Let's Talk: AANHPI in the Skincare Industry

For Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we sat down with staff to ask them about representation in the skincare industry and their favorite products.

Asians in media have been on the rise – Shang Chi, Crazy Rich Asians, & Parasite winning an Oscar – but how about in the skincare/beauty space? Do you feel like your identity as an AAPI is represented in the skincare/beauty industry? Why or why not?

	"Not really. I am aware K-beauty brands are more accessible, now as well as other Asian-inspired brands, but I don't see many AAPI faces in their marketing here in the states. That lack of representation makes me feel like the product may not be for me, even if logically I know I could use it. We’re like the invisible minority."
	"No, because I feel like there are still not enough Asian skincare/beauty brands well-known enough that I can recognize quickly. And I feel like not many Asian brands are top of the list when listing skincare brands people know of."
	"While I do see an increase in Asian representation in the beauty and skincare space, I feel that there is still a long ways for us to go. Even today, offensive makeup trends and continued cultural appropriation and fetishization of Asian people are widespread and it’s hard to not put blame on the beauty space for exacerbating these stereotypes. I genuinely think that this can and will change, but it starts with brands making an active effort to speak out against asian hate and recognize and call out racist stereotypes that plague the industry."

Pick ONE Le Mieux product that is your favorite and why? 

	"Moisture Infusion Mask! It calms everything down when my skin is going crazy, it feels absolutely divine (so much moisture goodness), and it's SO simple to use."
	"EGF-DNA is my ABSOLUTE favorite product. There are not enough words to describe how good this product is, it changed my skin. My skin was so dry, rough and had so much wrinkles, but it solved most of my skin problems. I've been using this for more than 10 years but still, it's the BEST product!!!"
	"My favorite Le Mieux product is the Hyaluronic Serum. As a younger guy, I do not do all that much with my skin, so the Hyaluronic Serum is perfect for helping soothe and hydrate my skin, especially after shaving."