Looking to expand your makeup collection or skincare routine? Our list of Canadian BIPOC-Owned companies that recognize innovation, inclusivity and diversity have you covered!
Skwalwen
Skwalwen is a plant-based indigenous skin care line created by Ethnobotanist, Leigh Joseph (Styawat). By using Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge, the brand creates products like body oils and balms using ethically sourced botanicals with a sustainable practice.
Makeup for Melanin Girls
MFMG’S founder and creator, Tomi Gbeleyi, conceptualized the idea for the company after realizing that there were little to no skincare lines for women with deeper skin tones, which she noticed especially as she worked as a model. Gbeleyi created an Instagram account called @MakeupforMelaninGirls to celebrate dark skinned makeup looks, which then bloomed into its own successful makeup line @mfmgcosmetics.
MIFA
MIFA is a fully natural body care brand created by the Vancouver based self proclaimed ‘mompreneurs’ Michelle Lui and Fatemah Hamidi. Using the principles of health and balance, they combine both traditional and modern elements to create a unique line of affordable body care and aromatherapy products.
jELN Natural Skincare
This Toronto-based self care line comes from Caribbean creator Crystal Rowe whose upbringing of natural healing through herbs and organic medicine inspired the brand’s focus on plant based skincare, natural beauty and positivity.
Cheekbone Beauty
Established by Jennifer Harper from St. Catharines, Ontario, this Indiginous-owned cosmetics company is known for its bold liquid lip products, contour and highlight palettes and more. The company is cruelty free and also focuses on giving back to the Indiginous community through several funds, projects and partnerships with non-profit organizations.
Bailly Fragrance
Bailly Fragrance is a naturally based perfume company created by entrepreneurs Ariel Gough and Edwina Govindsamy. They focus on making non-irritating, paraben free products that are usable for all women, including those with product sensitivities.
The Yukon Soaps Company
This Indigenous-owned company infuses everything with the essence of the Yukon in their products including botanical products native to the land and beading from Indigenous artists. The company, created by Joella Hogan, features handcrafted essential oils, shampoo bars, grooming products and more.
Skin Drama
Skin Drama uses organic ingredients in all of their products which range from cleansers, toners, serums, face masks and more. Their inclusive line creates cruelty-free products with all skin types in mind.
Essentials by Temi
This natural skincare line values inclusivity and designs their detoxifying products for all genders, skin types and ages. The creator, Temi Shobowale, created the company with the goal of making skincare easy with plant-based, certified organic ingredients as opposed to the harsh additives that were contained in many popular brands.
Kinksology
Created by Marva Duncan, the salon owner of Kinks Hair Studio, This Mississauga-based textured hair care brand is all about hair rehabilitation with products that are rooted in healthy ingredients and free of harsh chemicals. Their products are safe for coloured hair, sensitive skin, infants, moms-to-be, and are hypoallergenic.
Tuesday in Love
Tuesday in Love is a Halal Nail Polish and Cosmetics brand with a unique story. The founder, a medical practitioner with a foreign medical degree, was out of work and in the process of writing the Canadian board exams when his wife inspired him to create a Halal nail polish for her to use. The ISNA certified polish he created contains unique micro-pore technology and a special polymer that makes it water permeable. The brand also offers Halal makeup, skincare, bath and body products, hijabs, sunglasses and more.
