— Written by Stephanie of The Sefakor Blog

Clean beauty is finally beginning to get some love in the global space and I love to see it! Just a few years ago, it wasn't so, sadly. Honestly as a little girl growing up in Ghana, although I was surrounded by so many natural options, it wasn't encouraged. Natural-based skincare products were associated with poverty and convenience. There was this unspoken notion that if you opted for natural products you couldn’t afford the ‘better’ and ‘popular’ brands. For this reason, I refrained from using natural butters and oils like shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil.

Ironically, migrating to Canada opened my eyes to all the benefits of natural and clean body products. It was a good and bad discovery. I remember walking through a mall and seeing huge, blown out pictures of shea farmers and producers who happen to be Ghanaian women. They were specifically from the Northern part of Ghana and I thought to myself:

Do these women know their pictures are being used for marketing purposes? Are they being paid fairly? Do they know their natural products have been over processed and aren't as high quality as they once were? Did they know how overpriced it was?

I know it's easy to be proud when developing countries like Ghana are broadcasted globally. Don't get me wrong, I am proud but I will be more proud if the stories were accurate, the wages were fair, if the models used were a combination of all races and it wasn't being used as a publicity stunt for the brand workers. Some of the images were disturbing to me and it was very frustrating to look at.

With all that being said, when I decided to switch to a clean, all natural skin care brand, I chose to go with local manufacturers and business owners, preferably black people or people who respected black race as part of humanity. People’s whose values matched mine when it came to humanity, sustainability, fair trade and the like. Although I personally know the owner of Twenty20 Skincare, I know first-hand this business embodies all those values and more (hey best lol). I wasn’t sold immediately though, I had to see her use them and know that what I was switching to was worth it. Trust me, now that I have tasted (not literally but if it happens don't be scared, all natural perks!) and seen, I am a hundred percent for it. I love all things natural.

Sometimes, it might be harder to find these products because the marketing budget and production scale of smaller businesses isn't comparable to bigger brands. So this blog is here to solve that problem. I would love for you to consider going clean and natural, if not for anything, note that non-natural products mostly have side effects that need natural remedies (yep!). Some products even have chemicals that cause your skin to be addicted and want more of that exact product. That isn't safe, what if the product is discontinued or you cannot afford it anymore? I personally know people struggling with this at the moment. Any product I use on my skin shouldn’t give me complications and that’s the biggest advantage of clean beauty for me thus far. The freedom to try different natural options and see what works best for you.

It may seem daunting to make the switch from drugstore brands to 100% natural skincare products, but there are many reasons why you'll benefit. Although conventional products may seem simpler and more affordable, they are packed with artificial ingredients, dyes, and toxins that can damage your skin and health over time. So, it's time to switch—your skin will thank you.

1. It's better for your skin.

Natural products don't use the harsh chemicals you find in drugstore cleansers and moisturizers. They are easier on the skin, especially for those of us who are sensitive to the synthetic ingredients in many cosmetics. Natural ingredients are less likely to cause reactions such as itchiness, redness, or breakouts. And since they aren't packed with cheap fillers, you can trust that your products are doing their job. Our 100% natural Shea Butter adds essential moisture and softness to your skin so you can look (and feel!) healthier and younger.

2. It's better for your health.

There are no unnecessary, unhealthy ingredients in natural products, so you aren't at risk of being exposed to the toxins found in conventional skincare products. You also won't have to deal with the artificial fragrances that can cause headaches, dizziness, or irritation. Our products have a subtle smell that is formulated from all natural sources.

3. It's better for the environment.

Most natural products are sourced and produced under ethical, sustainable practices—and, since the ingredients are biodegradable, you'll be putting less waste back into the world. We pride ourselves on using packaging that is recyclable, reusable or compostable.

4. It's better for your budget.

Drugstore products may look cheaper on the shelf, but they can add up over time. Using natural skincare products ensures that you are getting a good value for your money. Not only are they more proactive (a little goes a long way), but you'll be able to simplify your skincare routine by choosing the right products. This means you won't be hogging the bathroom with bottles of cleansers, exfoliators, toners, and moisturizers that hardly work.

Also, you'll have more opportunities to support the local small businesses that make and sell natural skincare products! You can give back to yourself and your community. So try it for yourself!