Gloryscent: A Revolution in Clean Beauty for Women of Color
Rafaela Gonzalez’s journey to self-acceptance began when she realized that the European beauty standards she grew up with did not account for her textured hair and darker skin. Gloryscent, her skincare line, represents her journey to self-love and acceptance, as well as her desire to serve underrepresented women of color in the beauty industry that has let them down.
The “pro-melanin skincare brand” focuses on providing safe and clean beauty products that promote skin wellness and offer health benefits to women of color. During the research and development process, Gonzalez discovered that the majority of products marketed towards women of color contain toxic ingredients that negatively impact their health. As such, Gloryscent’s mission expands to promote inclusivity in clean beauty and offer women of color access to health and wellness products that are safe and effective.
Gloryscent features natural elements typically overlooked in typical skin care products, such as neem oil, which is derived from trees native to the Caribbean. As an homage to her Caribbean roots, Gonzalez combines natural ingredients that soothe sun-damaged skin, promote exfoliation, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Gloryscent’s product line includes the Behold Brightening Balm ($96), which incorporates neem oil and reduces hyperpigmentation and wrinkles; the Soothing Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($56), which removes impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils; the Total Body Serum ($63), which helps alleviate dryness and irritation; the Urbana Elixir ($54), which promotes the growth of stronger, healthier hair; and the Manketti Oil Serum ($62), which soothes and nourishes dry, damaged hair.
Gonzalez found that there is often little guidance for women of color interested in transitioning to clean beauty regimens, so she created a full skincare routine that features complementary products. The formulation process proved challenging, but Gonzalez persevered and created effective, nutrient-packed products. She was determined to offer a healthy, safe, and effective alternative to the harsh and often-damaging ingredients in mainstream products.
In an industry that often sidelines the beauty needs of women of color, Gloryscent’s mission is to provide them with healthier and tailored alternatives that respect and celebrate their beauty. The brand seeks to educate and empower women to make informed choices about their wellness and pursue self-care that both honors their heritage and celebrates their unique beauty.
Gloryscent’s products are proudly available in JCPenney stores, as well as through the Thirteen Lune ecommerce site. The site helps increase the visibility of POC-owned brands and features a range of clean beauty essentials. This year, Gonzalez is excited to host a speaking series called “Let’s Talk Inclusion in Clean Beauty.” The series features interviews with founders and organizations that highlight the importance of raising awareness about toxic ingredients in self-care products marketed to Latinx and other women of color.
Gloryscent is a game-changing brand that prioritizes inclusivity and provides clean beauty alternatives that respect women of color’s unique needs. The brand represents a paradigm shift in the beauty industry, where women of color have often been overlooked or worse, exploited. Gonzalez’s dedication to clean beauty and inclusivity is a welcome change in an industry that has brought forward-lasting harm to many women. It speaks of a better future where the beauty industry prioritizes holistic wellness and serves every individual in their unique beauty needs.
