Why Clean Beauty for Black Girls?
Why start Clean Beauty for Black Girls?
My immediate response would be “why not”, but I realize that might not be enough for everyone.
I think a large part of it is because we don’t know what we don’t know. And if history has taught us anything, it’s as a black woman the not knowing can be incredibly harmful to our ability to thrive and survive in this country (world).
For years I’ve made an intentional focus to support small black owned businesses, especially in terms of hair products. But I only did that to support my sisters. It wasn’t until about six months ago, that in doing so & in using their products, I realized they could be saving my life - or at the very least setting me on a path to live a healthier one.
Why do I say this?
Because I’ve been learning about what the ingredients in most of our hair products are. And when I compare them to some that I’ve bought from other black women, I’m reminded that we take care of each other.
Which is why I’m here. I want us to take care of each other. Here is a place we can share what works, learn what doesn’t, educate ourselves about what’s harmful, and empower our community to change and grow for the better. For the healthier. For a less toxic life.
Because, sis. I know we all know the last thing we all need in our lives is anything that fits with the word toxic. We are met with enough toxicity on a daily basis. So, less is always a goal.
In that light, I want to share a couple things that hopefully will cause you to pause, cause you to start your own digging, and possibly encourage you to join & follow us on this journey to Clean Beauty for Black Girls.
The FDA doesn’t require approval of what goes into personal care products. “…a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA.” (FDA 2012)
The last time the federal law updated the legislation in place to govern cosmetics was in 1938. Y’all know we can’t afford to be dependent on laws passed back then. It doesn’t work for us.
Black women have higher levels of beauty related chemicals in our bodies (when compared to white women)
Also, black women have higher rates of certain hormone-related health conditions than other women in the United States
We use more products than other women - so not only are our products using more harmful ingredients but we are also buying more
The data & science behind the effects of many of these ingredients is only just beginning
None of this is meant to be a scare-tactic. Far from it. I just want us to know.
Because here is what I also know:
We are leaders & trendsetters
Our ability to take care of and protect ourselves is unmatched
Our buying power is a force to be reckoned with and must be paid attention to
Products should feel good. Especially when we are using them as an extension of our self expression
At the end of the day, it’s important we know the “what”. It’s important we know how something is going to impact our health.
Think of this community as empowered Black Girl Magic.
Shine on, sis. Shine on.