Gloryscent: Bringing Inclusivity and Clean Beauty to Women of Color
As a young girl growing up in a world that often prioritized European standards of beauty, Rafaela Gonzalez struggled with her self-confidence. She felt self-conscious about her textured hair and darker skin, and it wasn’t until later in life that she truly began to embrace her own beauty and self-worth. Gonzalez’s journey toward self-love ultimately led her to create Gloryscent, a pro-melanin skin-care brand that seeks to serve underrepresented women of color in the beauty industry.
Gloryscent’s mission is twofold: to center on women of color and to offer safe, clean beauty products to those who have historically been overlooked or poorly served by the industry. During her research and product development process, Gonzalez learned that many of the skin-care products marketed to women of color contained toxic ingredients that put those consumers at a disproportionate risk. For this reason, Gloryscent takes a strong stand for “inclusivity in clean beauty,” providing women of color with access to health and wellness products that are both safe and effective.
Taking Inspiration from Her Dominican Roots
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Gonzalez found inspiration in her Caribbean heritage and sought to incorporate elements of her ancestral home into her product line. Many of her skin-care products feature ingredients native to the Dominican Republic, such as neem oil derived from trees common in that region. She also incorporates natural additives like arnica flower extract, willow bark, and organic ginseng, all of which have various skin-health benefits.
One standout product from the Gloryscent collection is the Behold Brightening Balm, which is specifically designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles while softening the skin. This sought-after item is made with neem oil, among other natural ingredients, and has quickly become a fan favorite.
Going Beyond a Single Product
Gonzalez is passionate about providing women with a full skin-care routine rather than just one or two products. For this reason, Gloryscent offers a broad range of skin-care items, including the Soothing Enzyme Cleansing Gel, Total Body Serum, Urbana Elixir, and Manketti Oil Serum. By offering a complete routine, Gonzalez helps her clients transition seamlessly to clean beauty, replacing their conventional beauty products with nutrient-packed, safe alternatives.
Facing the Formulation Challenge
Though passionate about creating a line of clean beauty products that would resonate with women of color, Gonzalez faced an obstacle in that she had no formal training in product formulation. Undeterred, she found an online school where she could learn at her own pace and eventually became an expert in sourcing her own ingredients and producing effective skin-care items.
Looking Toward the Future
Gloryscent has already made significant strides in the beauty industry, and Gonzalez is just getting started. In 2020, she was proud to have Gloryscent products available in JCPenney stores, a significant accomplishment in the world of retail. Additionally, she is excited to be hosting a speaking series called “Let’s Talk Inclusion in Clean Beauty,” featuring interviews with founders and organizations that highlight the importance of raising awareness about toxic ingredients in self-care products marketed to women of color.
At its core, Gloryscent is about education, empowerment, and inclusion. Gonzalez is committed to bringing awareness to healthier self-care options while building up and encouraging women of color to love themselves just as they are. By prioritizing inclusivity and clean products, she is helping to reshape the world of beauty for the better.
