Our Story
Rooted in Heritage. Guided by Purpose. Made for Ritual.
Luyana was born from a sacred inheritance—ancestral wisdom passed down through generations of African women who trusted nature to heal, nourish, and protect.
As daughters of African immigrants, we grew up in the U.S. hearing stories of these beauty rituals. Our mother spoke of marula oil, shea butter, baobab, and African black soap, treasures she had used back home. But in our reality, these sacred ingredients were out of reach. In their place, we turned to the only options we had: chemical-laden formulas and mass-market moisturizers that promised glow but never truly delivered wellness.
The glossy pages of Teen Vogue and Cosmo seduced us with trends that didn’t reflect who we were. And so, like many women of color, we were left navigating a beauty world that neither saw us nor served us.
Years later, our journey led us to Denmark—a land of stillness, simplicity, and contrast. Amid the calm, we faced a personal health scare: the discovery of multiple benign tumors during a routine checkup. It was a turning point. We began to question everything, from the food we ate to the products we put on our skin.
What we uncovered was startling: the average woman is exposed to hundreds of potentially harmful chemicals each day. This knowledge awakened something deep within us. Not fear, but purpose.
We returned to the ingredients of our ancestors, not just to heal ourselves, but to offer something more meaningful to others. Skincare rooted in cultural memory. Products free from toxins. Rituals designed for peace of mind.
And so, Luyana was born.
Our Philosophy: From Nature to Nurture
At Luyana, we blend the time-honored beauty rituals of Africa with the minimalist elegance of Scandinavian design. Our products are handcrafted in Denmark using carefully sourced botanicals from across the African continent. Ingredients revered for generations for their healing potency and natural richness.
We believe skincare should be:
- Clean and Conscious — 100% natural and free of synthetic chemicals.
- Culturally Grounded — A celebration of ancestral wisdom and modern elegance.
- Calm and Intentional — Designed to bring stillness and nourishment to daily rituals.
- Sustainable and Ethical — From sourcing to packaging, we honor both people and planet.
Why Luyana?
Because we believe skincare should be more than skin deep. It should be a return to self, to heritage, and to wellness without compromise.
When you choose Luyana, you're not just nurturing your skin. You’re:
- Reclaiming time for yourself
- Supporting sustainable, women-led cooperatives across Africa
- Embracing a slower, more intentional beauty ritual
- Investing in purity, potency, and purpose
This is skincare that remembers where it comes from, and lovingly invites you to do the same.
With love and light,
Mari-Anne & Melinda
Founders, Luyana Natural Skincare