Daily Skincare Products for People of Color
The 3 step system, refined.
A great routine isn't about doing more — it's about doing it right with ingredients that work. Same discipline. Better science.
Visibly brighten pigmentation, reduce acne scars, and provide deep hydration, all while repairing the skin's barrier for a rejuvenated glow.
Bestsellers
One shelf, four stances: serum at night, cream in the morning, SPF as guard, balm to melt the day away.
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UNSPOTTED 4X®
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars · 75 Reviews
$79.00
Size: 1 fl oz / 30 mL
Shop serum -
PEP TALK™
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars · 145 Reviews
$54.00
Size: 1.7 oz / 50 mL
Shop cream -
UNGHOSTED™
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars · 92 Reviews
$39.00
Size: 1.7 oz / 50 mL
Shop SPF -
Pep Melt™ Cleanser *NEW*
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars · 85 Reviews
$35.00
PEP MELT Cleansing Barrier Balm
Shop balm
As Seen In…
Allure
Lion Pose is featured in Allure’s “13 Best Tranexamic Acid Products to Fade Dark Spots.”
Harper’s Bazaar
Lion Pose UNSPOTTED: A Harper’s Bazaar–Approved Lactic Acid Serum for Glowing Skin
Vogue
Lion Pose in Vogue: Best for Hyperpigmentation—Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
Lion Pose in Vogue: Best for Dark Spots—Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
NewBeauty
Lion Pose in NewBeauty: A Top Serum for Mature Skin—Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum
Bustle
“I started using their Unspotted [serum], and it completely got rid of all of my hyperpigmentation marks that I got from my acne scarring.”
Popsugar
“I've tested out a lot of dark-spot serums, and it's rare to find one that delivers quick and significant results like this.”
Allure Magazine
“I've always struggled with hyperpigmentation and I’m always trying to find products that help with my acne scars and dark spots.”
In the headlines
“Lion Pose Skin Care Is Fighting For Inclusivity In The Beauty World”
“A new brand that seeks to meet the unmet skin needs of people of color.”
Every product is developed with Harvard-trained dermatologists.
Board-certified dermatologist and passionate advocate for truth in skincare. Editor, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD). 100+ contributions to major beauty outlets including Women's Health, CNN, BuzzFeed, Allure, InStyle, and Forbes.
No 10-step skincare routine required.
Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (@dermguru)Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (@dermguru) says, “Dark spots? Discoloration? I do not know her! She is the QUEEN of vanishing pigmentation.”
“Super elegant. Evens out my skin tone while giving me that protected glow.”
Dr. Jenny Liu (@derm.talk)
Most brands don't do clinical testing.
Sounds dramatic, but it's true. Most brands resort to consumer perception surveys that have little to no statistical significance. And brands are not required to test on all skin tones.
But we do. We spend over $50,000 on clinical trials per product to ensure our products are proven effective and safe for more people.
Most people can't access a dermatologist. There are approximately 10,000 dermatologists in the US. That’s 33,000 people to each dermatologist.
Our 5-Point Clinical Standard
Most skincare products do not require formal clinical testing. And those that do, are often not required to be tested inclusively on all skin tones. We hold ourselves to a higher standard:
- We use third-party facilities
- We conduct non-subjective assessments
- We test on diverse skin tones
- We publish statistically significant results
- We have zero conflicts of interest
The scoreboard
4.7 Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars · Based on 450 reviews
- Total 5 star reviews: 348
- Total 4 star reviews: 91
- Total 3 star reviews: 9
- Total 2 star reviews: 0
- Total 1 star reviews: 2
What you can expect in the first 4 weeks
DAY 1 - Calm, Hydrated Skin
No sting, no peeling, even with four acids. Aloe and tiger grass calm skin on contact. You wake up to softer, hydrated skin.
Week 1 - Smoother Texture
The newest spots fade first. Makeup goes on smoother over fresher skin. The tingle settles as your skin adjusts.
Week 2 - First Visible Fading
Older, set-in spots finally start to lift. Patches look lighter, edges less sharp. The pigment that beat your last serum gives way.
Week 4 - 94% Saw Measurable Fading
94% saw their dark spots fade. 93% saw smoother, more even skin. Tested on 30 people, every skin tone.
- 94%of participants saw a reduction in dark spots size
- 93%of participants agree they saw smoother skin texture after using
- 86%of participants agree they noticed a more even skin tone after using
- 83%agree this product visibly reduced their hyperpigmentation
- 133%Participant's skin hydration improved by 133%
- 100%of participants saw improvement in skin barrier
- 100%of retinol users saw improvement in skin redness
- 98%would recommend these products
In an independent testing panel of 30 participants aged 25 to 45, with Fitzpatrick skin tone 2-6, after 4 weeks. Based on independent third-party clinical studies. 30+ participants. Fitzpatrick I-VI. Non-subjective assessments.
Stance 1 · Night
UNSPOTTED 4X® Acid Jelly Night Serum
Fades dark spots, sun spots, and melasma. Exfoliates, smooths texture, and clears pores. A gentle alternative to retinol. Hypoallergenic & free of synthetic fragrances.
15% Blend of Azelaic, Glycolic, Lactic, Tranexamic Acids: Reduces look of hyperpigmentation, age spots, and dark spots while exfoliating skin.
Glutathione: Master antioxidant tripeptide that protects skin from free radical damage.
Hyaluronic Acid, Tiger Grass, and Aloe: Boosts hydration, soothes irritated skin, and promotes skin repair. Ideal for sensitive skin.
Adding acid to your skincare routine can sound scary, and, as many of us know all too well, your skin can often react strongly with a “purge” period. So, we made sure to cover our bases with Unspotted 4X by adding soothing ingredients to keep skin calm and happy while remaining effective at making a difference in your skin's texture and tone.
VISIBLE RESULTS IN TWO WEEKS
STEP 1: CLEANSE
At night, start with a clean, dry face. Be sure to remove all makeup and residue from other products.
STEP 2: APPLY UNSPOTTED 4X
Apply 1-2 pumps of Unspotted 4X Acid Jelly Night Serum. If slight tingling occurs, start by applying every other night until your skin is adjusted.
STEP 3: LAYER ON MOISTURIZER
It is important to follow exfoliating acids with a moisturizer. Without it, acids can dry and irritate the skin, sometimes causing more hyperpigmentation and scarring.
STEP 4: USE A DAILY SPF
Active ingredients like AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It is highly recommended to use a daily SPF of 30 or higher.
Stance 2 · Morning
PEP TALK™ Bio-Peptide Barrier Repair Cream with Triple Lipid Complex
A rich, noncomedogenic moisturizer with ceramides and vegan BIO-Placenta peptides that cares for the skin barrier, calms redness, and hydrates dry skin.
with Triple Lipid Complex is a nourishing, non-comedogenic face moisturizer designed to help support the skin barrier, visibly calm the look of redness, and deliver long-lasting hydration. Suitable for sensitive, reactive, and redness-prone skin, this barrier-supporting cream is formulated for all skin types and skin tones, including melanin-rich and deeper skin tones.
The texture is rich yet breathable. It melts into the skin with a smooth, cushiony glide and absorbs without feeling heavy, greasy, or pore-clogging. Skin feels instantly comforted, soft, and deeply moisturized, with a supple, healthy-looking finish that layers well under sunscreen or makeup.
- Vegan Bio-Placenta®: A 100% vegan bio-memetic peptide complex designed to support healthy-looking skin renewal and improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture over time, which mimics growth factors of human placenta that signal skin repair.
- Triple Lipid Complex: A replenishing blend of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids that helps support the skin barrier and reinforce moisture retention.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture to deliver long-lasting hydration.
- Glutathione & Ashwagandha: Antioxidant-rich botanicals that help defend against environmental stressors and calm the look of stressed, reactive, or redness-prone skin for a more balanced-looking complexion.
With consistent use, skin appears smoother, more even-toned, and resilient. This dermatologist-informed moisturizer is designed for those looking for an effective barrier repair cream that delivers hydration, comfort, and long-term skin support without irritation.
Stance 3 · Guard
Sheer Tinted Mineral SPF 42 - Zero White Cast
UNGHOSTED™ Sheer Tinted 100% Mineral SPF 42 with Squalane. SPF 42 protection from UVA, UVB, and blue light. Sheer tint that evens skin tone. Primes your skin for makeup. Keeps skin hydrated all day.
Unghosted SPF 42 was created for and tested on all skin tones, and self-adjusts to match your skin tone for a glowy, natural look.
From Oprah and Real Simple, to Women’s Health and Well & Good, editors agree Unghosted is the Best Mineral Sunscreen out there.
- Protects: Broad Spectrum SPF 42
- 15% Super Zinc® Non-nano Zinc Oxide: The sheerest form of zinc oxide that minimizes white cast and is reef-safe
- Squalane: Keeps skin ultra hydrated during sun exposure, leaving it visibly radiant
- Glutathione: Powerful antioxidant tripeptide protects skin from free radical damage
“It’s lightweight, non-greasy finish, can be worn alone or under makeup - plus it’s so easy to reapply throughout the day.” Mindy Kaling (Actress, Writer, and Director)
Stance 4 · Melt
Pep Melt has arrived
An oil to milk cleansing balm that melts away makeup, SPF, oil and dirt without drying or stripping.
Pep Melt is a nourishing balm-to-milk cleanser that transforms from a rich balm into a silky cleansing milk when activated with water. Unlike traditional cleansing balms made just for makeup removal, Pep Melt combines its cleansing power with peptides, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and hyaluronic acid that help support the skin barrier while cleansing. The non-stripping formula helps maintain hydration and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, hydrated and comfortable—never tight, stripped, or greasy.
A dermatologist-developed cleansing balm for sensitive, dry, combination, and barrier-compromised skin that melts away waterproof makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and impurities while helping support the skin barrier and maintain hydration.
- Cleansing waterproof makeup, oil, dirt, and SPF completely and without leaving residue
- Strengthening a compromised skin barrier
- Replenishing dry skin and delivering long last hydration
Love the packaging and the clean feeling. Vaithehi M.
Bundles and gear
Every bundle stacks the poses in a different order, and one tote carries them all.
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*WELCOME BUNDLE* 3-Step Routine + 2 FREE Gifts ($237 value)
$172.00
$237.00PEP TALK™ Bio-Placenta Barrier Support Cream (50 mL)
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*EVERYTHING BUNDLE* AHA Serum, SPF, Peptide Cream & Tote ($40 OFF!)
$157.00
$197.00UNSPOTTED 4X® Acid Jelly Night Serum (30 mL)
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THE PLACENTA FACIAL Dark Spot + Barrier Bundle with FREE Balm Cleanser
$133.00
$168.00THE PLACENTA FACIAL is our viral two-step skincare set (UNSPOTTED 4X® & PEP TALK™).
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The Complete System
$207.00
Our complete three-step skincare bundle (UNSPOTTED 4X®, PEP TALK™, & UNGHOSTED™).
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3-Step Skincare System
$172.00
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars · 2 Reviews
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MANE SQUEEZE Tinted SPF + Dark Spot Serum Bundle
$106.00
$118.00MANE SQUEEZE is a two-step daily skincare set (UNGHOSTED™ & UNSPOTTED 4X®).
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THIRST TRAP Barrier Repair Cream + SPF Ultra-Hydration Bundle
$83.70
$93.00THIRST TRAP is a best-selling two-step hydration and protection duo (PEP TALK™ & UNGHOSTED™).
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Lion Pose Signature Carry-All Cotton Tote Bag
$30.00
Our favorite oversized tote takes your skincare from the shelf to the beach.
The refill ledger
No guesswork here. Our bundles are calculated based on typical usage, so you’re never scrambling or stockpiling. Need it sooner? Push it later? With our text and chat concierge, you’re always in control.
1 Month Bundle Billed once / No subscription
$146.20 $172.00 SAVE 15%
2 Month Bundle Billed $169.50 once every 2 months
$84.75/mo SAVE 25%
1x UNSPOTTED® + 2x PEP TALK™ + 1x UNGHOSTED™
25% off every order · Ships every 60 days
4 Month Bundle Billed $262.68 once every 4 months
$65.67/mo SAVE 34%
2x UNSPOTTED® + 3x PEP TALK™ + 2x UNGHOSTED™
34% off every order · Ships every 120 days
6 Month Bundle Billed $374.40 once every 6 months
$62.40/mo SAVE 40%
3x UNSPOTTED® + 5x PEP TALK™ + 3x UNGHOSTED™
40% off every order · Ships every 180 days
Cancel or pause anytime
Founded and led by women.
At Lion Pose our mission is to raise the bar for clinical testing in skincare by including more skin types, tones, and textures. We formulate products with Harvard-trained dermatologists and strive to make products that are safe and effective at tackling real skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne, eczema that typically require a prescription.
Madhu and Nisha met at Harvard Business School over 10 years ago. Nisha worked in finance, and eventually led partnerships at Indiegogo and operations at Great Jones cookware. Madhu worked at Google, Pinterest, and Facebook and finally left software to start Huggable, an infant formula company, where Nisha joined as her first employee.
Madhu and Nisha noticed many of the parents buying formula were also passionate skincare junkies. But the skincare industry had little to no regulation compared to the strict formula industry. Clinical skincare brands were not addressing the specific needs and sensitivities of all skin tones and types.
We sought to create a brand dedicated to developing products that are tested on and made for more people. This is how Lion Pose was born.
The Lion Pose founders, Madhu and Nisha, both experienced firsthand how skincare products on the market today can often be damaging for deeper skin tones. There is not a federal requirement to test on diverse skin tones, so many of the products released today are ineffective for deeper skin tones and sometimes even worsen the issues they’re supposed to solve.
- 100% vegan ingredients. Never tested on animals.
- Formulated and manufactured in the United States.
- Third-party tested on sensitive skin. Gentle but effective.
- On all skin tones, types, and textures.
What our customers are saying
“The entire reason I have good skin is because of this brand. If you have hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, it has made my skin completely clear. I am 45 and it makes my skin look years younger.”
Mindy Kaling
Recently discovered Lion Pose-ordered the serum and pep-tide moisturizer. Loved them both and decided to order PEP Melt. Loved it since day one. It’s a very creamy type of cleanser that makes my skin feel soft and moisturized. Will definitely be in my beauty routine!
Gloriana W.
I was on ChatGPT asking what kind of product would help with my melasma/sunspots, and I gave it a bunch of products, including Lion Pose. It said that for my South Asian skin, Lion Pose might work the best. I decided to give it a try--honestly, I'm blown away by how much my dark patches have cleared up in two weeks. Mindy Kaling, you're onto something here.
Rasana A.
Love how it removes make up and makes my skin feel soft.
Carmelita V.
Ask the pride
- Will this irritate my skin?
- No. We use four acids at lower doses instead of one acid at high strength. The jelly formula releases them slowly so your skin can absorb at its own pace. Every product is third-party tested on sensitive skin. Start 2-3 nights a week and build up from there.
- Will my dark spots come back if I stop?
- Not if you stay consistent. Sun, hormones, and aging keep producing new pigmentation. UNSPOTTED slows that process down at four stages while UNGHOSTED blocks new damage every morning. Stay on both and your results stay with you.
- How is this different from serums I've tried?
- Most serums use one ingredient going after one target. That handles light spots but gives up on stubborn ones. UNSPOTTED uses four acids plus glutathione to go after pigmentation from four angles at once. That's why 94% saw dark spot reduction in 4 weeks.
- How long until I see results?
- As early as 2 weeks. In clinical trials, 94% saw dark spot reduction by week four. Many of our customers see changes even sooner. It depends on the type and depth of your spots.
- What Are Lion Pose's Shipping Methods?
- Lion Pose ships to all 50 U.S. states and territories via three domestic shipping options. Standard shipping (3–6 business days) is available free of charge on orders over $75 - $4.99 on orders less than $75 - to the contiguous United States. Express Shipping delivers in 2 business days for $10.00, and Overnight Shipping is available for $20.00.
- How Long Does It Take for Lion Pose Orders to Process?
- Lion Pose orders typically process within 2 business days, at which time you should receive an email with tracking information. Once received, standard ground shipping orders typically arrive within 3–6 business days.
- Can I Return or Exchange a Lion Pose Product?
- Due to safety and hygiene standards governing personal care products, Lion Pose does not accept returns or exchanges on skincare items. This policy is consistent with industry standards to protect all customers from contamination risk. If your order arrived damaged or incorrect, or if you experienced an adverse reaction, please contact hi@lionpose.com — the team reviews these cases individually and will work with you toward a resolution.
- How Do I Contact Lion Pose About My Order?
- For all order-related questions — including tracking, delivery issues, or product concerns — contact the Lion Pose support team at hi@lionpose.com. For the fastest response, include your order number and a brief description of your issue.
Field notes from the blog
- Skincare for Dark Spots. Solutions for dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- Skincare for Acne Scars. Discover Lion Pose's range of products that target acne scars or uneven skin tone caused by previous breakouts.
- Skincare for Uneven Skin. Discover Lion Pose's curated selection designed to address uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
- Skincare for Age Spots. Products for Age Spots.
What Causes Melasma? The Best Treatments for Skin Discoloration
The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy Skincare: Safe and Effective Ingredients During Pregnancy
Lactic Acid: Exfoliate, Hydrate, and Even Skin Tone
Glycolic Acid: Exfoliate Skin and Encourage Cell Turnover
Clinical Testing in Skincare: Understanding FDA Approval and Required Clinical Testing
Understanding the Fitzpatrick Scale and It's Role in Skincare
When to Avoid Retinol in Skincare (Plus Some Alternatives!)
Gel vs Cream Moisturizers: Choosing the Right Option for Your Skin
GET $25 OFF our best selling bundle
Only $95 ($133 value)!
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