Written by: Chiko

I spend the better part of my time on social media scouring skincare brands I can recommend to my community. Over the past two years I’ve prioritised seeking out Nigerian brands that are comparable to popular international brands; in terms of ingredients, overall quality, safety and ethics. 

In that time I have found 18 brands that I think deserve some recognition. I have split this into two separate articles, makes it a lot easier to digest.

So after years of careful research, I present to you Part 1 of my list of High-Performance Nigerian Skincare Brands you should have in your routine:

1. OMARI SKIN

This was one of the first few Nigerian brands that really piqued my interest. They entered the market at a time when black soap and body butters were all the rave. In the two years that I’ve known this brand, they’ve consistently put out unique products, with well-researched combination of ingredients. I recommend if you like gentle cleanser products with just the right percentages of active ingredients that will give you results without irritating your skin. 

2. Hilery Beauty

When I first saw this brand I thought it was one of those china private label products sold in supermarkets, that would probably not do much for the skin, but I was so wrong! I used some products from this brand and I was totally blown away! I pined so long after I ran out of the cleanser lol, it was just that good. Each of their products combines so many active ingredients that work together to deliver good results, so if you’re a ‘Skinimalist’ like myself who still loves a thorough skincare routine, definitely check them out. 

3. Skintivity Skincare

I recently decided to try something from this brand because I kept getting glowing reviews from my private clients about how the products I’d recommended from them totally changed their skin! I like their products because they are specifically made to deliver similar results that one would get from like a mild chemical peel or specialized facials. They’re that good in my opinion. They have somewhat high percentages of ingredients, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re just starting out or have sensitive skin.

4. Vhue Skin

I discovered Vhue Skin quite early-on in my search for Nigerian skincare brands, and some of their products have attained holy grail status in my collection. I love how every product they offer is a powerhouse of multiple ingredients that can target each skin concern from different angles to ensure it delivers good results.

5. Orma Skincare

Orma skincare has been around and delivering quality skincare products for quite some time, but it was the products in their latest launch that really made me love the brand. I discovered the brand when most local brands were still selling bleaching creams with weird names, so finding Orma skincare was a breath of fresh air for me. Most of their products target hyperpigmentation and the ones that i have tried did the job excellently. They also have a great collection of bodycare products. 

6 Hidirose

These days when I’m asked for affordable skincare products that target skin concerns like acne, texture and hyperpigmentation, I always recommend Hidirose. They just launched a new collection of products that I think checks all the boxes that the average skincare consumer needs to target their skin concerns all at a reasonable price point. I especially like the emphasis the brand places on educating their audience on healthy skincare practices. 

7. Skin by Tej

A brand that prioritizes body conditions unique to black women, like Keratosis Pilaris and hyperpigmentation? Sign me up! Skin by Tej caught my eye with their beautiful packaging and judging by the product I’ve tried, I can say that performance is top-tier as well. I recommend their products for anyone who wants to try more active ingredients that deliver visible results in their body care routines. 

8. Omari Code

All the girls who wear makeup, should have the products from this brand in their stash. The first time I used their products to prep my skin, my makeup that would normally get ruined after 3-4 hours because my skin is an oil factory, stayed put for over 12 hours! That immediately added this brand  to my list of holy grails. They just reinforce the fact that you can be a makeup lover without compromising your skin. Their products make your makeup look great while nourishing your skin at the same time. 

9. Sanct Skin

My attention was drawn to this brand when they launched their first product, not because of the product itself, but because of the effort I saw them put into sharing the right information about the product. So, when I went I ahead to try their products, I wasn’t disappointed. Every product they have is made with a certain audience in mind, their formulations are quite intentional and they deliver good results.

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That’s the end of Part 1. Take your time, explore and discover these brands……

Click here for Part 2!