Gloryscent: Uplifting Women of Color with Inclusive and Safe Skin Care Products
Growing up, Rafaela Gonzalez often felt self-conscious about her textured hair and darker skin due to the European standards of beauty prevalent in her surroundings. As she went on a journey of self-love and acceptance, she realized that the beauty industry, more often than not, does not cater to the needs of underrepresented women of color. This realization prompted her to establish Gloryscent, a pro-melanin skin-care brand that not only centers on women of color but also offers safe and clean beauty products.
Gloryscent’s foray into the skincare industry began with Gonzalez’s personal experience and journey. She wanted to create a brand where women of color are the inspiration, rather than an afterthought, and where inclusivity in clean beauty prevails.
Health Risks for Women of Color
During the process of creating Gloryscent, Gonzalez discovered that most of the beauty products for women of color contained toxic ingredients. One study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology suggested that exposure to harmful chemicals disproportionately impacts women of color compared to white women. This revelation prompted Gonzalez to expand her brand’s mission to provide women of color easy access to health and wellness products that are safe and effective.
Gloryscent: Safe and Effective
Gloryscent offers a range of products that cater to women’s skin care needs without causing any harm. Gonzalez’s Caribbean roots inspired many of her products, with ingredients highlighting her beautiful island. For example, the Behold Brightening Balm takes its texture and formula from neem oil, derived from trees commonly found on the islands.
Gloryscent’s product line includes the Soothing Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Total Body Serum, Urbana Elixir, Manketti Oil Serum, and more. The brand stands apart from others as it offers a skin routine rather than just one or two products, allowing people to transition to clean beauty with ease.
Formulation: Nadir to Triumph
Gonzalez had no prior knowledge about formulation but was determined to provide safe and effective skincare. While she couldn’t find any physical schools, she found an online school that allowed her to work toward her diploma at her own pace. “Initially, I was completely unaware of the process of formulation, but it was necessary to bring effective care to women,” Gonzales says.
Let’s Talk Inclusion
Inclusivity in clean beauty remains a priority for Gonzales, and she recently launched a speaking series titled “Let’s Talk Inclusion in Clean Beauty.” In this series, she interviews various founders and organizations who highlight the importance of raising awareness of toxic ingredients in self-care products marketed toward Latinx women and other women of color. Her intention isn’t to fearmonger but to provide education and empowerment in allowing women to make safer, healthier choices for their wellness.
Proud Moments
Gonzales’ biggest achievement last year was having Gloryscent in JCPenney stores, helping boost the visibility of POC-owned brands. However, her brand’s mission goes beyond commercial success. She’s delighted to have made strides in inclusivity in clean beauty and is thrilled to have a platform to educate and empower women.
In Conclusion
Gloryscent’s mission is to offer effective care that is safe and inclusive in a beauty industry that often marginalizes women of color’s needs. Gonzales hopes to bring awareness to healthier options of self-care products and encourage women to love themselves. Her approach to natural and clean beauty aligns with modern values such as transparency, inclusivity, and empowerment, making Glowyscent a promising skincare venture in the industry.
