South Asian communities are notorious for equating fairness of the skin with beauty, wealth and success, and almost all of us have a catalogue of comments from relatives and family friends to prove it: warnings to stay out of the sun, suggestions of lighter makeup and bleaching creams, disappointed utterances of “you’re so dark” after a weekend at the beach.
That’s why this video by Wilbur Sargunaraj, an Indian performing artist and celebrity, is so refreshing. The goofy acting and barebones production lend humor and realism to a sensitive, and sometimes painful, topic. Sargunaraj—whose other YouTube videos include the tune “Love Marriage” and segments on village life for NPR—plays an actor on a movie set when the director suddenly realizes that both Sargunaraj and the female lead are too dark for his movie. He hands them skin-lightening products, at which point Sargunaraj tears off his button-down to reveal a “Dark is Beautiful” t-shirt and begins singing.
The tune is fun and incredibly catchy (I’ve found myself unwittingly humming it hours after having watched the video), and at its conclusion, Debbie Mitra Singh (who plays the female of the music video) offers some ideas about how to change this harmful beauty standard, like reporting biased ads to the Advertising Council of India and calling out “shadist” comments when you hear them.
In an interview with Brown Girl Magazine, Sargunaraj notes:
“As an ambassador for the Dark Is Beautiful campaign in India, I am totally committed to raising awareness and fighting against this terrible mentality that says being fair is a prerequisite to being beautiful or successful! It’s my hope that every company that makes fairness creams and their brand ambassadors watch this video and think about the implications of what they are doing. I will also be the first to tell you that banning fairness creams won’t solve the issue! I want to see our nation(s) freed from the chains of racial discrimination. I want to see people of all shades comfortable in their skin! I also made this for my aunt who keeps telling me I will never get married because I am too dark like toast! Aunty, this one is for you…I hope you are reading!”
He also encourages viewers to check out and contribute to the #wilburwcw campaign, where he features various stories and opinions on skin color bias.
Valuing fair skin not only contributes to exclusionary standards of beauty but also perpetuates the colonial attitude that developing countries should aspire to the culture and attributes of the West. Sargunaraj’s video is a small step in the right direction—here’s hoping it paves the way for many more.
Meghana Kaloji is a second-year medical student with a B.A. in English literature and an M.A. in public health. She is passionate about narrative medicine, women’s reproductive rights, and the role of social justice in healthcare. Her other obsessions include Parks and Recreation, carrots with hummus, used bookstores, and fuzzy socks.
Holistic beauty trends are more prevalent than ever — that makes ayurvedic beauty brands incredibly sought-after, as well. Do you find yourself asking what your beauty products are actually made of? A lot of us even resort to food products for a skincare routine such as honey for face wash.
The term “Ayurvedic Beauty” is getting more recognition outside the South Asian world as well.
Ayurvedic beauty is coined upon the term “Ayurveda,” which originated in Hindu culture as the basis of utilizing the five life forms — air, water, ether, fire, and earth — to heal the human body.
Ayurvedic beauty brands focus on using herbs and natural ingredients to create their skincare range and consumers around the world are attracted to these natural products.
Scroll down to see some Ayurvedic beauty brands founded by South Asians.
Is your skin feeling a little dry this winter? Nourishing your skin with body oil will lend it the right amount of moisture — Soma Ayurvedic’s jasmine body oil can do that trick! Shop the oil, and their full line of products, here.
If you’re familiar with author and podcast Host, Jay Shetty, then you may have heard of his tea line, Sama Tea. Herbal teas provide many natural benefits. Has it been a stressful week? Try their lavender rose chamomile tea for some TLC. Check them out here.
Know the Netflix show “Ginny & Georgia?” Loved the actress’ fresh-looking skin? Sahajan Skincare is behind that glow! They’re a must-try, featured in both Vogue and Elle India. See their full range of products here.
This unique company showcases its brand with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Whether it’s bad hair days or excessive shedding, not only do Shaz and Kiks provide the products to help but also break down the science behind the problem. Go on your very own shopping spree by clicking here!
Looking for accessible ayurvedic beauty products? Look no further! Ranavat is now in Sephora. With a beauty line that covers both hair and skin, there’s something here for everyone. See for yourself here.
UMM Skincare is known for its brown sugar body scrub, made with natural ingredients, and Bakuchi oil known to improve signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. Try it for yourself by shopping here!
Are you looking for brown skin-friendly sunscreen filled with nutrients? Look no further. Inde Wild has its very own SPF 50, with natural substances such as liquorice extract and cica, and it’s a mineral SPF suitable for all skin types. See what the brand is all about and shop it here.
I’m always in the market for brown girl-friendly lipsticks, and ones that are made of natural ingredients are a huge plus. Mango People does just this with their unique lipstick colors that suit all brown skin tones. Try them out here!
Need to swap out your shampoo for something better? Try Kama Ayurveda’s Ayurvedic Hair cleaner, infused with a variety of herbs and pulses with key ingredients like vetiver, tulsi, rose, moong beans, and shikakai. They have a variety of products to choose from so start with your hair and keep shopping for more here!
According to Forest Essentials, night time is the best time for hydration. Check out their night cream, filled with nutrients to enrich your skin. You can shop their wide variety of products here.
Looking for a new face mask to try? AAVRANI has a variety of face masks and explains in detail when you should apply the mask during the week depending on your skin type. Take a look here!
Just getting into skincare and don’t know where to start? PRATIMA skincare has starter sets, with basics, that every woman can use such as vitamin C serum, essential oils, and collagen creams. Grab yours now by shopping here!
Struggling with hair care recently? Fable & Mane includes various hair oils in their collection that help grow and nourish your hair. Not only that, they have a scalp detox line as well — definitely worth checking out. See their full range of products here.
In a world that’s becoming more conscious of holistic living, embracing Ayurvedic beauty in your day-to-day is a step in the right direction, and these brands are here to help you get started.
Meghana Kaloji is a second-year medical student with a B.A. in English literature and an M.A. in public health. She is passionate about narrative medicine, women’s reproductive rights, and the role of social justice in healthcare. Her other obsessions include Parks and Recreation, carrots with hummus, used bookstores, and fuzzy socks.
