Rafaela Gonzalez and the Inspiration Behind Gloryscent: Inclusivity in Clean Beauty
When Rafaela Gonzalez was growing up, she often felt self-conscious about her textured hair and darker skin, which didn’t fit within the European standards of beauty that surrounded her in the Dominican Republic. Despite facing these challenges, Gonzalez ultimately learned to embrace her unique features and celebrate her heritage. It was this journey of self-love and acceptance that inspired her to create Gloryscent, a pro-melanin skin-care brand that focuses on inclusivity in clean beauty.
Gonzalez’s journey to create Gloryscent began with a desire to serve underrepresented women of color in the beauty industry, which tends to marginalize their unique needs and preferences. She recognized that many products catered towards women of color contained toxic ingredients that could be harmful to their health and wellness. According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women of color are disproportionately affected by chemical exposure from personal care products in comparison to white women. This led her to expand her mission to stand for inclusivity in clean beauty, providing women of color with access to safe and effective health and wellness products.
Gloryscent, therefore, is not just about centering women of color, but also about using natural ingredients that soothe sun-damaged skin, promote exfoliation, and help soften fine lines. Gonzalez takes inspiration from her Caribbean roots, where many of her products’ salient ingredients come from. Her Behold Brightening Balm, for instance, is made with neem oil, derived from the neem tree prevalent in the Dominican Republic. The brand also features other natural additives, such as arnica flower extract, willow bark, and organic ginseng.
Gloryscent is not just skincare; it is an entire skin routine that comprises various products for face, body, and haircare. Gonzalez felt it was necessary to create a comprehensive skin routine rather than just one or two products for customers who want to transition to clean beauty. However, creating nutrient-packed products without a formal education in formulation was no mean feat. Hence, Gonzalez found an online school where she could work towards her diploma at her own pace, learning how to begin the process of sourcing her own ingredients.
In an industry that often exploits women of color and sidelines their beauty needs, Gonzalez’s mission is to provide women with healthier, tailored alternatives to the harsh and often damaging active ingredients in mainstream products. The brand’s effective care uplifts these women as they are, encouraging them to love themselves and make the best choices for their wellness. And it is this focus on inclusivity in clean beauty that has resonated with customers and businesses alike.
Gonzalez’s biggest achievement last year was having Gloryscent in JCPenney stores, thanks to the Thirteen Lune eCommerce site that helps boost the visibility of POC-owned brands. This year, she is proud to host a speaking series titled “Let’s Talk Inclusion in Clean Beauty,” where she will interview various founders and organizations who will discuss the importance of raising awareness about toxic ingredients in self-care products marketed to Latinx women and other women of color.
Gloryscent is not just a brand; it is a mission to empower women to love and care for themselves through inclusive, clean beauty. Gonzalez hopes that through her brand and speaking engagements, she can provide education and empowerment to women of color, allowing them to make the best choices for their health and wellness.
