… As Oma Jay, Zikel Cosmetics launch inclusive concealers, Korean-formulated skincare
For many women across Nigeria and much of Africa, finding beauty and skincare products that match their skin tone, blend easily, and won’t cause irritation is more than just a luxury; it’s a frustrating, everyday struggle.
Too often, store shelves are filled with imported brands that overlook the diverse and unique complexities of African skin; products that are too light, too harsh, or simply incompatible with local weather and skin textures.
This mismatch has created a significant gap in the market, impacting the confidence, health, and finances of countless consumers.
Many have had to mix different shades, tolerate skin reactions, or pay exorbitant prices for products that still fall short. It is within this challenging context that Nigerian beauty content creator Oma Jay Nneji and cosmetics entrepreneur Ezike Kelvin have stepped forward with a bold new solution.
At a vibrant launch party themed Skinfluence – In My Skin, the duo introduced two pioneering beauty collections — the Butter Melt Concealer and a premium Korean-made skincare line — specifically developed for African skin tones and types.
Their mission is simple yet powerful: to create accessible, affordable, and high-performing products that celebrate African beauty while matching global standards.
The Butter Melt Concealer, developed under Oma Jay’s brand in partnership with Zikel Cosmetics, comes in 11 inclusive shades and was rigorously tested over two years on different skin types — from oily to dry, fair to deep-dark.
“We poured everything into this,” Oma Jay said. “We tested with makeup pros, beginners, even men, because we needed something that wouldn’t crack, peel, or fight with your other products. This concealer isn’t just for beauty; it’s for everyday confidence.”
Every element, from packaging to pigment, was designed in Nigeria. While production took place overseas due to local manufacturing limitations, the heart and intent of the product remain rooted in homegrown innovation.
“This isn’t just another concealer,” Oma Jay said. “It’s lightweight, buildable, and formulated to work with your skin, not against it.”
Meanwhile, Zikel Cosmetics unveiled what may be a historic first; a Nigerian skincare line made entirely in South Korea, a country globally revered for its innovation in skincare science.
“Korea is the gold standard for skin care,” said Zikel founder Ezike Kelvin. “We went door-to-door across factories in Seoul for weeks, just to get it right. Our skincare has been crafted with the same glass-skin science the world admires — but tailored for African needs.”
The six-product collection includes vitamin C and E serums, snail repair cream, toner, and a beauty elixir designed to address dark spots, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.
What sets it apart, according to Kelvin, is not just the quality but the affordability. “We could’ve priced it high, but we didn’t,” he explained. “We want students, single moms, and working-class women to afford quality skincare without compromise.”
Yet building such innovation has not been without barriers. From visa restrictions to high tariffs and the challenge of meeting Korea’s strict production standards, the journey demanded perseverance.
“We had to meet large minimum order quantities,” Kelvin said, “and fund everything ourselves — no support from banks or government.”
The duo also emphasised that for Nigerian beauty brands to compete globally, there must be more public-private support.
“We need smoother access to international trade routes, easier visa processes, and better financial structures for small businesses,” Kelvin urged. “Our people are creative, but they need systems that help them scale.”
Oma Jay, a trained communicator and former makeup artist, sees this launch as just the beginning.
“It started with eyebrow pencils and lip gloss,” she said. “But today, we’re launching products that respect our skin. This is about identity, ownership, and pride. It’s time African beauty stopped settling, we deserve better.”
