What Company Is Topicals? A Skincare Brand for Chronic Skin
Topicals is a Black-owned, female-led skincare company based in Santa Monica, California, that creates science-backed products for chronic skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and acne. It was founded by Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng and is sold at Sephora.
Who Owns Topicals? Founders, Funding, and Black-Owned Status
Topicals is a Black-owned skincare company co-founded by Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng in 2017. Olowe, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, and Teng, a Taiwanese-American, met at a startup accelerator and launched the brand to address chronic skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and acne. The company remains Black-owned and female-led, with Olowe serving as CEO until 2023, when she transitioned to a board role and appointed a new CEO from Fenty Beauty. Topicals has raised significant venture funding, including a Series A round, and is backed by investors such as JLABS San Diego.
What Company Is Topicals? A Skincare Brand for Chronic Skin Conditions
Topicals is a beauty and skincare company based in Santa Monica, California, that formulates products specifically for chronic skin conditions. Its mission is to make effective, science-backed skincare accessible for people dealing with persistent issues like hyperpigmentation, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The brand emphasizes inclusivity and mental health, recognizing that skin conditions can affect confidence. Topicals is known for its vibrant packaging and ingredient-focused formulas, and it has become a standout in the clean beauty space.
Where Is Topicals Located and Where Can You Buy It?
- Headquarters: Topicals is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, near Los Angeles.
- Online: Shop directly at topicals.com for the full product range.
- Sephora: Topicals is a core brand at Sephora, both in stores and online, making it easy to find across the U.S.
- Other Retailers: It is also available at select specialty beauty retailers and through the brand's Instagram shop.
Topicals' Growth Story: From Dorm Room to Sephora's Fastest-Growing Brand
- Founded in 2017: Olowe and Teng started Topicals while still in college, developing formulas for hyperpigmentation and acne.
- JLABS San Diego: The company was an early resident of JLABS San Diego, a Johnson & Johnson innovation incubator, which provided lab space and mentorship.
- Sephora Launch: Topicals launched at Sephora in 2020 and quickly became Sephora's fastest-growing skincare brand that year.
- Series A Funding: In 2021, Topicals raised a Series A round led by investors including Fenty Beauty executives, fueling expansion.
- New CEO: In 2023, the brand appointed a new CEO from Fenty Beauty, signaling continued growth and professional leadership.
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Is Topicals a Good Skincare Brand? What Reviews and Growth Say
Topicals has earned strong reviews for its targeted formulas and inclusive approach. Below is a quick comparison of what makes it stand out versus general industry standards.
| Factor | Topicals | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Founder Background | Black-owned, female-led | Varies |
| Key Focus | Chronic skin conditions (hyperpigmentation, acne) | General skincare |
| Retail Presence | Sephora, online | Multiple retailers |
| Growth Rate | Sephora's fastest-growing brand (2020) | Varies |
| Customer Reviews | Highly rated for efficacy on specific issues | Mixed |
| Price Range | $20–$40 per product | Varies |
Topicals is widely considered a good brand, especially for those with chronic skin conditions. Its growth and customer loyalty speak to its effectiveness.
Topicals Products: Targeted Solutions for Hyperpigmentation, Acne, and More
Topicals offers a focused product line designed for chronic skin conditions. Key products include:
- Faded – a serum and cream for hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Like Butter – a rich body moisturizer for eczema and dry skin.
- Slather – an exfoliating body serum for rough, bumpy skin.
- Sealed – a lip treatment for dry, chapped lips.
- Misted – a hydrating facial mist for sensitive skin.
Each product is formulated with ingredients like niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and shea butter, avoiding common irritants.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Topicals still Black-owned?
Yes, Topicals remains a Black-owned company. Co-founder Olamide Olowe, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, still holds a significant ownership stake and serves on the board.
Is Topicals a good skincare brand?
Yes, Topicals is widely considered a good brand, especially for those with chronic skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and acne. It has strong reviews, was Sephora's fastest-growing brand in 2020, and is backed by dermatologists.
Where is Topicals headquartered?
Topicals is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, near Los Angeles.
Who sells Topicals products?
Topicals products are sold at Sephora (in-store and online) and on the brand's own website, topicals.com.
Is Topicals in Ulta or Sephora?
Topicals is available at Sephora, not Ulta. You can find it in Sephora stores nationwide and on sephora.com.
