Topicals
Topicals was founded in 2020 by Olamide Olowe, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur who grew up with chronic hyperpigmentation and skin inflammation. After co-founding SheaGIRL (acquired by Unilever in 2017) while still at UCLA, Olowe partnered with Claudia Teng, who was working in clinical research at Stanford's Department of Dermatology, to create science-backed products specifically addressing chronic skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris. The brand sold out in 48 hours at its Nordstrom launch and became Sephora's fastest-growing skincare brand, selling one product per minute in 2022. Olowe became the youngest Black woman to raise $10 million in venture capital, with investors including Jay-Z's Marcy Venture Partners, Kelly Rowland, and Gabrielle Union. Topicals has donated over $250,000 to mental health organizations, reflecting its belief that skin conditions and mental health are deeply connected.
Brand Philosophy
Topicals reframes chronic skin conditions as something to manage with confidence rather than hide in shame. The brand's name is intentionally dual-meaning: topical products for skin, and culturally topical conversations. Formulations are developed with dermatologist and esthetician guidance, clinically tested across diverse skin tones, and designed to work better for melanin-rich skin -- which the brand argues makes them better for everyone. The playful, colorful branding and shame-free product naming (like 'Faded' for hyperpigmentation and 'Slather' for keratosis pilaris) deliberately reject the clinical, problem-focused language traditional treatment brands use.
Anyone managing chronic skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, eczema, or keratosis pilaris who wants effective treatment without shame-based marketing. Particularly resonant for consumers of color seeking products formulated and tested on diverse skin tones.
- Faded Serum -- cult hyperpigmentation treatment
- Sephora's fastest-growing skincare brand
- Science-backed treatment for chronic skin conditions
- Mental health advocacy and $250K+ in donations
- Founded by youngest Black woman to raise $10M in VC
- Niacinamide
- Licorice Root Extract
- Squalane
- Tranexamic Acid
- Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
Topicals at a Glance
Strongest Categories
Topicals performs best in: Mask (1 product, avg 89/100); Brightening Treatment (1 product, avg 85/100); Body Care (1 product, avg 84/100).
Best Conditions Served
Across all products, Topicals scores highest for: Eczema-Prone Skin (avg 94/100); Hyperpigmentation (avg 91/100); Dry/Dehydrated Skin (avg 90/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, Topicals products are particularly worth considering.
Certifications
Common certifications include Dermatologist-Tested, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Fragrance-Free, Fragrance-Free (Unscented Version).
Best Topicals by Skin Condition
The highest-scoring Topicals product for each condition we evaluate.
Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask
All Topicals Products (3)
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask