Want to know if a product really works? Welcome to Slow Beauty. Since it can take up to six weeks to see results from using a new formula, we have testers try the best and buzziest in hair and skin care for double that amount of time to determine what actually makes a difference.
I admit that I’m lucky enough to have relatively easy skin. During different phases of my menstrual cycle, I might get dry patches, minor breakouts, and texture on my skin, but for the most part, it’s pretty predictable. However, when I heard that Sabrina and Idris Elba were launching a skin care brand that utilizes powerful ingredients native to Africa, my interest was piqued—as a child of African immigrants, I’ve been wanting to support and try beauty brands that prioritize the use of African botanicals, and S’able Labs seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Additionally, I wanted to see if the collection, which is geared toward melanated skin, could help me even out my skin tone, add some plumpness, and boost the health of my skin’s moisture barrier. I really committed to the process and overhauled my daily routine, replacing my mainstays with the line. I used the Rooibos Micellar Water after taking off all my makeup along with the Qasil Cleanser to make sure I got a super deep clean. I usually used the cleanser at night, but on the rare occasion I missed my nighttime routine, I’d wash my face with it the next morning. I also applied the Baobab Moisturizer morning and night after patting in the Black Seed Toner, my favorite item from the whole line. The Okra Face Serum is a great anti-aging retinoid that I added to my evening routine, and I treated myself to a session with the Qasil Exfoliating Mask once or twice a week to refresh my skin.
Spoiler alert: These products have played a major role in improving my skin and helping it glow in a way I’ve never experienced before. Below, read more about my experience over the course of three months.
The author before and after testing S’able Labs.
Final Thoughts
After the full 12 weeks, my skin looks so supple and healthy. I figured this line would work well, but I can honestly say it has done wonders for me. S’able fed my skin the elements it needed to thrive, and I’m thrilled to know that the skin care industry is seeing the power of African botanicals through S’able Labs. Introducing ingredients like okra, qasil, baobab, and black seed into my daily routine shifted my perspective of what skin care could look like for Black skin. Of course, that doesn’t mean those with other skin tones can’t benefit from the products. As the brand points out, while not all skin care products are suited for melanated skin, formulas that are will work for everyone.
I am so excited about the future of this line, and I am making sure to grab another Black Seed Toner before mine is fully empty. This is truly a great brand for those who are on the lookout for clean, cruelty-free, A-Beauty skin care products.