[ad_1]
Naomi Osaka wants to hit a Grand Slam in a different kind of court: beauty, but with a purpose.
This week, the 23-year-old outspoken tennis pro launched KINLO, her own skincare line designed specifically for women of color.
The word is a coat rack inspired by its Japanese and Haitian roots which means “gold” and enters a competitive field of celebrity beauty that has created one, virtually overnight. These brands include, the Kylie Jenner line, which is sold by Ulta (), and Kim Kardashian West’s KKW Beauty.
Still, Osaka’s line has key products – an SPF 50 tinted moisturizer, protective body spray, restorative lip balm, and eye cream – that differ in key aspects. The main selling points are price and demographics: Each item sells for under $ 20 and has been specially formulated to meet the needs of people with darker skin tone.
“I hope this brand will not only allow people of color to find accessible and affordable products that they love, but also that the brand raises awareness of the growing number of skin cancers in people with brown and black skin.” Osaka told Yahoo Finance in a statement. declaration.
In people with darker skin, high levels of melanin provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Yet for several reasons, black Americans diagnosed with melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – actually have lower survival rates than other groups, the data shows.
“The idea that we don’t burn because we have dark skin is a total myth, and I want people to understand that UV rays come not only from the sun but also from computer screens and blue light.” Osaka added.
Osaka has teamed up with Dr. Naana Boakye, MD, a dermatologist experienced in treating darker, melanin-rich skin. Kinlo aims to increase the availability of UV protection products aimed at underserved communities.
Osaka admits that she was never a fan of using sunscreen as a child because it “wasn’t smooth and never blended,” but she hopes customers from Kinlo will have a better experience.
This isn’t Osaka’s first rodeo in the beauty world. In 2018, Japanese beauty company Shiseido turned to Osaka in 2018 to become the face of BareMinerals and sunscreen brand Anessa.
Osaka suffered a tough outing in the first round of the US Open, where she vowed to take an extended break from tennis. In her new company, she will take on the role of CEO, and another with an eye on corporate social responsibility.
“Since launching KINLÒ, my biggest takeaway is that you can create products AND make an impact in the world, you don’t have to choose one,” Osaka said.
Despite her success on the tennis court, she hopes to expand this passionate project to a wider market.
“I would love to have a sunscreen specifically designed for children soon, but I also want to continue to develop both the brand’s protection and recovery lines,” Osaka told Yahoo Finance. “The possibilities are truly endless and we will continue to grow and focus on making products specially formulated for melanoma skin. “
Dani Romero is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter: @daniromerotv
Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, Youtube, and reddit
[ad_2]
Source link