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Angela Bassett to Launch a Skincare Line for Darker Skin Tones

Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett attends Academy Award-Winner Kathy Bates Hosts Reception On Eve Of California Walk To Fight Lymphedema at Huntley Hotel on June 25, 2016 in Santa Monica, California. Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

Expanding her range! Angela Bassett will launch a skincare line with women of color in mind. Darker Skin Tones by Dr. Barbara Sturm, her dermatologist, will be available at Harrods (both in stores and online) in July. 

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The American Horror Story actress, 57, began working with Sturm after she experienced issues with her own complexion, including breakouts. Although she used goods from Sturm’s eponymous line, including a cleanser and face cream, Bassett longed to create products that would focus on issues that plague darker skin tones, like hyperpigmentation and inflammation. 

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Bassett and Sturm partnered together with that goal in mind, and Darker Skin Tones was born. In a June 23 Instagram, Sturm explained that most product ingredients that affect all skin tones include harsh elements like mineral oils and artificial fragrances. So she and Bassett came to a conclusion. “Our premise was simple: less is more,” Sturm captioned.

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One ingredient that the team does use is purslane, which is a staple ingredient in each product from the line. “It’s also an herb, and it has such powerful properties in every direction,” Sturm explained to WWD. It “actually works against natural programmed cell death, and that’s the key. So not only do we have anti-inflammation and the evening out of skin tone, but also a big thing for antiaging.”

Darker Skin Tones will include a foam cleanser, an enzyme cleanser, two face creams and a hyaluronic serum, starting at $58. Bassett told WWD that she has already had two reliable testers: her assistant and her nanny. “She’s been with me for a long time, so I’ve been aware of the hyperpigmentation,” Bassett, who shares twins Bronwyn and Slater, 10, with husband Courtney B. Vance said.

Bassett hopes that consumers will become more aware of what they’re putting on their skin, just like she did. “And to see what is good for it and ingredients that are helpful — and not invasive or irritating,” she continued. “I like them to be pleased when they look in the mirror, to feel good about themselves and the condition of their complexion.”

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