Gloryscent: A Pro-Melanin, Clean Skincare Brand for Women of Color
One of the most pressing concerns in skincare in recent years is inclusivity. Women of color have historically been underrepresented in the beauty industry, and even worse, their unique skincare needs are frequently overlooked. Created in response to this underrepresentation, Gloryscent is a pro-melanin skincare brand that focuses on providing clean and safe beauty products for women of color.
Founded by Rafaela Gonzalez, Gloryscent is borne out of her personal journey towards self-love and self-acceptance. Growing up in a society where European standards of beauty were constantly propagated, Rafaela often felt self-conscious about her textured hair and darker skin. This desire to serve underrepresented women of color in the beauty industry led her to create a skincare line that centers them as the inspiration, not an afterthought.
Gloryscent’s main goal is to provide women with safe and clean beauty products. While the brand is centered on women of color, it also caters to anyone looking for safe and effective skincare products. During the process of creating Gloryscent, Rafaela learned that the majority of mainstream products marketed to women of color contained toxic ingredients. The brand’s mission expanded, leading to inclusivity in clean beauty with safe and effective skincare products for women of color.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Rafaela drew inspiration from her Caribbean roots for the brand. She took great pride and care in highlighting ingredients from her ancestral home. This is most evident in the Behold Brightening Balm, an advanced formula that reduces hyperpigmentation and wrinkles while softening the skin. The balm is made with neem oil, derived from trees that Rafaela grew up seeing on the island. Other natural ingredients that are featured in the brand include arnica flower extract, willow bark, and organic ginseng. These natural additives soothe sun-damaged skin, promote exfoliation, and help soften fine lines.
Gloryscent offers several skincare products aimed at revitalizing and nourishing different parts of the body. The Soothing Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Total Body Serum, Urbana Elixir, and Manketti Oil Serum are all made using natural elements. Rafaela created a complete skincare routine rather than focusing on just one or two products. With an emphasis on total wellness, Gloryscent offers a range of healthy, nutrient-packed products.
Despite not having any formal training in the field, Rafaela was determined to bring women the effective care Gloryscent now provides. She learned the process of formulation through an online school and began the process of sourcing her own ingredients. Rafaela faced several challenges during this process, but she persisted in her vision to bring women safer skincare alternatives.
The beauty industry has often exploited women of color and ignored their specific beauty needs. Gloryscent’s mission of effective care is to provide them with healthier and tailored alternatives to the harsh ingredients in mainstream products. Rafaela is determined to uplift and empower women of color, encouraging them to love themselves and make the best choices for their wellness. Through the brand’s commitment to education, wellness, and empowerment, Rafaela hopes to raise awareness of safer self-care options.
One of Rafaela’s major accomplishments came in the form of being in JCPenney stores last year, thanks to the Thirteen Lune e-commerce site that boosts the visibility of POC-owned brands. However, in 2021, Rafaela is particularly proud to be hosting a speaking series titled “Let’s Talk Inclusion in Clean Beauty.” The series consists of interviews featuring various founders and organizations highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the toxic ingredients in self-care products marketed to women of color. Rafaela maintains that it’s all about educating women towards better self-care options; knowledge is power.
Gloryscent’s focus on inclusivity and safety in clean beauty constitutes a vital shift in the skincare industry. It’s a step towards creating a more welcoming and inclusive beauty space. In conclusion, the brand stands as a testament to creating skincare products that are safe, effective, and tailored for the unique needs of women of color.
