Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

Messaging around sun safety tends to focus on fairer skin tones and most formulations don’t cater to the needs of darker skin. Black Girl Sunscreen is working to promote sun protection for Black people with a white-cast-free, moisturizing product that positions suncare as self-care.

Increasing worries about the long-term impacts of sun damage and pollution are leading people to seek remedies that prevent rather than cure. With eco concerns also at the forefront of their minds, are beauty brands effectively integrating prevention into their own products?

Inspired by Senegal, made in New York – Ami Colé is a beauty brand that’s more than skin-deep. Created by ethnic minority women for ethnic minority women, the label creates cruelty-free complexion-caring formulas for an often-overlooked demographic, all while celebrating melanin-rich skin.

As Americans look forward to a summer spent socializing outdoors, a survey shows that their lack of knowledge around sun exposure may be putting them at risk despite the rise in skincare practices. As a result, brands have a chance to fill in this knowledge gap by promoting healthy suncare habits.