Unsun Cosmetics Founder Katonya Breaux Created a Sunscreen That’s Inclusive for All Skin Tones
We interviewed Katonya Breaux because we think you'll like her picks at these prices. The products featured are from Katonya's brand Unsun Cosmetics. E! makes a commission on purchases. The brand featured are partners of NBCUniversal Checkout. Prices are accurate as of publish time.
Last year I fell in love with the Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen from Unsun Cosmetics. It gives me confidence for makeup-free days, it works as a smooth primer under makeup, it reduces redness in my skin, and, of course, it protects me from sun damage. After a year-long obsession with the brand, I had the privilege of talking with Unsun Cosmetics founder Katonya Breaux. She created sunscreen with clean ingredients that work on all skin tones, after struggling to find products that didn't leave a white cast on her skin.
We all know that sunscreen is important to wear, but there are still so many people who forget to apply the product or do not think that they "need" sunscreen every day. Katonya was one of those people, explaining, "I grew up conditioned to believe that using sunscreen doesn't apply to me. It was such a harmful mistake because we get hyperpigmentation. The myth is 'Black doesn't crack and it doesn't wrinkle as quickly,' but hyperpigmentation is a big issue for us. Mortality rates are so much higher for Black and brown people with skin cancer. We just aren't on the radar as much as a blue-eyed blonde."
In an exclusive interview with E! News, Katonya shared her journey from never wearing sunscreen to looking for products that worked for her skin tone and ultimately deciding to make her own products when she realized there weren't any viable options. Sunscreen isn't just for beach days. It should be an integral part of your regular routine. Unsun Cosmetics has products with clean ingredients that are gentle on your skin for everyday use.
The Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Sunscreen That Sold Out 4 Times Just Got Restocked Here
E!: We are always hearing about the importance of wearing sunscreen, but the dots don't always connect for everyone. What are some of the most common misconceptions you hear about sunscreen usage?
KB: It's so shocking and disappointing that so many people don't grasp the importance of wearing sunscreen. So many people think they don't need sunscreen and say "My skin is brown" or "I'm never in the sun." I would say, "Do you drive? How did you get here? If you drive, you're getting sun exposure from the windows."
It's so hard to hide from the sun. People don't realize how hard it is to hide from the sun. You really can't hide and that's something that melanated people need to know. These myths have been perpetuated in society forever. Growing up, I was in Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Cadets, where I did a lot of camping and activities outdoors. All the little white girls would get sunscreen and no one would put it on me. My mom never bought it either. We never had sunscreen in the house.
E!: Obviously, your stance on sun protection has changed. Was there a specific impetus that changed your way of thinking?
KB: Yes, I started getting hyperpigmentation around my mouth, these little black moles and I just thought they were genetic because all of the older people in my family have them. I went to the dermatologist when they started popping up in my early 40s, and I thought "I know I'm gonna get them, but they're coming way too soon." The dermatologist chuckled and said, "Honey, this isn't genetic. This is sun damage." I was completely floored.
I was like "Wait, I'm Black," and she explained so much to me. I went to Walgreens to get sunscreen. When I started using sunscreen in my regular routine, I would try to rub the sunscreen in and it would leave a white cast or get in my eyes. It was just a mess. It took me a while to discover mineral sunscreen. Mineral didn't irritate me, but it didn't sit well on my skin because I couldn't find any tinted options that worked for my skin. They either left me purple or gray. As I looked for sunscreens and couldn't find anything, I decided to create my own after spending 20 years in construction with no experience in this area.
For years, brands weren't thinking of us or making products for us. Now, everybody's getting on the bandwagon. It's so great to see brown and Black girls in sunscreen ads. That's why I started this, no one was doing it before me. I had to do it.
Unsun Cosmetics Products
The Medium/Dark shade is formulated complement a range of skin tones from olive to dark chocolate without leaving behind a ghostly residue.
The Light/Medium shade covers a range of skin tones from very light to light sprinkled with freckles without leaving a white cast.
If you're looking for more skincare insights, The Skinny Confidential's Lauryn Bosstick shared her beauty secrets and answered the questions we all have.
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