Rafaela Gonzalez’s Gloryscent: The Inclusive and Safe Way to Beautiful Skin
Growing up, Rafaela Gonzalez struggled with feelings of self-consciousness about her textured hair and darker skin, in part because European standards of beauty often dominated the media. Her journey towards self-love and acceptance has culminated in GlorScent, a skin-care line she created to serve underrepresented women of color in an industry that typically fails them.
Gloryscent, which Gonzales calls a “pro-melanin skin-care brand,” is a mission-driven enterprise that focuses on providing women with safe and clean beauty products. According to Gonzales, “inclusivity in clean beauty” is the core DNA of her venture. She discovered that the majority of skin-care products catered to women of color contained toxic ingredients, which negatively impacts consumers in comparison to white women.
One study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology actually found that women of color are disproportionately affected by the negative impact of such chemical exposure. Gloryscent is dedicated to offering women of color access to health and wellness products that are safe, effective, and centered in their needs.
Gonzalez’s Dominican Republic roots serve as the inspiration for many of her products. Her ancestral home has played a crucial role in the natural beauty that infuses the numerous skin-care products of the brand. Behold Brightening Balm, which reduces hyperpigmentation and wrinkles while softening the skin, for example, contains neem oil, derived from trees found on the island.
Gonzalez has highlighted some of the additional salient ingredients that the brand features, such as arnica flower extract, willow bark, and organic ginseng. Natural additives such as these soothe sun-damaged skin, promote exfoliation, and help soften fine lines.
Gloryscent does not merely offer its customers a product; it offers a complete skin routine. Gonzalez underscores the importance of providing individuals who wish to transition to clean beauty with the complete collection. The healthy, nutrient-packed products are designed to nourish and care for the skin in the most effective way possible.
Gonzalez faced the challenge of formulating the skincare items without formal training in the subject. However, she persevered and found an online school to work towards her diploma at her own pace. She learned to begin the process of sourcing her own ingredients, a crucial factor in bringing women the effective care that Gloryscent now provides.
In an industry that too often sideline the specific beauty needs of women of color, Gloryscent offers a personalized and tailored alternative to mainstream products, which often contain harsh and damaging active ingredients. Gonzalez hopes to provide women with education and empowerment to ensure they make the best choices for their wellness.
Gonzalez notes that one of her proudest moments was having Gloryscent in JCPenney stores, which was possible through the Thirteen Lune e-commerce site, which helps boost the visibility of POC-owned brands. This year, she is particularly excited to be hosting a speaking series regarding inclusivity in clean beauty. The series, titled “Let’s Talk Inclusion in Clean Beauty,” is a collection of interviews featuring various founders and organizations, whose primary focus is raising awareness about the toxic ingredients in self-care products aimed at Latinx women and other women of color. The goal of the series is to offer education, not fearmongering, because knowledge is power.
In summary, GlorScent is a valuable addition to the skin-care market, providing underrepresented women of color with safe, effective, and tailored products to meet their unique beauty needs. Gonzalez’s journey towards inclusivity in clean beauty serves as a beacon of hope to others seeking to create innovative and mission-driven solutions that uplift and empower marginalized communities.
