I was 26 years old when I found out “Black does actually crack” and that everything I’ve ever known about skincare as a Black woman was nothing but old wives tales.
For context, I’m 30 now and had never applied SPF, serums, and whatnot until the tender age of 26! That’s quite a long time to be living carefree, oblivious to global warming effects and Squamous cell carcinoma risks (the most common type of skin cancer among Black people).
But unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated experience.
The “black don’t crack” notion, while a compliment to our beautiful skin and incredible aging genes, is highly deceiving. Yes, melanin does protect against UVA, UVB, and UVC light, but most of us forget that it can (and does) actually sag and bag due to frequent sun exposure, poor nutrition, and slacking on skin maintenance routines.
So, sis, if you’re like me and have been galivanting about in your 20s without wearing sun protection or incorporating the GRASS regimen into your daily routine – Growth Factors, Retin A, Antioxidants, Sunscreen, and Special Products such as serums and moisturizers, this post is for you.
Below, we highlight the best Black Girl skincare routines for every skin concern (dull, dry, oily, textured, sensitive), budget (are you a Kendall Jenner kind of spender, or do you live for drugstore options), and goal (anti-aging, glass skin, dewy magic).
But first…
How To Build A Skincare Routine For Dark Skin
Any good skincare routine has the following products to help maximize and maintain the health of your skin:
1. Cleanser

Cleansing is vital since your skin is exposed to pollutants and other environmental factors throughout the day. Babes with oily skin might have excess oils that contribute to clogged pores and acne, especially if they’re makeup enthusiasts.
Related: Literally Every Different Type Of Facial Cleanser There Is – Explained!
2. Exfoliant (chemical or physical)

Exfoliating eliminates dead skin cells, allowing for clearer, glowy, and super-healthy skin. There are two kinds – chemical and physical exfoliants.
Physical exfoliants are slightly abrasive and can trigger small tears in the skin due to various ingredients – sugar, microbeads, etc. Opt for gentler physical exfoliants like the La Roche Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub ($20).
Chemical exfoliants are more efficient and derm-approved but are also strong, so read the instructions before use. Our favorite chemical exfoliant is The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum ($12.20).
3. Toner (optional

Toning is more skin type specific – it helps control oily skin, treat or prevent acne, and minimize dryness.
Some of the best toners for dark skin include Fenty Skin Fat Water Niacinamide Pore-Refining Toner Serum with Barbados Cherry ($22) for dry, textured skin, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner ($22) for clear, poreless skin, and Ole Henriksen Balancing Force Oil Control Toner ($47.50) which is rated #1 for oily skin types.
4. Treatments (serums, essence, masks, etc.)

Like toners, treatments are for targeted skin concerns. Whether it’s serums, masks, essences, or acids, these products are incredible for anyone to tackle a specific problem (acne, dark spots, eczema, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, etc.)
PSA: Some treatments are specifically designed for the AM, while others are for the PM. If you use a PM treatment during the day, sunscreen is advised to safeguard your skin.
Some popular treatments include:
- Vitamin C – best for brightening – deals with dullness, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots
- AHA/BHA – for gentle exfoliation – deals with uneven skin tone/texture, clogged pores and signs of aging
- Hyaluronic Acid – the best hydrator of all time if you don’t count snow mushrooms
- Niacinamide – the best anti-aging ingredient – deals with enlarged pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone
- Salicylic Acid – great for acne and dark spot prevention
- Retinol – perfect for anti-aging and exfoliation
5. Eye (optional but recommended if you have a history of under-eye circles and bags)
The skin under your eyes is thin and sensitive, so you need to keep it protected. If you have a history of puffiness and dark under-eye circles, incorporating an eye cream into your routine is non-negotiable.
Some of the best eye creams feature ingredients such as collagen (to enhance elasticity), caffeine (nixes puffiness), and vitamin C (shine bright like a diamond).
Our favorite is The InKEY List Brighten-I Eye Cream ($17.49).
6. Moisturizer
Moisturizers help seal in everything and add much-needed moisture to your skin. There are various types depending on the season and skin type. For instance, gel-based options are perfect for oily/combination skin types, while heavy creams are recommended for dry, dull skin types.
7. Sunscreen (SPF)

Now for the part that most Black people forget to include in their routine – sunscreen! This is not ever, never, negotiable. You should apply it 15 minutes before heading out, and it should be reapplied every two hours for optimal protection.
There are various types, chemicals, and minerals, so ensure you choose the one that suits your skin best.
Related: 4 Black-Girl-Friendly Sunscreens That Are A Must-Have
How To Layer Your Skincare Products
This part is dependent on you and your skin type or concern. However, we can all agree that you need a morning (daytime) and evening (nighttime routine).
But if you need a breakdown of how best to layer your products, this guide, Here’s How to Layer Skincare Serums Like A Pro, can help (it’s got all the gist, including the ingredients that work best when paired together and those you should layer with care).
The Best Skincare Routines For Black Girls
Now, for a cheatsheet on the best skincare routines for every Black Girl’s skin concern:
The Best Black Girl Skincare Routine For Oily Skin
Oily skin is the one skin type that can give you a glow without the ‘up..’ But a solid skincare routine helps keep the grease at bay and shoo away the zits and blackheads. We stalked our favorite oily skincare expert @jemilah_ali to bring you a routine that’ll show oily skin who’s boss:
Products To Use
1. Cleanser (both morning and night) – Fenty Skin Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleanser With Barbados Cherry ($21) – as an oily skin type myself, I wholeheartedly swear by this product. It clears up everything without over-drying.
2. Moisturizer – InKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum ($13.49) – the ultimate hydrating must-have for oily skin types with 2% hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin, leaving it healthier, smoother, and plumper.
3. Mattifying Treatment – Peach Slices Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer ($16.99) – it features niacinamide, zinc PCA, and an anti-sebum complex + Korean herbal roots that work to reduce the appearance of pores, manage excess oil issues, and mattify skin.
4. Another One! – Cocokind Chlorophyll Discoloration Serum ($21.99) – the spot-fading serum contains 1% alpha arbutin, chlorophyll, licorice, and panthenol that minimizes the appearance of discoloration, post-blemish marks, redness, and signs of UV damage.
5. Protect Thy Skin – Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 ($16) – Y’all know how this moisturizing sunscreen works wonders on Black skin! It’s the ultimate UVA & UVB ray-protecting formula for oily skin types.
6. Retinoids (nighttime skincare routine) – Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($40.50) – the Black woman-owned retinol and AHA serum reduces the appearance of fine lines, oily surface, and wrinkles while visibly firming and brightening for younger-looking skin.
7. More To Know – Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer ($214) – oily skin types benefit a lot from facial steaming, and this professional facial device delivers micro-steam tech to intensely moisturize and visibly purify the skin.
Facial steaming every two or three times per week will offer optimal results.
The Best Skincare Routine For Dry, Textured Skin
Various issues can cause dry skin, including genetics, environmental factors, seasonal changes, humidity, and exposure to irritants. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix for dry skin – and that’s this step-by-step Black Girl-approved skincare routine:
Products To Use
1. Hydrating Cleanser (morning and night) – CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleaner With HA For Dry Skin ($18) – the drugstore product contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and triglycerides that are known to cleanse without stripping your skin of moisture.
2. Vitamin C Serum – Bubble Day Dream Vitamin C + Niacinamide Tone & Texture Serum ($17) – the potent serum contains vitamin C, which is essential for promoting a bright, smoother, and even complexion, niacinamide for calming irritation and improving skin barrier function, and alpha arbutin to reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone
3. Hydrating Serum (morning and night) – L’Oreal Revitalift 1.5 % Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($33) – the fragrance-free 1.5% pure HA serum intensely hydrates, visibly plumps, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Moisturizer (morning and night) – Neutrogena Hydro Boost HA Water-Gel Moisturizer ($28) – quench dry skin with another layer of oil-free and non-comedogenic hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer.
5. SPF – Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing SPF Lotion 30 ($16) – the formula safeguards against the damaging effects of UV, including dark spots, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.
6. Overnight Mask – Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask with 10.5% Squalane ($45) – the fragrance-free hydrating mask locks in moisture overnight and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. Wake up to nourished, flake-free, healthy-looking skin.
The Best Black Girl Skincare Routine For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is challenging to deal with. One minute, it’s calm and cooperative. The next? It’s throwing tantrums like a temperamental toddler. That’s why you need a solid skincare routine that includes the following:
Products To Use
1. Gentle Cleanser (morning and night) – Tatcha Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($24.50) – the oil-free gel features amino acids extracted from silk gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, leaving it soft, refreshed, and comfortably hydrated.
2. Gentle Toner (morning and night) – inKEY List PHA Exfoliating Toner ($17.49) – the PHA-infused toner is formulated with aloe barbadensis leaf juice and 3% niacinamide to soothe skin and calm the appearance of redness.
3. Serum – TULA Skincare Sensitive Skin Treatment Drops Calming Vitamin B Serum ($65) – the calming serum is packed with four types of vitamin Bs (B5 panthenol, B6 pyridoxine, and B7 biotin) to soothe and visibly minimize irritation while improving skin’s resilience over time.
4. Moisturizer (morning and night) – Biossance Squalene + Omega Repair Deep Hydration Moisturizer ($81) – the ultra-rich formula loaded with moisturizing ceramides, nourishing squalene, and restorative omega fatty acids that reinforce the natural moisture barrier for your most youthful and healthy-looking skin, without leaving a greasy feel.
5. Sunscreen – Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($54) – the hypoallergenic, non-acnegenic, and sensitive skin-approved SPF visibly brightens and safeguards against signs of aging and soothes for softer, more supple skin.
6. Targeted Treatment – Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Serum Mask ($13.50) – the adhesive sheet mask wraps around the contours of your face with tiger grass to visibly calm irritation, reduce redness, and send a surge of soothing moisture into your skin.
The Best Black Girl Skincare Routine For Combination Skin

If you have oiliness in your T-zone and dry patches in other spots, you have combination skin, boo. And just like oily and dry skin, combo skin types require a specific skincare routine that includes:
Products To Use
1. Gentle Cleanser (morning and night)– Glow Recipe Mini Burberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser ($13.50) – The antioxidant-rich formula is packed with nourishing oils to eliminate dirt with minimal rubbing, which helps improve the look of pores.
2. Clay Mask (critical) – Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask ($27) – the oh-so-cozy clay mask dries down to see oil being drawn out, then rinses to reveal visibly refined, unclogged and mattified, healthy-looking skin.
3. Hydrating Moisturizer (morning and night) – Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer ($31) – the ultra-rich cream hydrates and plumps while boosting the skin’s moisture barrier and visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles for an instantly glowy, dewy look that lasts.
4. Potent Serum – Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($47.50) – the multi-use highlighting serum hydrates and visibly reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a dewy, reflective glow.
5. Facial Oil – Kosas Tinted Face Oil Comfy Skin Tint, $56 ($28) – the weightless, serum-like formula provides sheer coverage and a natural velvety finish. Each of the ingredients helps moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
6. Sunscreen – Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 ($34) – the featherweight sunscreen visibly evens skin tone, refines pores, enhances skin texture, and gives you extra bounce while improving skin’s moisture barrier.
7. Skincare Device – Dermaflash DermaPore Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser ($134) – the powerful device quickly unclogs pores and enhances the penetration of serums, masks, and moisturizers.
The Best Skincare Routine For Normal Skin

With no major skin concerns, it can be daunting to know where to start when curating a skincare routine for normal skin. But when in doubt, always look to basics such as:
Products To Use
1. Cleanser (morning and night) – The inKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser ($16) – the non-drying, daily facial cleanser effectively unclogs pores and eliminates dirt, impurities, and excess oil
2. Serum – The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum ($10.40) – the lightweight formula features humectant vitamin B5, also referred to as pantothenic acid to attract moisture and give your skin a soft, supple feel.
3. Moisturizer (morning and night) – Glow Recipe Mini Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer ($28.50) – the oil-free moisturizer calms, brightens, and protects skin against environmental stressors.
4. Sunscreen – Supergoop! Unseen SPF 40 ($52) – the innovative, antioxidant-rich SPF primer safeguards the skin from blue light and UVA rays. It glides onto the skin, providing shine control and leaving a velvety makeup-gripping finish.
The Best Black Girl Skincare Routine For Breakout-Prone Skin
Babes who struggle with breakout-prone and oily skin will love this Black Girl Skin-approved morning and nighttime routine:
The Best Skincare Routine For Hyperpigmentation (Melasma, Dark Spots, etc.)
If there’s a skin concern that you’re almost guaranteed to find a Black woman struggling with (hello, me!), it’s hyperpigmentation. It’s the bane of our existence. The Shadow King to our Storm. So, to effectively manage it, @dralexisstepehens recommends using the following routine:
The Best Dully To Glowy Black Girl Skincare Routine
If your skincare goal in 2024 is to achieve glowy, radiant skin, then you need to mirror @kemmystry’s simple five-step routine. It features some cool skincare gems and TikTok favorites:
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The Most Affordable Anti-Aging Skincare Routine For A 40-Year-Old
If you’re 40 and above, this is for you. Here, @stylenbeautydoc breaks down some of the most affordable and effective anti-aging AM & PM skincare products to use. Check her out, and don’t forget to add to cart?
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The Best Derm-Recommended Travel Skincare Routine For Black Girls
In the spirit of catching flights, not feelings, you also need to remember to chase the glow, not baggage (aka under eye circles). @brownskinderm shares with you some inflight and non-inflight skincare essentials that have the power to turn your jetlag into jet bliss:
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Monthly Maintenance Skincare Routine For Dewy Skin
Yeah, skincare isn’t just about a daily routine. You also need to have a monthly maintenance routine that helps you get rid of dead skin cells, peach fuzz, stubborn marks, and undealt-with stress:
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The Best DIY Skincare Routine For Clear Skin
If you don’t believe you have to buy $$$ products to achieve radiant skin, try this DIY skincare routine. It is the derm-stamped and extremely pocket-friendly:
Black Girl Simple 5-Step Glass Skin Skincare Routine
If you want that “face card never expired” energy this year, this is the routine to bookmark:
The Best Melanin-Friendly Korean Skincare Routine
Korean, but make it Black skin-friendly (and no, this isn’t the ridiculous 12-step routine. It’s just a simple 3-step regimen that @eniola swears by for youthful, glowing skin:
There you have it folks!
What’s your go-to, desert-island kind of skincare routine?
Let us know in the comment section below!