When Ozohu Adoh couldn’t find products that worked for the dry, uneven skin condition she struggled with, she didn’t get discouraged—she became inspired to create her own.
“I felt existing skin care solutions weren’t bearing in mind the different ways skin issues like hyperpigmentation or dryness presented in darker skin tones,” says the founder and CEO of EPARA, the luxury skin care brand made with nourishing natural and organic ingredients—and the latest to hit Dermstore’s virtual shelves.
How EPARA’s Formulas Nurture Skin of Color
After much trial and error at the beauty counter, Adoh—who grew up in Nigeria and holds an MBA from Oxford University—began treating her skin concerns with pure, botanical ingredients sourced from Africa.
“My forebears had used these botanicals and they always said how good they were but without much scientific rationale,” she explains. “So, as I was struggling with my skin, I reached back to these botanicals and researched their underpinning scientific bases for their efficacy. What stood out about these ingredients was their simplicity yet effectiveness in ameliorating my skin concerns.”
EPARA founder Ozohu Adoh
The richly nurturing oils, butters and extracts that transformed Adoh’s skin became the starting point for the EPARA line, which she worked closely with a UK-based lab to formulate. With a focus on hydration and even tone, the 10 products in the line have become favorites among women of color who, like Adoh, haven’t found their needs met by other luxury skin care brands. “We hear a lot from our customers, but I believe what really makes us proud is the recognition of the care and attention to detail we have placed in the creation of the brand and each of the products,” Adoh says.
Here, meet a few of EPARA’s standout formulas, made to wrap your skin in nurturing, healing luxury. The name EPARA means “to cocoon oneself” in the Nigerian dialect of Ebira—and these treatments will ensure you emerge glowing.
Our Favorite EPARA Products
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Buy now with Dermstore EPARA Cleansing Oil 5.28 fl. oz.
Buy now with free deliveryThis luxurious oil cleanser, which transforms into a milky fluid when activated with water, makes washing your face a ritual to look forward to. Ingredients like soothing ylang-ylang oil and brightening licorice-root extract help prevent irritation, balance skin and target hyperpigmentation.
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Buy now with Dermstore EPARA Brightening Night Balm 1.76 fl. oz.
Buy now with free deliveryWho says products that target pigmentation concerns need to be harsh? In this ultra-rich balm, naturally derived oils and plankton extract help to even tone and reduce hyperpigmentation while you sleep—so you can wake up to skin that’s healthy, hydrated and nourished.
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Buy now with Dermstore EPARA Moisturising Face Cream 1.76 fl. oz.
Buy now with free deliveryWith inflammation-soothing shea butter, elasticity-boosting marula oil and brightening licorice-root extract, this buttery moisturizer checks all the boxes to help you achieve soft, smooth, hydrated skin.
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Buy now with Dermstore EPARA Cleansing Lotion 5.28 fl. oz.
Buy now with free deliveryNo water is needed to use this silky cleanser—simply massage onto skin and wipe clean. Plant extracts and botanicals provide brightening benefits and remove impurities while leaving skin nourished, not stripped.
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Buy now with Dermstore EPARA Hydrating Mist 3.52 fl. oz.
Buy now with free deliveryNeed a quick pick-me-up? Boost hydration and fortify your skin’s natural protective barrier with this refreshing mist, which features naturally derived actives like Glucam E-10, a humectant, and hyperpigmentation-targeting plankton extract.
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Buy now with Dermstore EPARA Eye Serum 0.53 fl. oz.
Buy now with free deliveryEye bags, dark circles and puffiness are no match for this active serum made with natural oils and botanical extracts. Not only does it instantly hydrate the skin around the eyes, it’s clinically proven to improve the area’s overall appearance: in a study of 100 women, 78% experienced visibly lifted skin after 28 days.
