Indigenous-Owned Beauty Brands to Support

Over the past few years, the beauty industry has become inundated with plant-based products, from skin-care oils oozing jojoba oil to hair remedies rich with sweetgrass. And while these botanical formulas might have only recently received attention in the modern beauty world, they’ve been an integral part of Indigenous cultures for centuries. See, using natural herbs, oils, and extracts is essential for Native communities, who value a close connection to the earth and living in harmony with the environment.

Despite creating natural salves and serums for hundreds of years, Indigenous people have often been overlooked in the beauty world as entrepreneurs, originators of certain practices, and even the ideals of what’s considered “beautiful.” And while some Native beauty gurus and skin-care aficionados have successfully created their own lines, it’s time that everyone receives a piece of the spotlight and the consumer and financial support that comes with it. And you — the buyer — can help make that happen…and replenish your supply of skin-care essentials while you’re at it.

Keep scrolling to discover a handful of Native-owned beauty brands that feature products for head-to-toe care. And hey, don’t forget to tell your friends all about them too, as supporting these brands (and other minority-owned companies!) also means sharing these creators’ stories.

If you had to describe Prados Beauty in just one word, odds are it would be “bold.” After all, every product produced by the Indigenous-owned beauty brand is bursting with bright hues — from the company’s creamy lipstick (Buy It, $15 $14, jcpenney.com) to its rainbow eyeshadow palette (Buy It, $42 $38, jcpenney.com). Even the brand’s packaging is eye-catching, such as with The Matriarch Bundle (Buy It, $265, pradosbeauty.com), which includes a slew of goodies all wrapped up in a purple box that features multicolored artwork. But it’s not all about colorful cosmetics; Prados Beauty — which was founded by Cece Meadows, an Indigenous/Xicana woman — is also dedicated to donating a portion of its proceeds to charities and causes that support Indigenous communities.

Ah-Shí means “this is me, this is mine” in Navajo (Diné). So, Ah-Shí Beauty translates to “This is my beauty,” according to the brand’s site. Founded by Ahsaki Báá LaFrance-Chachere, the Native American- and Black-owned brand offers both cosmetics and skin-care products that make customers feel empowered to continue to love their skin. From eyeliner that doubles as eyeshadows (Buy It, $29, ahshibeauty.com) to exfoliating face polish with apricot oils and aloe vera (Buy It, $35, ahshibeauty.com), all of the company’s products are designed to wake up the beauty industry and, in turn, give Indigenous people the recognition and visibility they deserve. Fun fact: Ah-Shí Beauty is also the first Indigenous-owned beauty brand to open a brick-and-mortar store.

As a young adult, founder Tara-Tekahentakhwa suffered from severe acne only to later lean into her Native roots to help heal her skin. This ultimately led her to start Niawen Skincare, a line that uses natural and effective ingredients from her home in the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne in New York. Take, for example, the brand’s cleansing oil (Buy It, $38, niawen.com), which features a blend of locally-sourced evening primrose, willow, dandelion, and thyme to create a soothing elixir for all skin types. Amongst its skin-care creations, you’ll also find the Arrowhead Facelift Ritual (Buy It, $127, niawen.com), a kit that’s ideal for anyone looking to reap all of the potential dermatological benefits. (Related: Are Jade Rollers Really a Magical Anti-Aging Skin-Care Tool?)

Husband and wife duo Angelo and Jacquelene McHorse turned their soap-making hobby into a small business in January 2018 when they officially opened Bison Star Naturals. Fast forward to today and the New Mexico-based company sells a collection of liquid and bar soaps, bath salts, lip balms, and, most notably, body lotions. Available in unscented and scented varieties, each rich creation (Buy It, starting at $8, bisonnaturals.com) is loaded with jojoba, castor, and argan oils to keep skin supple and hydrated without feeling greasy.

Inspired by the Indigenous people she connected with while traveling, Arianna Lauren (daughter of the Quw’utsun’/Cowichan Tribes) founded Quw’utsun’ Made, a line that blends ancestral medicines with modern skin care. From candles (Buy It, $17, quwutsunmade.com) to salves (Buy It, $20, quwutsunmade.com), the woman-owned brand uses native plant extracts found in the Northwest, and each product is crafted by hand in a small studio. And while every item on the company’s virtual shelves is worthy of a peek, the fragrances, in particular, are not to be missed. If you’re a fan of warm, woodsy scents, The Weaver (Buy It, $60, quwutunsmade.com), which features notes of vanilla and sandalwood is for you. More of a fan of floral and citrus? Try The Carver (Buy It, $60, quwuntunsmade.com). (Related: How to Layer Perfume to Create a One-of-a-Kind Scent)

For sisters Marina TurningRobe and Monica Simeon, being around their grandmother meant seeing her harvest plants to make teas, ointments, and creams. And after Monica’s son was diagnosed with eczema, the healing plant’s skin-soothing potential became even more priceless, ultimately leading the duo to create Kevin’s Care Body Lotion (Buy It, $18, sistersky.com). The bestselling lotion features marshmallow root, witch hazel extract, and horsetail herb to heal inflamed skin. In addition to this seemingly magical creation, Sister Sky also sells sweetgrass shampoo (Buy It, $13, sistersky.com) and conditioner (Buy It, $13, sistersky.com) that will leave your hair with a clean, fresh scent.

While the Arizona-based brand’s offerings aren’t extensive, the products available are sure to impress any makeup fan. After all, the company was founded by self-described beauty lover, Shi-Fawn Chee. With more than 10,000 followers on Instagram, Blended Girl Cosmetics continues to grow its fanbase by creating standout eyeshadow palettes (Buy It, $25, blendedgirl.com), nude lipsticks (Buy It, $15, blendedgirl.com), and more — all while donating portions of proceeds to organizations, such as the Navajo/Hopi COVID Relief. Head’s up: This is a one-woman-run business (impressive, right?!), so drops are limited, but sell out quickly. (Up next: 8 Indigenous-Owned Wellness Brands That Take Holistic Living to a Whole New Level)