Written by: Chiko

Welcome to Part 2 of my carefully researched list of High-Performance Nigerian Skincare brands (missed Part 1? click here). All these brands are safely formulated by actual professionals, have great packaging and meet the ethical standards I believe every beauty brand should aspire to. I have also engaged with some of the Founders, having insightful conversations about their thought-process, brand values and the impact they want to make in the Nigerian skincare industry. These brands are all definitely ones to watch.

So without much further ado, here’s Part 2!

10. Natural Nigerian

For the longest time I stayed away from any brand with “natural” in the name because to me that either meant they were a bleaching brand in disguise or they formulated products without proper preservatives. However, I watched this brand for a while and saw that they were different from the norm. Their products are well formulated and every information that I have seen them put out is science backed, which is a big deal for me. They even got me to try African black soap, despite my strong reservations against it and I was pleasantly surprised! If your body care goal is healthy glowing skin, their products should definitely be in your skincare arsenal. 

11. Skin Science Co

I discovered this brand from influencer reviews, a Nigerian brand that produces sunscreen definitely got me interested. Their other products target acne and hyperpigmentation which are the two most common skin conditions Nigerians face. Currently I’ve tried all the products in their range and I find them effective at a great price point. I also really like how the brand takes time to educate their audience and guide them on their skincare journey. 

12. Organic Life Plus

Although I don’t care much about whether my skincare is organic or natural, I always tell people who do that Organic Life Plus is the only Nigerian brand I believe embodies the actual meaning of the word “Organic”, in skincare. Through them I’ve  discovered and fallen in love with a lot of oils and herbs that I never would have paid attention to. The scent of their body products is out of this world and that’s one reason why I love them. They’ve done a good job of creating a brand that is both organic and science-based, without all the fear mongering that would normally accompany such branding.

13. Ms Metics

It’s difficult to find a makeup brand that actually teaches people how to care for their skin, but Ms metics does that perfectly. I discovered them through their sunscreen, which is amazing by the way. However, they have many different topical skincare products and tools that I find very interesting and useful for the average makeup lover. I really like the idea behind this brand and I think more people who are into makeup but also prioritise skincare should try them out. 

14. VBN Bodibles & VBN Hairapy

No matter how many times I make a post saying “stop putting food on your face” people don’t listen. So, finding VBN Bodibles, a brand that makes skincare products that you can eat, was quite interesting. Now when I meet someone who insists that they want food on their skin, I point them to this brand. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered this brand. Everything from their packaging to their transparency was quite refreshing. So if you’re a ‘Naturalista’ who loves oils, butters and sugar scrubs, this is the brand for you!  They also have a separate hair care range that makes the cutest combs I’ve seen! 

15. Soibi Botanicals

One thing I love and have always encouraged most brands to do is create multifunctional skincare products with actual ingredients that will do the work! Soibi botanicals has done that with their re – launch from what I can see! If you know me, you know that my biggest crusade is against skin bleaching. Well the founder of this brand is someone who used to bleach her skin  in the past and has now come out to educate against it, that’s how I know that their products are safely made. They have a range of products for both face and body with active ingredients that target different skin concerns. They’re definitely a brand to watch out for! 

16. Mint Organic Care

This is one of the few skincare brands in Nigeria that makes selfcare look good! They have everything you need to give yourself a good treat like skincare products, massage oils, scented candles, bath bombs and cute little souvenirs. I spent some time on their website and I wanted everything they had lol. I shop from them when I want to send gifts to my loved ones and their body care products that I tried earlier in my skincare journey were delightful. 

17. Rd8Labs (pronounced Radiate)

Radiate has launched one product which is a moisturizer, ordinarily a moisturizer wouldn’t move me, but this one has, or maybe it’s the brand as a whole. I like how they share all the information about their product, educate their audience about skincare and skin care ingredients. One thing that really stood out for me is their packaging and approach to skincare for black people as a whole. My clients who I’ve recommended this brand to only have great things to say, so I can’t wait to see else they have in store 

18. Skin By Zaron

by Zaron Cosmetics, is one of my go to brands for routine essentials needed for skincare newbies. I like how their products are multitasking, meaning you can get a simple and effective routine in 3-4 products instead of 10. I also admire how open they are to learning more about skincare (because their primary product offerings had been makeup, up until just last year), and the emphasis they now place on putting out accurate skincare information.