by Emma Sloan
Although they honor the land, are markedly better for your health than most mainstream cosmetics retailers, and come in a variety of dreamy shades and scents, indigenous cosmetics brands are commonly overlooked by consumers–and the change starts with you.
Here are 5 of the top indigenous perfume brands in support in 2022 (and beyond!)
#1: Sequoia
As a proudly indigenous perfume and cosmetics brand that is 100% owned (and run) by indigenous women, Sequoia was founded in 2002 by Michaelee Lazore who is Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk). Having had humble beginnings in Michaelee’s kitchen, the design, production, and packaging of all their products is now done in their local studio– with zero of the manufacturing outsourced.
As Michaelee writes on her About page, “When choosing a name for my company, I fell in love with the name Sequoia. To me, it not only represented nature, but also strength. The giant Sequoia trees can live 2,000 to 3,000 years.”
Keeping in line with the theme of longevity, all fragrances from Sequoia are sustainable and ethically-sourced.
#2: Wildcraft Skincare
Wildcraft Skincare touts natural, plant-powered skincare– and has built a dedicated following of buyers who are looking to elevate their everyday wellness routines.
With an array of skincare solutions (all targeting common concerns like acne, aging, or dehydration), Wildcraft Skincare donates 1% of their sales to environmental causes and encourages the skincare community to continue its education and dialogue orbiting around ridding the industry of planet-and health-harming ingredients.
#3: The Crowfoot Collective
Specializing in botanical perfume oils, The Crowfoot Collective offers fragrances that are crafted from ingredients grown in the founders’ gardens and from small-scale farmers around the world.
With a focus on sustainably-sourced plant essences, each of their perfume oils are made with a 50% concentration in order to keep their scent lasting all day long.
Each scent is said to mix with the wearer’s natural pheromones, creating a perfume that is entirely unique to you.
#4: Cheekbone Beauty
Cheekbone Beauty was founded in 2016 and is based on three core promises:
- Integrity regarding their ingredients and sourcing practices
- Curiosity about how to continue to improve their consumer experience
- Compassion towards the world we live in
Chock-full of gorgeous and sustainable lip pencils, eyeshadows, blushes, bronzers, and more, Cheekbone Beauty has a wide variety of cosmetics and cosmetic tools for all skin colors.
#5: Sister Sky
Last but certainly not least is Sister Sky, which is branded as “natural solutions from native roots”.
Founded by two sisters, Sister Sky sells authentic indigenous hair care, body wash, healing mists, lotions, and bath bombs to enjoy the benefits of indigenous herbal medicine.
Support Indigenous Cosmetics Brands Today
Indigenous cosmetics brands are some of the best in the world. Which will you be adding to your cosmetics shelf?