Banu Skin is the latest breakout skincare brand landing on Sephora — and it’s already gaining serious attention. Created for acne-prone skin, the Banu Skin brand launches with three targeted products: a Chamomile Jelly Cleanser, a Sulfur Spot Treatment, and the standout AHA x BHA Blemish Control Serum.
Founder Roz Samimi, who’s dealt with acne for 15 years, set out to create formulas that are clinically tested, non-comedogenic, and aligned with EU cosmetic safety standards, often stricter than those in the US.
The serum, featuring salicylic acid alongside exfoliating acids, is already considered the brand’s hero product. It’s front and centre in Sephora’s June app and email campaigns, but as Samimi puts it: “Ultimately, the consumer will tell us what the hero really is.”
Thoughtful Skincare Without Overdoing It
Samimi is challenging the traditional acne skincare approach, which often overloads every step with actives like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Banu aims to simplify and reframe acne care – focusing on products that treat the skin gently but effectively.
The formulas aren’t just functional, they’re designed to feel good to use. The bold, modern packaging (in vibrant blue and clean shapes) took two years to perfect, striking a balance between clinical and approachable.
Acne Care That Grows With You
While Banu is aimed at people in their 20s, Samimi sees it as a brand that grows with you. “Acne isn’t just for teenagers,” she says. “It can show up during menopause, pregnancy, or in your 30s and 40s, and our products are designed to reflect that.”
Subtle nods to Samimi’s Iranian heritage, including the brand name Banu (meaning “lady” in Farsi), add personal depth to the identity, without defining it.
Building with the Community in Mind
As part of Sephora’s 2024 Accelerate programme, Banu has benefited from mentorship and expert feedback during its development. It has also tapped real-life skinfluencers to help launch, and built a blog filled with expert-backed articles on acne myths, product purging, and more.
Samimi is using platforms like TYB to build a digital community and plans to host in-person meetups for people who’ve experienced acne-related isolation. “I want Banu to be the antidote to that,” she says.
A Brand with a Bigger Mission
In a space often filled with conflicting advice and overcomplicated routines, Banu Skin is setting a new standard. Its focus? Being acne-safe, suitable for all skin tones, and truly clean, not as a bonus, but as the baseline.
Banu Skin is now available on Sephora’s app and website. Prices range from £25 plus.
