The Importance of Supporting International Business for World Trade Month

Sun protection is a vital part of skincare for every skin tone and type. That is why the team here at the globally retailed brand Black Girl Sunscreen (BSG) is committed to making our products available internationally. We’re also committed to supporting communities and businesses that are making waves in the area of sun protection and safety for all, including those with darker skin tones.

 

After all, if we want to see a change towards better sun protection, skincare and beauty inclusivity for all skin tones, we have to be that change! With that in mind, World Trade Month is the perfect time to introduce you to BSG’s top international skincare business picks that are doing the work in terms of inclusivity. Check out our recommendations below!

 

Rich Skxn

Rich Skxn is a leading Black-owned business in the beauty and skincare industry, founded in the UK. Founded by Abi Shokeye, they stock a range of skincare brands developed by Black-owners for melanin-rich skin including Black Girl Sunscreen. 

 

Abi Shokeye is passionate about the representation of black and brown skin in the beauty industry. She developed Rich Skxn as an international skincare business in response to the under-representation of darker skin tones within the industry and is committed to educating those with melanin-rich skin about the best products for them, and how to achieve their skincare goals. 

 

Fontana Pharmacy

Currently owned by the daughter of the original founder, Fontana Chang, Fontana Pharmacy is a leading pharmacy chain in both Jamaica and worldwide that stocks products for all skin tones. 

 

Started over 50 years ago by Fontana’s father, Fontana Pharmacy was originally both a fashion and pharmacy store until it became very clear that the demand for pharmacy products like beauty and skincare items was much greater. Over time it  became Chang’s senior’s mission to listen and act on the needs of customers, primarily of darker skin tones for better skincare and beauty products, so it’s no surprise that they began to stock BGS. 

 

Indeed, Fontana Chang following in the footsteps of her father, sought out BGS after customers began asking for a sunscreen that is both gentle on the skin, and lightweight and that works with makeup.

 

International entrepreneur Jessica Usenbor founded THEKÜR in 2018 when she noticed the need for more inclusive skincare in the Middle East. 

 

THEKUR

THEKÜR is all about inclusively. In fact, providing high-quality, and personalized products to all individuals is Usenbor’s primary mission. Indeed, when Jessica Usenbor discovered that those with melanated skin + textured hair continued to be underserved by the skin and beauty industry she made it her goal to correct this. 

 

BGS are of special interest to THEKÜR as Usenbor highlights the continuing disparity between the beauty industry’s core advice to protect skin with a sunscreen, and the lack of sunscreen options for darker skin tones. 

 

At just 25 years old, Adelaide the founder of Unrefined Riches has been making a splash in the beauty and skincare industry since 2018. 

 

Unrefined Riches

Unrefined Riches is based on Adelaide’s own experience with products on the German and European beauty markets that did not meet her needs. From this frustration, she began to formulate her own blends focusing on darker skin tones, as well as curly and frizzy hair types. 

 

Central to Adelaide’s goals for Unrefined Riches is that all people have the chance to feel good in their skin, no matter what their skin type and tone, and that is why she stocks BSG sunscreen. 

More Than A Woman: Celebrating the HerStory behind Black Girl Sunscreen

Celebrating the Impact of Black Girl Sunscreen

In 2016, Shontay Lundy created Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, a moisturizing sunscreen lotion formulated for women of color. Made with melanated skin in mind, BGS dries completely clear and protects melanin without the white-cast.

 

 

Shontay passionately created a sunscreen product that would completely absorb, leaving no white residue and a product that would bolster the skin’s defense through health and proper UV protection. Shontay has transplanted several times on her journey from New York to Miami to Los Angeles and back to Florida. In her travels she worked on a formula that would nourish, as well as protect and developed ties to people who could help create this company. In this post, we celebrate Shontay by highlighting her journey and accomplishments. Keep reading to learn more about the Creator and Founder of Black Girl Sunscreen™,  Shontay Lundy. 

What's the most exciting part of your journey?

“There have been so many rewarding and exciting moments, but to know that Black Girl Sunscreen is literally changing the conversation amongst sun safety signifies that the education was needed in the Black and Brown community. It is also very exciting to truly empower women that are passionate about continuing the massages. Black Girl Sunscreen is supporting future dermatologists, and employing women that embody the community and are experts in their fields.” – Shontay Lundy

Future launches and formulations you're excited about?

“Our team listens to the consumer, we are excited about the innovations that will incorporate SPF into our everyday lives without us thinking twice about the application process.” – Shontay Lundy

Are there any women that inspire you on your journey?

“There are so many women that are killing the game, and I admire these women for having discipline and determination. At Black Girl Sunscreen, we recently highlighted a few women-owned businesses to support for Women’s History Month.”- Shontay Lundy

Timeline: Black Girl Sunscreen Highlights & Milestones

2016
  • 2016

In 2016, Shontay Lundy creates Black Girl Sunscreen™ SPF 30, a moisturizing 30 lotion formulated for women of color. Made with melanated skin in mind, Black Girl Sunscreen™  dries completely clear and protects melanin without the white-cast.

2016
2018
2018
  • 2018

Shontay dreams of Black Girl Sunscreen™ products becoming available at national retailers like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, & more.

2019
  • 2019

Black Girl Sunscreen launches in 250 Target stores becoming the first and only indie Black-owned brand carried by Target in the sun-care category.

 

In 2019, Black Girl Sunscreen also launches their first sunscreen lotion created for kids of color, BGS Kids SPF 50.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ becomes available overseas after launching the signature moisturizing sunscreen lotion, Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, in Nigeria.

2019
2020
2020
  • 2020

Black Girl Sunscreen™ receives $1 million in private funding.

2021
  • 2021

Black Girl Sunscreen™ launches Make It Matte™ SPF 45 - a mattifying sunscreen for the face.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ officially launches into ULTA.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ launches full chain and becomes available in all Target stores nationwide.

 

Creator & Founder - Shontay Lundy stars in nationwide Target commercial

2021
2022
2022
  • 2022

The name Black Girl Sunscreen™ becomes trademarked.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ launches full chain in Ulta stores nationwide.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ launches Make It Hybrid™ - a hybrid, mineral & synthetic blend formula.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ launches their first sunscreen sprays - Make it Glow™ SPF 30,  and BGS Kids Spray & Play SPF 50.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ is the first sunscreen brand to create a pumpkin-spice sunscreen face lotion & body mist duo, Make It Spice.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ launches into Walgreens, CVS, online at Macy’s and Nordstrom Rack.

2023
  • 2023

Black Girl Sunscreen™ crosses into the cosmetic category by launching the first ever sungloss, Make it Pop SPF 50, lip gloss.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ launches into Walmart, Kohl’s and its first grocery store.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen™ is currently available in over 12,000 stores across the United States with a team of 20 employees, based in Southern California.

2023

Sunscreen, Made for Everyone

At Black Girl Sunscreen™, we pride ourselves on creating quality sun protection formulas products that are made for all skin tones! Our favorite part about our sunscreens is that they blend right in and don’t leave an unwanted white or purple cast that’s unappealing on the skin of color. Our products also contain moisturizing ingredients that work together to contribute to your skin’s health and protection.

 

Shop the full lineup of Black Girl Sunscreen online and in-store.