SULA LABS

Especially as summer nears, it’s always a great time discussing sunscreen science as a means of inclusivity gaps in beauty. One such way of doing so, is by addressing the topic of sunscreen white cast. Listen to the full episode below!

Our Cosmetic Science Fellowship applications are finally open again! Don’t miss your chance to apply by Friday, April 10: https://lnkd.in/gq7EUEck Or, share with someone you know who would be a perfect fit!

After analyzing thousands of TikTok, Reddit, and SEO data points from beauty consumers like you - the latest collaboration report with SPATE + expert commentary from SULA LABS is here! This report answers the question, “In 2026, what are people asking for in suncare, and what brands are actually delivering on what people want?” Some of the answers might shock you, and others might not. There’s only one way to find out. Open the free report here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eUjei2R8

For the fourth year in a row, we've been asked by Beauty Independent to dust off the old cosmetic science crystal ball and predict product development trends for the new year (spoiler alert: they always come true). Here are the predictions for 2026: 1️⃣ SPF realism will replace exaggerated & unrealistic claims that flood the category. Brands will be publicly incentivized to communicate sun protection more responsibly, with better education around usage, limitations, and compliance instead of 2025's "miracle messaging" 2️⃣ For better or for worse, Al will become a bigger product dev tool for efficacy testing. While it might speed up efficacy testing and development, AJ Addae firmly predicts it won't replace science, chemists or real-world testing. (Disclaimer: we're strictly against Al outright replacing human intelligence at SL). Consumers will be fatigued by Al agents, scanners, etc. Human connection in beauty will become more valued than ever 3️⃣ Brands will narrow focus to proven hero products, with a huge emphasis on claims testing. With tighter margins, launches will prioritize educating, communicating efficacy, versatility, and long-term performance 4️⃣ We've seen a strong uptick in requests for science-rooted (instead of vibes-rooted) natural hair product development & evidence testing for 2026, which matches that of "clinical" skincare. And we're rolling out some exciting natural hair testing services to support that 5️⃣ If we had a dime for every time a vanilla fragrance or flavor had been requested for a 2026 launch, we'd be IPO'd by now. Vanilla is coming for you, 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026, SULA LABS founder and cosmetic chemist AJ Addae sees the beauty industry entering a period of recalibration. As consumers grow increasingly skeptical of lofty claims, brands will need to be more deliberate about how they earn trust, doubling down on education, clinical validation and smarter innovation. “There was a time when you just had to sell really good vibes, and that is leveling out,” says Addae. Read more: https://bit.ly/4j1fVeG

SULA LABS, a beauty R&D lab for melanin-rich skin, and UfarmX ® (Techstars '24), an AI-powered agri-fintech platform tackling Africa’s agricultural financing gap, have been named the $100k Co-Grand Prize Winners of the Black Ambition Prize. Black Ambition’s fifth annual Demo Day wrapped its three-month accelerator a two day event that saw Pharrell Williams, Mellody Hobson, and even Chance the Rapper take to the stage.

SULA LABS, a beauty R&D lab for melanin-rich skin, and UfarmX ® (Techstars '24), an AI-powered agri-fintech platform tackling Africa’s agricultural financing gap, have been named the $100k Co-Grand Prize Winners of the Black Ambition Prize. Black Ambition’s fifth annual Demo Day wrapped its three-month accelerator a two day event that saw Pharrell Williams, Mellody Hobson, and even Chance the Rapper take to the stage.

🤩👩🏾🔬 Celebrity Science At Black Ambition Demo Day in November, several beauty startups were announced as prize winners. The annual Demo Day & Fundable Founders Forum is a venture created and led by Pharrell Williams, who recently shared with the press that “after five years, I look at Black Ambition as my way of paying back and paying forward what I have been blessed to achieve. These founders have proven what happens when we invest in excellence and push beyond what we've been trained to believe about work, value, and ownership.” Among this year’s winners, receiving capital, coaching, and community support are: 🧪 Sula Labs, the California-based formulation and product development business founded and led since 2021 by AJ Addae, a cosmetic scientist with advanced degrees in both chemistry and molecular biology. 🎀 Braidiant, a company established by engineer Chisom Okwor just last year. Based in Washington State Braidiant combines AI, robotics, and beauty to develop automated solutions that create protective styles such as braids, mini twists, and cornrows. 🧋 Rizo Radiance, a consumer beverage brand founded in 2022 by Colorado-based entrepreneur Jeffrey Stewart. The brand’s first products are a line of ready-to-drink iced tea made with skincare and hair care ingredients including biotin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. 🧴 Cee Cee's Closet NYC, a body care and fashion brands headquartered in New York City for over 10 years. The brand, led by CEO Chioma Ngwudo, specializes in products the celebrate Nigerian heritage and create ethical economic opportunity for artisans in that country. #beautyindustry SULA LABS BRAIDIANT Rizo Radiance Cee Cee's Closet NYC GET MORE NEWS in the 💋💡Beauty Insights newsletter. ➔🔗 Subscribe TODAY: https://lnkd.in/e9cCxUQr

A new sunscreen filter, bemotrizinol, is possibly on its way to the United States! This week in Beauty Independent, AJ Addae + other cosmetic scientists weighed in on what this could possibly mean for sunscreen regulators, OTC contract manufacturers, the “clean beauty” community, marketing, and consumer response. Written by Taylor Bryant: https://lnkd.in/gPTDQKHX