Rufus R. Noble Our ancestry can be found in the communities where we were born and plays a crucial role in how we interact with others and care for ourselves. Beauty has been derived from the same paths for decades. Ancient rituals and remedies have been used to cultivate our routines.
Rice water was used to moisturize the skin in Ancient China and Japan. Oils and creams made from nuts and fruits were used in Ancient Africa to nourish and moisturize the hair and skin. Consumers today look for brands and formulas that strongly link to their heritage. Hind Sebti (founder of Wind) says that beauty has become more problem-oriented than it used to be. There is a market, but an untapped market wants more depth and soul.
Charis Udeh, the founder of Kyalli, says that many people want to be closer to their roots. Udeh states that many of us are immigrants from the first, second or third generations. We love the land our parents moved to, but we long for our heritage. We seek anything that brings us closer to our roots, whether art, music, food, or more products.
Beauty routines are increasingly focusing on the need for clean and pure ingredients. This is another reason consumers are looking for products that have meaning. We’ve collected some ideas for you if you want to include more intentional products into your daily routine. Continue reading about seven brands based on ancestral rituals or culturally important ingredients.
Skyn Iceland
Skyn Iceland was inspired by the natural beauty of Europe’s country. Skyn Iceland’s SVP of Marketing, Allison Heffernan, says that Iceland is home to some of the world’s most powerful and pure natural ingredients. “We sourced and enhanced ingredients using mineral-rich hot springs and unspoiled glacial rivers. We also used antioxidant-powered berries with skincare science to create products that transform the skin and calm it.”
Skyn, which means senses in Icelandic, also reflects Iceland’s culture. The Icelandic Complex, the brand’s proprietary blend, replenishes your skin with nutrients lost due to stress. Heffernan says that the product contains pure molecular oxygen, Icelandic glacial water and arctic superfruits. “Our botanicals come from the Arctic. This, along with the mineral-rich volcanic soil in the region and the unpolluted atmosphere gives plants potent properties.”
Fable & Mane
The co-founder of Fable & Mane tells us that Fable & Mane was a modern hair-wellness brand inspired by Indian beauty rituals. My brother and I wanted to make the oil my grandma used for our hair a celebratory routine. We told fables about it and turned it into something we could all enjoy.
The brand used Ashwagandha, a culturally rich ingredient, to bring this aspect of Mehta’s culture into its products. Mehta says, “It’s an Indian adaptogen that my grandma used for my hair.” Our mission is to share the wisdom of India through amazing Indian plants and Ayurvedic practices for healthy living. Fable & Mane’s packaging features its logo, a wild tiger. This is an ode to India’s national animal. Fable & Mane also used the colors of India’s flag to weave its marketing and packaging designs.
Wind
Sebti created the Wind to bring joy and soul to skincare without compromising substance. She explains, “It’s science formulated skincare infused texture and smell and inspired by my Moroccan roots.” “My country of origin inspired me because that’s where it taught me that beauty is an emotion. Sebti hopes to share Moroccan beauty culture through Wind. She explains that her perspective is rooted in positivity and confidence. I wanted to make you feel good.
Maya Nije
Maya Nije, a genderless perfumer brand, is named after its founder. Nije focuses on high-quality, artisanal blends that reflect her West African and Swedish culture. Njie shared that an old photo album inspired the current range. Nije was inspired to create it by photos of her family, their color palettes and their composition. “Even though they are personal to me, they can also be relatable to others, which creates a connection between the perfumer and the wearer.
Maya Njie’s scent notes are closely linked to both countries. They include Swedish ingredients like vanilla and cardamom in Vanilj and Gambian ingredients such as pineapple and coconut that can be found in Tropica. She adds that Tobak contains tobacco leaf, leather and vetiver. This is a tribute to my grandfather in Sweden, but it’s also a true reminiscence of both countries.
Irene Forte
Irene Forte is a professional with years of experience in beauty and spa services. Her goal was to create a brand that reflected the vibrancy of Sicily. Forte says, “We created natural, plant based formulations inspired from the Mediterranean diet using ingredients grown on our organic farm in Sicily.” “Our formulas are scientifically based and have a wonderful fragrance and feel.” Forte’s line includes naturally beneficial ingredients such as olive, sweet almond and pistachio oils. The brand also uses an Italian plant acid complex.
