Protests over the police killing of George Floyd have brought much-needed, urgent attention to the systematic racism that plagues all Black Americans. There are many things you can do with your time, energy, and money to support the Black Lives Matter movement—protest, call your elected officials, and donate. (We've got a list of places to consider right here.) One direct way to support the black community is to make an effort to buy directly from small business owned or founded by black entrepreneurs. To guide you, we put together a list 29 such brands spanning grooming, skincare, and wellness. (We've also got a separate list of fashion labels and clothing stores.) It's not a complete list, but it might help you spend thoughtfully the next time you need to refill your medicine cabinet.
Aba Love ApothecaryInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Founded by certified aromatherapist Aba Gyepi-Garbrah, Aba Love Apothecary brings aromatherapy and skincare together using botanicals and other natural ingredients. Try the grooming oil, which softens your skin and beard in one go.
Beneath Your MaskInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Dana Jackson started crafting skincare products out of a personal need—she was struggling with lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, and needed gentle solutions she knew would work. Thus, her luxe line of scrubs and serums was born.
BevelInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Founded in 2013 by Stanford graduate and Foursquare alum Tristan Walker, Bevel is a (GQ-loved) shaving company that focuses on minimizing razor bumps and irritation. (In 2018, Walker sold the company to Proctor & Gamble while staying on as CEO.)
BriogeoInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Briogeo is a plant-based haircare line for all hair types. Founded in by Nancy Twine in 2013 while working in full-time in finance in New York City, Briogeo is now carried nationally at places like Sephora and SpaceNK.
CeylonInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularFounded by D.C. native Patrick Boateng II, this simple, three-product line targets skin concerns many men of color face—acne, razor bumps, and hyperpigmentation.
The Cut BuddyInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Founded in 2016 by then-college student Joshua Esnard, The Cut Buddy helps you keep your lineup and beard looking fresh in between cuts. It was an Amazon best-selling grooming tool even before quarantine even began.
Epi.logic skincareInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Founded by oculofacial plastic surgeon Chaneve Jeanniton, this tightly edited skincare line is full of hits. Chief among them is a stem-cell infused anti-aging serum dubbed "Master Plan".
EparaInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularNigeria-born, England-based Ozohu Adoh started Epara to provide luxury skincare to people with dark skin tones. Using the best in highest quality African botanicals, the line targets concerns like dryness and discoloration.
Essentials by TemiInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Temi Shobowale started her namesake line after feeling disenchanted by the "cult loved" yet harmful products she was surrounded by in her beauty-retail career. Her plant-based line is simple, clean, and sustainable.
Fenty BeautyInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Whether you're into makeup or just curious about zit-covering options, Rihanna's Fenty Beauty has your back no matter your skin tone.
Frederick Benjamin GroomingInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularNamed after founder Michael James's grandfather, Frederick Benjamin Grooming aims to replace heavy, harsh products for black hair and skin with gentler, more effective formulas. Pick up multiple products at once in the brand's regimen kits.
GildedInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
If you're curious about dry brushing and have Tom Ford-level taste, there's Gilded's marble-backed brush. Blair Armstrong's line has other super-luxe self-care goods too, from marble candles to super-rich body balms.
GoldeInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Cofounded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford and Issey Kobori, this Brooklyn-based wellness brand makes turmeric latte and matcha mixes and superfood-packed face masks so you can make a self-care night of it.
HyperInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularDesiree Verdejo founded Hyper after failing to find a serum that effectively treated the hyperpigmentation she experienced during pregnancy. Her vitamin-packed formula smoothes fine lines and softens skin at the same time.
KlurInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Founded by esthetician and formulator Lesley Thornton, Klur is a luxe skincare line that promises results without the fuss. The packaging also happens to be display-it-on-the-sink-ledge good.
MantlInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Co-founded by Queer Eye's Karamo Brown, Mantl's mission is to offer a "better bald" with products that clean, moisturize, and protect the face and scalp in one easy routine.
Nature BoyInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularJacob Quetant founded Nature Boy after noticing a lack of natural, gentle beard products on the market for men. The brand's deep cleaning Raw African Black Soap is the star of the show—use it on your face, beard, and body.
Nubian HeritageInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Founded by Richelieu Dennis, Nyema Tubman, and Mary Dennis in Harlem back in 1992, Nubian Heritage relies on natural, fair trade ingredients to make incredible-smelling soaps, aluminum-free deodorants, and body washes.
Olori CosmeticsInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Named after the Yoruba word for “queen”, Olori is a Lagos-based haircare line formulated for African hair. Founded by Toyin Odulate, a personal-care industry veteran, Olori uses only natural ingredients.
OoliInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularThis plant-based, paraben-free haircare line is specially formulated for cleansing, styling, and caring for dreadlocks.
Organic Bath Co.Instagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Gianne Doherty and Jay Weeks's Organic Bath Co. is affordable, stylish, and all organic. Come for the body wash, stay for the hand sanitizer and face oil, leave without sticker shock.
Oui the PeopleInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
If you've ever given side eye to disposable plastic razors or aggressively scented shave creams (everyone), Karen Young's stripped down, eco-conscious direct-to-consumer shaving brand is worth checking out.
Oyin HandmadeInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularNoticing a lack of organic products crafted for highly textured hair, Jamyla Bennu created Oyin, which uses nourishing honey to naturally smooth strands. No surprise: Oyin also makes a mean body lotion and beard softener.
PatternInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Pattern makes hair products for the curliest, coiliest, and tightest of textures and was founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, our favorite person on Instagram.
Plant ApothecaryInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Plant Apothecary, founded by Holly McWhorter and Bjarke Ballisager, makes a mean body wash and loads of other great-smelling certified organic skincare goods.
Rose Ingleton MDInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Most PopularA board-certified dermatologist, Rose Ingleton's skincare line focuses on combatting common skin concerns like redness, dark spots, and wrinkles. And nice surprise: it's also totally natural.
Scotch PorterInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Calvin Quallis's great-smelling beard products are a GQ favorite. Start there, but don't miss the hair and skincare offerings either.
Skin ButtrInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Tatiana Price's shea-based, chemical-free body scrubs and lotions will whip your sad, stay-at-home skin right into shape. Buy in bulk. Scoop with abandon.
Vernon François HairInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Founded by English celebrity hairstylist Vernon François, this luxe haircare line uses fair trade ingredients to create products for all hair types, from fine to coily.
Read More50 Black-Owned Fashion Labels and Clothing Stores Shaping the Future of MenswearNo matter what you're looking for, this list has you covered.
By The Editors of GQDesigner Aurora James's 15 Percent Pledge calls on big retailers to devote shelf space to historically underrepresented brands.
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