Glow with confidence this summer with a skincare routine specially designed for ethnic and darker skin tones. Featuring only vegan and halal-certified products, this guide targets common concerns like hyperpigmentation, oiliness, and dryness—while celebrating and protecting melanin-rich skin.
My morning routine consists of a good cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser and then my sunscreen which is mandatory for dark and light skin.
1. Gentle Cleanser
- Product: Youth to the People – Superfood Cleanser
- Why: Rich in antioxidants (kale, spinach), non-stripping, vegan.
- How to use: 1 pump, massage for 30-60 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Toner / Mist (Optional)
- Product: Herbivore, Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Mist
- Why: Hydrating without clogging pores; great for melanin-rich skin prone to dryness.
- Halal & vegan: Yes.
3. Vitamin C Serum
- Product: Facetheory Regena C20 Serum (20% Vitamin C with Ferulic Acid)
- Why: Targets hyperpigmentation, brightens dark spots; formulated for diverse skin tones.
- Halal & vegan: Certified vegan.
4. Moisturiser
- Product: The Ordinary – Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Why: Hydrates without leaving a white cast; absorbs quickly.
- Vegan: Yes. For halal compliance, no haram alcohol is used.
5. Sunscreen (Mandatory)
- Product: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 or 45
- Why: No white cast, designed for deeper skin tones, ultra-moisturizing.
- Halal & vegan: Vegan and cruelty-free.
But don’t stop there, follow the evening routine with the below.
1. Cleanser
(Same as morning, or switch to an oil-based one if wearing makeup.)
- Alternative: The INKEY List – Oat Cleansing Balm (Vegan, gentle for sensitive skin).
2. Exfoliant (2-3x/week only)
- Product: Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Salicylic Acid)
- Why: Helps with acne, ingrown hairs, and brightens uneven tone.
- Halal/Vegan: Vegan; no animal derivatives.
3. Niacinamide Serum
- Product: Naturium Niacinamide Serum 12% + Zinc 2%
- Why: Controls oil, fades dark marks, improves texture.
- Vegan/Halal: Vegan certified.
4. Moisturiser
(Same as morning, or opt for a richer night cream if dry skin.)
- Alternative: Facetheory Supergel Oil-free Moisturiser M3 – Vegan, made for acne-prone or oily skin.
My go to weekly treatments would include;
✔️ Clay Mask (1–2x/week)
- Product: Alaffia Neem Turmeric Detoxifying Mask
- Why: Detoxifies pores, calms inflammation, and suits melanated skin.
- Halal/Vegan: 100% Vegan and cruelty-free.
✔️ Hydrating Sheet Mask (1x/week)
- Product: Orgaid Organic Sheet Mask – Vitamin C & Revitalizing
- Why: Non-toxic, made for sensitive skin.
- Vegan/Halal: Vegan, USDA-certified organic.
Remember, whining experiencing Hyperpigmentation, be consistent with Vitamin C and sunscreen and for Oily skin, don’t skip moisturiser, just opt for gel-based.
For dry patches or ashiness, layer your skin with hydrating products and use a humidifier if needed.
We all have ingrown hairs so use gentle exfoliation and soothing ingredients like niacinamide.