Melanocytes, present in various areas of our body, are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that determines the color of our skin, eyes, and hair.

The process of melanin production, called melanogenesis, involves the enzyme tyrosinase and the amino acid tyrosine. Melanin is then transferred to keratinocytes, providing pigmentation and UV protection.

This pigment plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining the appearance of melanin-rich skin, particularly those with medium to darker tones, from phototype IV to VI.

THE SKIN PHOTOTYPE SYSTEM

  • Skin Phototype 1

    Only burns, never tans

  • Skin Phototype 2

    Burn easily, tan with difficulty

  • Skin Phototype 3

    Tan easily, may burn depending on intensity and length of sun exposure

  • Skin Phototype 4

    Tan easily, rarely burns

  • Skin Phototype 5

    Tan very easily, very rarely burns

  • Skin Phototype 6

    Tan very easily, never burns
MELANIN-RICH SKIN

Darker skin tones exhibit unique characteristics

Melanin-rich skin benefits from natural protection against ultraviolet rays due to its high melanin concentration.This protection is particularly advantageous in sunny and humid climates, where these skin types thrive.However, in colder climates with less sun exposure, this same protection can limit UV absorption, potentially leading to vitamin D deficiency.

Hyperpigmentation and inflammation

One consequence of excessive melanin production is hyperpigmentation.

Any trauma or damage to the skin can trigger an overproduction of melanin by the melanocytes, leading to issues such as hyperkeratosis, keloid scars, and dyschromia, where dark or light spots appear to protect the irritated or inflamed area.

Furthermore, when the skin is unbalanced by hormonal or environmental factors such as pollution, cold climates, or inappropriate treatments, cellular metabolism slows down. This reduces the skin’s ability to retain water, making it oilier, duller, and prone to spots, which are also a form of inflammation that can lead to hyperpigmentation.

…Do you see the vicious cycle coming?

This is why you need to find the right balance to keep your skin and mind protected from any form of stress that can cause irritation or inflammation.

Balanced formulas

Given the complexity of the pigmentation process (including melanin production and anti-inflammatory mechanisms), it is necessary to target multiple pathways to control melanin synthesis.

We think of beauty as a balance between mind and body.

We recognize that skin condition and well-being are interconnected.

We are USTAWI…and USTAWI means "WELL-BEING" in Swahili.

You can trust USTAWI to provide the perfect balance of nature and science for a healthy and glowing skin.

We sustainably source traditional active ingredients and blend them with advanced skincare technology.

This ensures clean, gentle, effective natural products.

AFRICAN BOTANICALS

We use ancestral ingredients like baobab,licorice roots, bamboo water, clay, green tea.Long treasured as the Tree of Life in many parts of the world, we have incorporated baobab superfruit as a healing and protective ingredient in all our skincare.

  • BAOBAB SUPERFRUIT

    Nourishing

  • RED & WHITE CLAY

    Purifying

  • GREEN TEA

    Anti-oxidant

  • MYRTLE LEAF

    Detoxifying

  • EUCALYPTUS LEAF

    Refreshing

  • BAMBOO WATER

    Hydrating

  • LICORICE ROOTS

    Unifying

  • RED ALGAE

    Hydrating
FRENCH DERMOCOSMETIC

Our high-performance formulas have been rigorously tested on both darker and lighter skin types with 70% of volunteers having darker skin. We work closely with university professors, researchers, doctors and chemists.

We are committed to sustainably sourced ingredients that respect the skin and the planet.We meticulously select the best active ingredients from nature and science, and banish controversial ingredients from our formulation, such as endocrine disruptors, certain preservatives, or allergens.

Our products are developed by Cyrea, a French laboratory specialized, and manufactured in France, in a partner factory committed to reducing C02 emissions.

Our products deliver on the promise to restore radiance to the skin, boosting its natural defenses, ensuring the skin is purified and protected.

  • OVER 90% NATURAL INGREDIENTS

  • FRAGRANCE FREE

  • CLINICALLY TESTED ON MELANIN-RICH SKIN

  • MADE IN FRANCE

  • DERMATOLOGIST APPROVED

  • VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE
RESULTS

USTAWI range delivers visible results, leaving your melanin-rich skin radiant, glowing, soothed, and protected.

USTAWI products help you to protect and enhance your skin's natural beauty. With consistent use, you will see a reduction in hyperpigmentation and an overall improvement in your skin's health.

SHOP the DARK SPOT SERUM