vicious cycle; hair grows, creates bump, scabs/scars, dark skin causes more hair growth. I honestly wasn't expecting much as I have tried similar products that didn't work, but I am very impressed! I used the oil in the morning on my face and neck or 'beard area' LOL (the worst ingrowns I have) and by the evening, they were completely gone! I was in awe that it worked so well and so fast too. It also reduced the smaller bumps on my bikini area, but didn't work as well on the bigger bumps, hence 4.5/5 stars. I've applied it every day for the past week, and the bumps have not come back after tweezing and shaving. I'm truly ecstatic about my face, as it's always been my biggest insecurity, but it's gone for under $40. It has already prevented more ingrowns on my bikini line than the laser treatments I had. I haven't broken out, it's not greasy at all, and it smells very nice without inflaming my sensitive skin. It's really a great product and I'm going to be recommending it to everyone I know!" —Alyssia T.

Get it from Bushbalm for $26.

13. A liquid exfoliant for targeting uneven tone, bumpy texture, dullness, redness, and more. It's a gentle yet powerful and can be used on both your face and neck.

@paulaschoice / Via instagram.com, Paula's Choice

Promising review: "I rarely write a review (mostly I just write 'good or great,' but spending time typing like this — never). I purchased another bottle before I finished the first bottle just to make sure I don't run out. This exfoliant worked perfectly on my face, and I saw results the next day. I'm Asian, light-brown skin, and very prone to acne and oily skin. I have scars and blemishes from old products I've tried before. I took a risk using this product because I lost hope that my face would ever get any better. After one night, I saw instant results. I use it every night before going to bed, and now after just one month, I'm really satisfied with the result. My face looks very clean, and fresh, without feeling dry." —Maria

Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in two sizes).

14. An Australian pink clay face mask made with kelp, witch hazel, kakadu plum, and Australian pink clay, ~obviously~. Those pores of yours won't stand a chance.

@sandandskyaus / Via instagram.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This product is amazing. At first I was a bit skeptical about using it because I’ve seen it on Instagram so many times just scrolling through. I thought it was just another product that didn’t work for my face. I have very sensitive skin. So sensitive that if I go out in the sun and I forget to put sunscreen on my face I get sunburned on my cheeks. The say, 'Oh Black people don’t get sunburned.' Well, it’s not true. It may be because of my Asian side (my family is from Southeast Asia). I switched up my daily and night time facial regimen, and I’m telling you the results are amazing! Before I put on my Curology facial treatment I put on the Sand & Sky mask. It’s magic. When I wake up I do notice a bit of an inflamed face only because of the detox in Sand & Sky. It only last for about a day. I will take the sacrifice because it truly gives my gives my face a soft natural glow! I really like how it gets rid of all of my blackheads. If you are willing to try this product out and are willing to sacrifice a day then it’s worth buying." —Ericka C.

Get it from Amazon for $39.90.

15. A clarifying face wash reviewers say gave them instant results after one use. It's packed with essential oils and formulated to maintain your skin's natural ph balance. A little 'butta never hurt nobody.

@buttahskin / Via instagram.com

Buttah Skin is a Black-owned beauty brand for everyone who experiences dryness, discoloration, oiliness and blemishes. Their proven-effective formula is filled with good-for-you ingredients to leave your skin feeling healthy and renewed.  

Promising review: "I love, love, love, love this soap. After using it, my face felt as if it was cleaned with the power of my ancestors who wanted to make sure I looked like somebody loved me. I have another bottle in my cart right now." —Felicia D.

"Great product for African American women." —Valerie Hankins

Get it from Amazon for $15.

16. An antioxidant moisturizer that'll work to keep your skin hydrated. This Brazilian butter blend contains ingredients to help fade acne scars and combat eczema and psoriasis.

BeijaFloraNaturals

Promising review: "Absolutely loooove this on my face. Although its a little hard to get product out (due to its solidified state) when I try to apply to my face, however once I get some on it makes my skin soooo soft! It is non greasy, which comes as a shock, from all the butters. My face is clear and youthful looking, and it brightens my skin up. I am a very dark skinned African American (think Lupita N'yongo) and this moisturizer makes my face glow!!!" —Elizabeth

Get it from BeijaFlorNaturals for $26.

17. A bottle of fade cream to gradually fade areas of skin that have darkened due to discoloration, acne, or hyperpigmentation. The cream is formulated with vitamin E to soften and smooth the skin as well as sunscreen to help prevent recurring discoloration.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a great product for African American women. It has done wonders for the dark spots that I have developed due to my acne scars healing. I have been using it for about 10 days and I have seen a great improvement of these marks! I cannot wait to see what continuous use of the product will do for my skin. Another positive element that the product brought me is less acne breakouts, and my skin is smoother. Love love it! Oh and you must use it every single day twice a day to see positive results; consistency is the key for this particular product." —Rosalyn Morris

"I have Asian skin and have been inundated with sun spots lately. I wear sunscreen everyday but still I get spots. My summer sunspots have noticeably faded a lot since I started using this. It's amazing." —ky

Get it from Amazon for $4.97.

18. A bottle of Tend Skin Care Solution so you can heal your skin and feel confident to wear your favorite tanks and crop tops again because razor burn under the arms is no fun.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "Being a Hispanic woman I have struggled with body hair. With shaving I get terrible razor bumps, irritation, ingrown hairs, and even if they were smooth the first day I shaved, I couldn't show them in public because they were so irritated for a few days. I began waxing my legs three years ago, which was somewhat better but then I got even worse ingrown hair all over my legs. I tried all sorts of ingrown hair serums, religiously exfoliated, honestly it was just terrible. Then by some miracle I found this on amazon. BEST money I have ever spent. I have been using it twice a day for tree weeks now, WOW. For once my legs are starting to look clear again! I have used on my bikini area and underarms and see a difference as well." —LB

"Now, this review can go for all people, but as a Black woman I am simply writing my experience! If you are Black, you definitely know what I’m talking about when it comes to ingrown hairs in 'that' area. I have spent YEARS trying different things that only worked temporarily, and finally I tried this and my LORD I wish I had tried it sooner. My ingrown hairs have actually started surfacing and I no longer have a bajillion bumps down there!! I have ingrown hair scars, and this has even started to fade them! I promise, this is the best ingrown hair serum especially for black women with super super kinky hair!" —Shar

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

When you look in the mirror and realize you're glowing:

HBO

The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.