Small brands often carry the most authentic, heart-led stories, rooted in tradition, culture, and passion. Today, we’re spotlighting six fabulous Black-owned beauty brands that not only stem from passion but also pay homage to their heritage while respecting the environment.
Let’s get to know the inspiring founders behind Liha Beauty, Naturally Tiwa, Okiki Skincare, Skin Alchemists, and Aviela Skincare, and celebrate their dedication to creating eco-conscious, sustainable beauty products that nurture the skin and soul.
Liha Beauty
Liha Beauty blends the rich botanical life of West Africa with traditional English aromatherapy and folk remedies. We love that their mission is to share African beauty secrets with a quintessentially British attitude.
About the Founders
Liha Okunniwa and Abi Oyepitan, daughters of a traditional Yoruba herbalist and a former Olympic athlete, are the creators of Liha Beauty and their upbringing brings a unique perspective to holistic beauty and self-care that shines through their brand.
Why They’re Wow
- Eco-conscious beauty: Liha Beauty uses sustainable packaging of glass containers and organic ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
- Afro-British heritage: Handmade in small batches, inspired by Yoruba beauty traditions and British craftsmanship
Naturally Tiwa Skincare
Naturally Tiwa promotes clean beauty through natural, plant-based ingredients including shea butter, moringa oil, and baobab oil. Their ethical sourcing, particularly from African communities, makes this brand stand out.
About the Founder
Shalom Lloyd, a pharmaceutical expert, founded the brand after discovering the benefits of natural ingredients for her son’s eczema.
Why They’re Wow
- Products are perfect for those with skin conditions and undergoing cancer treatment.
- Female empowerment is at the heart of the brand, focusing on fair-trade and ethical sourcing.
Okiki Skincare
Okiki Skincare offers luxurious, handmade soaps, candles, and skincare products made from nourishing oils like coconut and avocado.
About the Founders
The mother-daughter duo Ade and Antonia Akins founded Okiki, inspired by their Nigerian heritage and their grandmother’s beauty secrets.
Why They’re Wow
- Small-batch production reduces waste and uses eco-friendly packaging.
- Merges African traditions with modern formulations.
Skin Alchemists
Founded by Theresa Edward, Skin Alchemists is a performance-driven skincare brand using organic botanicals and aromatherapy inspired by St. Lucia’s wealth of natural ingredients. Skin Alchemists is about ingredients, lovingly harvested fresh, organic plant ingredients, natural minerals and aromatherapy blended to have a transformative impact on skin and wellbeing…everything in the range is created to appeal to your senses and to ultimately boost your wellbeing. 
About the Founder
The story begins with founder Theresa. Born and raised on the Caribbean island of St Lucia, she comes from a family of herbalists. Harnessing the medicinal power of plants to treat ailments and skin conditions is in her DNA. After migrating to London, her skin and health fell victim to the negative effects of a fast-paced city life, air pollution and processed food.
Theresa was inspired to create this brand because of her personal experience with her own skin concerns and by the memory of her grand-aunt a herbalist known for her plant-based potions. Her aim is to encourage wellbeing not just through using these luxurious products but by incorporating Selfcare rituals when we do.
Why They’re Wow
- The brand embodies the slow beauty philosophy with small-batch production and sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Their products work on a multi-sensory level, boosting wellbeing through natural ingredients and aromatherapy.
Aviela Skincare
Aviela’s skincare range focuses on unrefined, raw shea butter and other natural ingredients like baobab oil to nourish the skin.
About the Founder
Patricia Bhunu founded Aviela after witnessing the healing powers of shea butter on her daughter’s stiff ankle. Her passion for this African beauty remedy has shaped her brand.
Why They’re Wow
- Aviela works directly with women’s cooperatives in Northern Ghana, supporting fair trade and empowering local communities.
- The brand offers affordable, pure, and effective skincare solutions.
By supporting small, Black-owned skincare brands, you contribute to a movement that uplifts communities, celebrates diversity, and encourages mindful consumption. Each product is made with love, purpose, and a deep connection to culture.
We love supporting small brands… here’s some of our other featuring throwing a spotlight out on small brands, including Small Supplement Brands and Small Aromatherapy Brands… you’ll love them!
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