BASF Care Chemicals Reveals Inclusive Beauty Accelerator Finalists

BASF Care Chemicals has revealed the six finalists in its inaugural Inclusive Beauty Accelerator.

Inclusive Beauty Accelerator, in collaboration with StitchCrew,  is specifically designed for early-stage companies in the personal care and beauty space committed to creating innovative and inclusive products. The program provides each entrepreneur with a six-week training curriculum; mentorship from BASF’s technical team and extended network; BASF lab access; a $10,000 non-dilutive stipend, and exposure to CPG investors.

The finalists represent brands that are actively reshaping conversations about inclusive beauty. They are creating products—spanning hair care, skin care, and baby care segments—that celebrate the rich history of BIPOC individuals and families, while addressing their specific needs.

They are:

Arielle Brown—Bea’s Bayou. This New Orleans-based company, aims to help customers with highly sensitive scalp and skin issues using microbiome barrier-boosting products that are lightweight and effective.


Tara Darnley — Peculiar Roots. Darnley and her husband founded their company after struggling to find products made for hair locs. Beyond wanting to make amazing products, they are on a mission to dismantle negative stereotypes associated with having locs and natural hair.

Ezinne Iroanya-Adeoye — SKNMUSE combines luxury with cultural authenticity to produce luxurious skincare products that cater to the skincare needs of Black women. The brand also uplifts other entrepreneurs by sourcing 70% of their ingredients from small businesses.


Ana Nunez—Vida Bars. This waterless hair care brandwas created based Nunez’s personal life values: living authentically through loving yourself, caring for our planet, and giving back to the community. Vida Bars’ entire process, from sourcing to packaging, is environmentally friendly.


Ariane Turner of Look Good Live Well. The brand is driven by purpose to provide a luxurious, clean, streamlined skincare experience that addresses the common skincare concerns for her customers – hyperpigmentation and hydration.


Shelly Ann Winokur of Kiss Kiss Goodnight. Winokur launched her brand to give moms the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re using pure, gentle, and natural products on their children. Each product is carefully crafted with the skin’s pH, lipid barrier, and microbiome in mind.

“We are looking forward to working with these entrepreneurs who each display personal conviction and untamable desire to develop innovative, efficacious products that address historically unmet needs,” said Marcelo Lu, senior vice president, BASF Care Chemicals. Lu is a mentor in the program.