If you’ve spent time on social media, you may have come across one of Topicals’ innovative skincare products. The brand’s creative campaigns, such as a recent partnership with Black influencers for a brand trip to Ghana during the festive “Detty December” season, have captured widespread attention. This annual celebration, which draws travellers to Ghana and Nigeria for the holiday period, served as a vibrant backdrop for showcasing Topicals’ vision and values.
Founded in 2020 by Nigerian-American entrepreneur Olamide Olowe, Topicals is an inclusive beauty brand that has quickly become a standout in the skincare industry. Olowe’s personal experiences with acne inspired her mission to create effective solutions for people struggling with chronic skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, eczema, and dark spots. Her determination to address these issues is rooted in a stark reality: over 65% of African Americans experience hyperpigmentation, yet the skincare industry has historically overlooked the needs of people with darker skin tones.
In an interview with Vogue, Olowe explained that her decision to launch Topicals was driven by glaring gaps in the market. She highlighted that one in four Americans lives with a chronic skin condition, yet approximately 50% of dermatologists feel unprepared to treat skin of colour due to insufficient medical training. Compounding the issue, about 75% of clinical trial participants are white, leaving products largely untested for safety and efficacy on darker skin tones. Topicals seeks to bridge this gap by offering science-backed skincare solutions that prioritise inclusivity and efficacy for underrepresented communities.
Olowe’s efforts have not only reshaped the skincare landscape but also established her as a trailblazer in business. In her first year, she raised $2.6 million in venture capital, and by 2022, she became the youngest Black woman to raise $10 million in funding, according to Forbes. This Series A round, led by CAVU Consumer Partners, attracted high-profile investors including Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners, Kelly Rowland, Gabrielle Union, Yvonne Orji, Bozoma Saint John, and Hannah Bronfman. Under her leadership, Topicals became Sephora’s fastest-growing skincare brand, selling one product every minute in 2022. By age 26, Olowe had raised a total of $14.8 million for the company, demonstrating her remarkable business acumen and ability to galvanise support for her vision.
Beyond skincare, Topicals is committed to advocating for mental health. Recognising the emotional toll that skin conditions can have on self-esteem, Olowe launched the Topicals Mental Health Fund in partnership with Change, a donation platform. This initiative collaborates with organisations such as Sad Girls Club, Hike Clerb, A Safe Space Mentor, NOLA Black Mental Health Matters, and WalkGood LA to provide access to free therapy and foster community spaces that challenge the stigma surrounding mental health. According to the company’s 2023 community impact report, $50,000 was donated to support these partnerships, underlining Topicals’ dedication to holistic well-being.
Olowe has often shared how deeply she empathises with those facing challenges related to both skin and mental health. She explained that her mission extends beyond creating products; it is about ensuring people feel less isolated and more supported on their journey to healing. This dual focus on skincare and mental health advocacy has made Topicals a brand that resonates with a wide audience, fostering a sense of belonging while addressing tangible concerns.
Olamide Olowe’s achievements reflect her passion, resilience, and commitment to driving meaningful change. Under her leadership, Topicals has not only transformed the skincare industry but also set a powerful example of how businesses can address societal gaps while building community. Her story continues to inspire others, proving that innovation, inclusivity, and impact can go hand in hand.
