From Sunday reset routines to late-night self-care sessions, skincare is personal — especially for us. So, we asked our community of over 45,000+ Black women to share the one skincare brand they swear every sister should try at least once.
The answers were a mix of cult favorites, hidden gems, and brands that truly understand melanin-rich skin. Whether you’re chasing that healthy glow, battling hyperpigmentation, or just trying to keep it simple, this list has something for everyone.
Save this for your next skincare haul — share with a friend and leave us a comment and let us know what we missed.
P.S. – We’ll be updating this article periodically so check back in a few weeks. Also, some of the links are affiliate links and we may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
The Ultimate Community-Sourced Skincare List Every Black Woman Should Know About
Below are the products and practices recommended by thousands of women in our community. Some were mentioned over and over again — a few even came with stories, recipes, and life lessons.
Most Popular Mentions
These were the most-loved community picks — shouted out again and again:
- Black Girl Sunscreen
- Castor Oil
- African Black Soap
- Ambi Cream & Soap
- Witch Hazel
- Rose Water (Heritage Store)
- Vaseline
- Fenty Skin
- Good Molecules
- Aztec / Bentonite Clay Masks
Cleansers & Soaps
Because it all starts with a clean slate.
- African Black Soap – A cult favorite for deep cleansing and even skin tone. Many use versions with added shea butter. (Mentioned multiple times.)
- Pears Soap – “The old-school joint. My face is clear as day!”
- Dove Soap / Dove Antibacterial – Trusted since childhood; still undefeated.
- Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap – For that tingly, squeaky-clean feel.
- Koji Acid Soap & Lotion Combo – Loved for brightening and smoothing.
- Ambi Complexion Soap / Ambi Cream – A nostalgic fave that still works. One community member shared:“My mama put me on Ambi after a fight left me with scars — now my skin’s flawless.”
- Honey Glow Bar Soap (TikTok favorite) – Social-media-approved for glowing skin.
- Aztec Clay Mask + Apple Cider Vinegar + Turmeric – The ultimate DIY detox.
- Oatmeal Cleanser / Mask – Soothes sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
- Rice Polish (DIY optional) – Gentle exfoliation for natural radiance.
Moisturizers, Oils & Serums
Hydration = glow. Period.
- Castor Oil – A timeless essential for skin and hair. (Highly popular.)
- Vaseline / Vaseline Intensive Care – “A thin layer at night and I wake up glowing.”
- Pond’s (Red Jar) – Radiant, no-makeup glow in a jar.
- Pure Aloe Vera – Direct from the leaf or bottled 100%, used as toner or moisturizer.
- Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter – For that soft, lasting moisture.
- Rosehip + Argan + Jojoba + Vitamin E Oil Mix – DIY face oil blend loved by many.
- Olive Oil & Coconut Oil – Used to remove makeup and hydrate.
- Squalane Oil (Juvia’s Place) – Lightweight and silky — dry-skin-approved.
- Good Molecules – A major fan favorite for glow and texture.
- Panoxyl, Aquaphor & Faded Serum Combo – A pro-level acne routine that works.
- La Mer & Revision Triple C Complex – “A little goes a long way — we’re worth it.”
Sunscreen (Yes, We Need It Too)
Because glowing skin still needs protection.
- Black Girl Sunscreen – The ultimate fave. No white cast. No excuses. (Mentioned multiple times.)
- SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen – Invisible, smooth, and makeup-friendly.
- La Roche-Posay – A dermatologist-approved go-to.
- COTZ Mineral Sunscreen – Perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Toners, Waters & Treatments
For balance, brightness, and a little self-care science.
- Witch Hazel (Thayers, TN Dickinson) – The OG toner. Often mixed with rose or aloe. (Multiple mentions.)
- Rose Water (Heritage Store) – “The glycerin one is top tier.”
- Green Tea & Lemon Toner (DIY) – A natural glow-up hack.
- Glycolic Toner Pads – “Doing me wonders — especially for dry skin.”
- Retinol & Tretinoin – Anti-aging and acne-fighting staples. (Very popular.)
- Mandelic & Azelaic Acids – For smooth, even skin tone.
Natural Remedies & DIY Rituals
For the holistic girlies and kitchen chemists.
- Raw Honey – A natural mask for radiant skin. “Two hours a day = glow in one week!”
- Turmeric – For brightening and fading dark spots.
- Chlorophyll Water + Vitamins – Inner beauty meets outer glow.
- Beef Tallow – A natural moisturizer gaining traction.
- Black Seed Oil – For inflammation and healing.
- Exercise, Sleep, and Water – “Glass skin starts with how you live.”
Favorite Skincare Brands
The community’s most-loved collections.
- Fenty Skin – “For the culture — and the glow.”
- Buttah Skin by Dorion Renaud – Made for melanin-rich skin, period.
- Medicube – Mentioned multiple times for collagen and wrapping masks.
- Tatcha – The luxury brand that never misses.
- Naturium – Clean, effective, and affordable.
- Tula Skincare – Loved for balancing tone and texture.
- Youth to the People – “Vegan, clean, and makes my skin happy.”
- Peach & Lily’s Glass Skin Collection – “Glowing like a goddess in two days.”
- Akasha Be Well Skincare – Cleared acne and controlled oil.
- Curology – Personalized care with results.
- Dermalogica – Professional-grade skin therapy.
- Neutrogena (Rainbath, Hydro Boost) – Reliable daily classics.
- CeraVe – A must-have for eczema and sensitive skin. (Popular among moms.)
- Aveeno Lotion – Gentle hydration that’s stood the test of time.
- Bio-Oil – Go-to for scars and stretch marks.
- Amlactin Lotion & Urea Cream – For smooth, even-textured skin.
Lifestyle & Process Tips
Because beauty starts with balance.
- Double Cleanse Routine – Oil first, gentle cleanser second.
- Exercise Regularly – “Sweat it out, then glow up.”
- Hydrate, Sleep, Repeat – The ultimate skincare foundation.
- DIY Mask Blends – Bentonite clay, turmeric, and honey = the holy trinity.
- Simplicity Wins – “Sometimes Dove, witch hazel, and Vaseline are all you need.”
Did your favorite make the list?
Drop it in the comments below or tag us when you post your skincare routine — we might feature it next time!
