Queer-Owned Skincare That Your Skin Will Send You a Thank You Card For
Your skin does not care about your politics but it does care about what you put on it. And when the brand behind the product is genuinely invested in your community, the whole thing just hits differently.
These are the skincare brands doing both things right: great formulas and genuine community investment.
Topicals
Topicals was founded by two Black women, Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, specifically for people with chronic skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, eczema, and flare-ups. Their products are clinically informed, colorfully packaged, and deeply refreshing in an industry that has historically left out darker skin tones. Faded serum and Like Butter mask are the entry points. Both are worth starting with before branching into the rest of the line. Shop the Topicals skincare line
Bread Beauty Supply
Bread Beauty Supply is a Black-owned haircare and beauty brand with a focus on curly and coily hair textures that are underserved by mainstream beauty. Founded by Maeva Heim, the brand has expanded into skin and body products that match the same philosophy: gentle, effective, and for you specifically. The hair-washing routine products are genuinely excellent for anyone with textured hair. Shop the Bread Beauty Supply collection
Lockwood Apothecary
Lockwood Apothecary is a queer-owned wellness and skincare brand that makes clean, botanical formulas for sensitive skin. Their face oils, balms, and serums are made in small batches and feel genuinely luxurious. The packaging is minimal and beautiful. This is the brand you get for someone who reads ingredient labels and cares about what goes on their skin. A face oil gift set from Lockwood is the kind of thing that makes people feel genuinely seen. Shop the Lockwood New York skincare line
Humanrace
Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace brand was created in collaboration with his dermatologist and the formulas are genuinely science-backed. The three-piece routine is simple on purpose. Great for the person who does not want to do twelve steps but still wants results. The brand speaks to community and inclusion as core values and the packaging is clean enough to live on any bathroom shelf without looking out of place. Shop the Humanrace skincare routine
Glow Recipe
Glow Recipe is a K-beauty inspired brand known for fruit-forward formulas that are gentle enough for most skin types. Their Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops are a cult product for good reason. Strong LGBTQ+ ally brand with consistent community support throughout the year, not just in June. Their Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum has become a second favorite for people who want serious hydration without heaviness. Shop the Glow Recipe Watermelon line
Vacation
Vacation makes SPF in textures and scents people actually enjoy applying, which is the whole trick. Their Classic Whip sunscreen mousse smells like coconut and jasmine and feels like a small joy on your skin. Sunscreen you like wearing is the best skincare you will ever use. Pair with the Topicals Faded serum and you have a morning routine worth talking about in the group chat. Shop the Vacation SPF collection
How to Build a Queer Skincare Shelf
Start with SPF, a cleanser, and a moisturizer from brands whose values align with yours. Add a treatment serum once you know what your skin actually needs. Buying from queer-owned and Black-owned brands is not a compromise. It is an upgrade. The products are excellent and the receipts go somewhere that matters.
Skincare is self-respect in a bottle. Put good things on your skin and buy them from people who give a damn about who you are.