The Visionary Behind Topicals, Revolutionising Skincare for a New Generation
For those who have battled eczema, hyperpigmentation, or other persistent skin conditions, finding a treatment that works can feel like an endless pursuit. The beauty industry, for too long, has prioritized superficial aesthetics over actual functionality, leaving many consumers unsatisfied with ineffective remedies. Enter Olamide Ayomikun Olowe. One founder who decided to upend this norm, and she’s winning in a major way.
Olamide is the trailblasing force behind Topicals, a skincare brand that’s redefining how we approach both skin health and beauty. Through the fusion of cutting-edge science and cultural relevance, she’s not only creating skincare solutions but also building a movement centered on empowerment, inclusivity, and a new perspective on beauty itself.
Here’s how this young entrepreneur turned her personal challenges into a multi-million-dollar business that’s resonating with Gen Z and backed by some of the biggest names in the industry.
From Student-Athlete to Skincare Mogul: Olamide’s Unconventional Path to Success
Olamide Olowe’s story begins in Los Angeles, where she was raised by Nigerian immigrant parents. Growing up, she balanced academic success with her love for sports, developing the resilience, discipline, and drive that would later propel her in the world of entrepreneurship.
However, Olamide’s most personal challenge didn’t come from a sports field—it came from her skin. Struggling with chronic skin conditions, Olamide found that many skincare products on the market simply didn’t address her unique needs as a Black woman. The absence of inclusive and effective solutions sparked a brilliant idea: What if skincare brands approached chronic conditions with the same level of cultural relevance and trendiness as mainstream beauty brands?
At UCLA, Olamide pursued a degree in Political Science and Entrepreneurship, but it was her internship with SheaMoisture co-founder Richelieu Dennis that truly changed the course of her life. Immersed in the inner workings of the beauty industry, Olamide witnessed firsthand how brands were built, how funding was secured, and how too many communities were being overlooked.
By the time she graduated, Olamide wasn’t just prepared to enter the beauty world—she was ready to revolutionise it.
The Birth of Topicals: Where Science Meets Culture in Skincare
In 2020, Olamide co-founded Topicals with one clear goal: to elevate the treatment of chronic skin conditions to the level of prestige reserved for the hottest beauty trends.
Unlike many traditional brands that marketed their products as “fixes” for perceived imperfections, Topicals took an entirely new approach. The brand celebrated real skin, flaws and all, and prioritized self-acceptance alongside effective treatments.
Topicals launched with two hero products:
Faded – A hyperpigmentation serum that brightens and evens skin tone without irritation.
Like Butter – A soothing hydrating mask designed to calm eczema-prone and sensitive skin.
What set Topicals apart?
✅ Science-Backed Formulas: Every product was crafted with medical-grade ingredients, researched and developed in collaboration with dermatologists.
✅ Vibrant, Bold Branding: Instead of sterile packaging, Topicals infused its products with playful, streetwear-inspired designs, making skincare feel fresh and fun.
✅ Mental Health Advocacy: With 1% of profits going to mental health initiatives, Topicals reinforced the connection between skin struggles and self-esteem.
The results? Immediate sellouts. Within days, both products were flying off the shelves, signaling a clear demand for effective, inclusive skincare solutions that were just as stylish as they were functional.
Breaking Barriers: Olamide Makes History with $10 Million in VC Funding
Launching a beauty brand is one thing; securing funding to fuel its growth is another. Yet Olamide didn’t just want to participate in the beauty industry—she was here to disrupt it.
In 2021, at just 23 years old, Olamide made history as the youngest Black woman to ever raise $10 million in venture capital. Top investors, including the LVMH-backed Imaginary Ventures and former Glossier executives, recognized the immense potential in Topicals. They saw it not just as a skincare brand but as a powerful movement with the potential to change the face of the industry.
This significant funding enabled Topicals to expand its product range, scale its operations, and deepen its commitment to community-driven initiatives.
With Olamide leading the charge, Topicals is a revolution in the making. And this is just the beginning.
Until next time—keep Building