Founded by Ethiopian-born pharmacist Hiwot Yohannes, Askalite creates pharmacist-developed skincare specifically for melanin-rich skin and concerns such as uneven tone and hyperpigmentation. Its proprietary formulas pair pharmaceutical science with botanical ingredients, including Ethiopian teff peptides, and are manufactured at a cGMP facility in France. Through its Betsub foundation, Askalite also directs a portion of proceeds toward mentoring emerging African women entrepreneurs.
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VELVÉFounded by Cynthia after her own long struggle with acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, Velvé makes skincare that pairs African botanicals with modern skin science. Inspired by African heritage and crafted in New York, the female-founded brand develops proprietary technologies including AquaNile Brew™ and African Black Soap Technology™ for concise, high-performance routines. Its formulas are vegan and cruelty-free, and the company supports ethical sourcing and girls’ education in Africa.
Bonjout BeautyFounded by French pharmacist Dr. Natacha Bonjout, Bonjout Beauty makes concentrated skincare that brings pharmaceutical formulation and biotech ingredients to a simplified daily routine. Bonjout’s signature Le Balm solid serum and La Cream are developed from Dr. Bonjout’s 15 years of skin-physiology expertise, including work at Chanel Research Labs in Paris, and are manufactured in the French Riviera. The brand also uses refillable packaging and plant-cell sourcing designed to avoid harvesting rare plants.
Sabbatical BeautyBorn from founder Adeline Koh’s 2015 kitchen experiments during an academic sabbatical, Sabbatical Beauty makes small-batch, high-concentration skincare in Philadelphia. Its Korean-inspired formulas center on meaningful levels of botanicals, layered hydration, and skin-barrier repair rather than token “active” ingredients. The company also matches donations to its Pay It Forward Fund dollar for dollar, extending its skincare community to people facing financial insecurity.PHILADELPHIA, PA
SHAYDE BEAUTYSHAYDE BEAUTY makes skincare formulated with melanin-rich skin in mind, focusing on concerns such as hyperpigmentation, dark spots and post-acne marks. Its Fitzpatrick IV–VI-focused formulas combine clinically proven actives with antioxidants, and the line is made in the USA as vegan and cruelty-free skincare. The brand is also a member of the Female Founder Collective.