Melanin-rich skin has unique skincare needs, from addressing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone to maintaining hydration and a healthy skin barrier. After a conversation with actress Angela Bassett, Dr. Barbara Sturm set out to create a skincare collection specifically formulated with darker skin tones in mind.
The result is Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Darker Skin Tones Collection, a curated lineup of some of the luxury skincare brand’s bestselling formulas. Designed to address common concerns among melanin-rich complexions, the collection takes Sturm’s signature approach to skincare and gives it a more targeted focus.
We connected with the Sturm team for a closer look at the collection and the products behind it.
Foam Cleanser
A good skincare routine starts with a clean canvas. Dr. Sturm’s Foam Cleanser gently removes makeup, excess oil and impurities without leaving the skin feeling stripped.
The lightweight formula contains purslane, a signature ingredient found throughout the brand’s skincare line, along with ingredients designed to cleanse while helping maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. The result is a fresh, comfortable complexion ready for the rest of your routine.
Enzyme Cleanser
For a deeper cleanse, the Enzyme Cleanser combines cleansing and exfoliation in one formula. The powder transforms into a soft foam when mixed with water, helping lift away dead skin cells and impurities to reveal a smoother, more refined-looking complexion.
The formula also contains vitamin C and enzymes, making it an easy addition when skin needs an extra boost of radiance.
“For us, it’s all about inclusivity in beauty – darker skin tones have different dermatological needs. Just as we have seen within the makeup category…” – Dr. Barbara Sturm
Hyaluronic Serum
Hydration is at the heart of Dr. Sturm’s skincare philosophy, and the Darker Skin Tones Hyaluronic Serum brings that focus to melanin-rich complexions.
Formulated with different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, the serum is designed to deliver hydration while helping skin appear smoother and more supple. Its lightweight texture also makes it easy to layer underneath moisturizer, sunscreen or makeup without weighing down your routine.
Face Cream
The Darker Skin Tones Face Cream rounds out the routine with a rich dose of moisture. Formulated with ingredients including magnolia extract, African whitewood bark and purslane, the cream is designed to nourish the skin while supporting a more even, radiant-looking complexion.
Despite its moisturizing formula, the cream maintains the elegant texture expected from Dr. Sturm’s luxury skincare line, making it a polished final step in the routine.
With the Darker Skin Tones Collection, Dr. Barbara Sturm brings a more targeted approach to luxury skincare—one that recognizes that thoughtful formulation should consider the needs of a wider range of complexions.
Am fair in complexion hope I can use your products
Hi Lilian! Yes, you can absolutely use these products. They also have collections that aren’t specific to skin tones. Check them out here: https://www.drsturm.com