Keeshagaye Whitter’s journey to becoming a beauty entrepreneur wasn’t just about passion—it was personal. After years of battling eczema and navigating the overwhelming world of skincare products that often did more harm than good, Whitter decided to take matters into her own hands. Frustrated with misleading “natural” labels and ineffective remedies, she embarked on a mission to develop a skincare line that would offer real relief for sensitive skin sufferers like herself. The result? My Emollient, a brand dedicated to pure, vitamin-rich, and toxin-free skincare solutions.
Launched in 2020, My Emollient is more than just another clean beauty brand—it is a testament to Whitter’s dedication to transparency, sustainability, and inclusivity in skincare. From sourcing truly organic ingredients to formulating deeply nourishing products, Whitter has built My Emollient on the foundation of integrity, ensuring that every product delivers safe and effective results.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Whitter’s personal journey, the challenges of navigating the beauty industry as a Black woman entrepreneur, and the philosophy behind My Emollient’s commitment to clean beauty. She shares how her experiences have shaped her approach to formulation, why she believes skincare should be as transparent as the ingredients it’s made from, and what makes My Emollient stand out in a crowded beauty market.
Join us as we explore how Keeshagaye Whitter is redefining skincare for those with sensitive skin—one nourishing ingredient at a time.
Can you share more about your personal journey with eczema? How did your experiences with skincare influence the creation of My Emollient?
My journey with eczema has been a long, personal, and at times frustrating experience. After years of dealing with flare-ups and trying countless skincare products that either didn’t work or worsened my condition, I was motivated to find a better solution. My skin’s sensitivity and reaction to many products drove me to research natural ingredients that could truly nourish, protect, and heal.
I also knew I didn’t want to rely on steroids and medications for the rest of my life. I wanted a natural, sustainable solution that could address my skin’s needs without harsh side effects. This realization became a core part of My Emollient’s mission—providing healing skincare that empowers people to manage their skin conditions naturally.
What went through your mind when you discovered that so-called “natural” products were mostly synthetic? How did this realization shape your approach to product formulation?
When I realized that many so-called “natural” products were packed with synthetic ingredients, my first thought was, are you kidding me? I felt consumers deserved transparency and the chance to truly know what they were putting on their skin. I knew people needed to start treating ingredients like currency—examining each one and understanding its impact.
This experience fueled my determination to bring awareness to our community about the potential dangers of synthetic ingredients.
In creating My Emollient, I committed to using only pure, organic, and truly natural ingredients. Each formulation became a reflection of that commitment, designed to be safe, and effective.
What were some of the challenges you faced during your research and development phase, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges during the research and development phase was sourcing truly organic ingredients from suppliers who were certified and offered competitive pricing. Many suppliers required bulk purchasing, often 1,000 pounds or more at a time—which was overwhelming for a small, emerging brand.
My goal has always been to make clean beauty affordable and accessible for everyone, so finding competitively priced ingredients was essential. To overcome this, I spent countless hours researching suppliers, negotiating terms, and building relationships within the industry to ensure I deliver high-quality, organic products without compromising affordability.
Your brand was launched in 2020, but it sounds like My Emollient was years in the making. How did you approach perfecting the formula, and what was your process like?
My Emollient was absolutely years in the making. I knew that launching wasn’t just about having a product ready; it was about having a formula that I truly believed in. The process involved extensive research, trial and error, and a lot of patience. I spent years experimenting with different natural ingredients, learning their benefits, and understanding how they interact with the skin, especially for people with sensitive skin and conditions like eczema.
Each formula went through rounds of testing, not just for effectiveness but for feel and texture too. I wanted My Emollient to be as pleasant to use as it was beneficial. I also sourced feedback from people in my community, testing to ensure it met their needs. With every adjustment, I got closer to the final formulations. By the time we launched in 2020, I was confident that each product reflected My Emollient’s mission to heal, protect, and nourish naturally.
My Emollient emphasizes being organic, vitamin-rich, and toxin-free. How do you ensure that your ingredients meet these standards, and why are these qualities important to you?
Ensuring that My Emollient’s ingredients are truly organic, vitamin-rich, and toxin-free is a core part of our mission. I work with trusted suppliers who provide certified organic ingredients, and I prioritize thorough vetting processes to guarantee the purity and quality of every component.
These qualities are important to me because I created My Emollient with sensitive skin in mind, especially for those dealing with conditions like eczema. Vitamin-rich ingredients bring essential nutrients to the skin, supporting natural healing and nourishment. By being toxin-free, we avoid the harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and worsen skin conditions. My commitment is to offer skincare that’s safe, gentle, and effective, supporting people’s skin health without compromise.
Could you share more about what “Clean Beauty” means to you and how you incorporate this philosophy into your products?
For me, “Clean Beauty” goes beyond just the ingredients—it’s a philosophy that centers around transparency, integrity, and respect for both our bodies and the planet. Clean Beauty means using only pure, organic ingredients that support skin health without exposing users to harmful chemicals or synthetic fillers. It’s about knowing exactly what’s in each product and why each ingredient was chosen.
In My Emollient, I incorporate this philosophy by carefully sourcing toxin-free, sustainably harvested ingredients, ensuring that each product is not only safe and nourishing but also eco-conscious. This commitment extends to our packaging choices and our sustainable practices, making sure that every part of My Emollient aligns with a cleaner, healthier beauty experience. Clean Beauty is about empowering people to feel good about what they’re putting on their skin, knowing it’s as pure and effective as possible.
How does My Emollient stand out from other natural skincare brands on the market, especially in a space that can feel crowded?
My Emollient is unique because we prioritize accessibility, making high-quality, clean beauty affordable. Our formulas are also intentionally crafted to be non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and deeply moisturizing, making them perfect for everyday use. We’re committed to more than just selling skincare—we’re building a community around education, transparency, and sustainable beauty practices.
We’re also a proud member of 1% for the Planet, where we donate at least one percent of our annual revenue to organizations dedicated to environmental conservation. This commitment reflects our belief that clean beauty should not only care for our skin but also give back to the Earth.
As a Black woman in the beauty industry, have you encountered any unique challenges or experiences, and how have they shaped your approach to your business?
Having access to resources and information in the beauty industry has been a major challenge, especially as a Black woman entrepreneur. While there is more talk about supporting women in business, the reality is that only 2 percentage of funding and resources are allocated to women. Black women receive a fraction of that funding compared to other groups, which can make scaling and growing a business much more difficult.
My Emollient has been self-funded from the start. I’ve had to rely on my own savings, creativity, and resourcefulness to build the brand and keep it moving forward.
I’ve relied on networking, mentorship, and self-education, while also seeking out opportunities that specifically support Black women entrepreneurs. This has also motivated me to build a business that uplifts and empowers others, sharing the knowledge I gain along the way. I’m passionate about creating pathways for other Black women in the industry, making sure that we’re not only surviving, but thriving.
What have been some of the most rewarding responses from customers who also struggle with sensitive skin or eczema?
I’ve had some truly touching moments with customers that remind me why I do this work. One customer called me to personally thank me for developing My Emollient. She’s had eczema for years and had been searching for a natural solution to ease her discomfort, and when she found our products, she finally experienced the relief she’d been hoping for. That kind of feedback is priceless.
I’ve also had customers undergoing chemotherapy who’ve expressed their gratitude for creating something gentle enough to use while receiving treatment. It’s humbling to know that My Emollient can offer comfort and support to people in such vulnerable moments. These responses are a constant reminder of the impact that clean, effective skincare can have on people’s lives, and it pushes me to continue doing what I do.
What advice would you give to others, especially those with skin conditions, who may be struggling to find products that work for them?
My advice to others, especially those with skin conditions, would be to be patient with your skin and take the time to truly understand what it needs. Skin conditions like eczema can be frustrating, but finding the right products often requires trial and error. Focus on products with clean, natural ingredients, and avoid harsh chemicals that could irritate or worsen your condition.
It’s also important to listen to your body—if something doesn’t feel right, stop using it. The right product should feel soothing and nourishing, not cause additional irritation. Finally, don’t be afraid to advocate for your skin. If one product doesn’t work, keep searching, because the right solution is out there. And remember, you deserve to have a skincare routine that feels good and helps you feel confident in your skin.
For more information about My Emollient visit www.myemollient.com or @myemollient on Instagram and Facebook.
