Encina

New Orleans-born August Alsina has been an important name in the music world for ten years now, since the launch of his first project in 2012, “The Product” and his single “I love this shit” featuring Trinidad James. Alsina’s music generally falls into the R&B category, often fusing it with hip hop. His subsequent projects have included “The Product III: stateofEMERGEncy” which launched at the same time as his documentary of the same name. Most recently, August has used his music as an outlet to share his state of well-being including developing a song for the launch of his skincare brand. The song, “Beautiful Way”, talks about falling in love with your self-reflection and being comfortable in your own skin.

In 2017, August was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. This life-changing experience, together with other dramatic events in his life, forced August to relearn about himself, his strength and his approach to caring for his health and skin. This inspired his venture to create a brand that would keep the skin, the body and soul aligned with wellness. The result was Encina Wellness, with ingredients derived from nature to take care of the largest organ that the body possesses: the skin. Encina is Spanish for holm oak, one of the key ingredients in the products, and the word from which August’s surname originates.

The products in this non-gender brand are all without mineral oils, synthetic colours, toxic chemicals, GMO, alcohol, paraben, gluten and petroleum and they are not tested on animals. With a focus on melanin rich skin, this range focuses on specific skin concerns that have not been addressed. The research and testing for encina includes deep skin tones where traditionally products are only tested on fair or light skin tones. Encina is genderless: the combination of being developed with inspiration from nature’s ingredients and made for melanin skin is a powerful combination for this new era of skin care demands from a generation demanding more from brands. The brand is deeply rooted in Alsina’s culture and demand for inclusion of all skin types with a focus on helping you charge your melanin.

Begin Again Cleanser has key ingredients of Oak Extract, Carrot Seed Oil and Rose Oil, leaving skin cleansed, soothed and supple. Infused Wellness Cream is based on Oak Extract, Jojoba and Vitamin E and CBD. The 3-in-1 Super Elixir has Oak Extract, Vitamin E, Squalene and Niacinamide, to smooth skin, moisturizing it and minimizing the appearance of pores. Stripped Powder Exfoliator contains Bamboo Exfoliator, a natural exfoliating powder derived from bamboo stems and is 100% renewable and biodegradable. The packaging reflects one of the key ingredients of the product, Oak Extract, with tree rings across the front and sides of the boxes. Additionally, each box features a member of August’s family. Both males and females from different walks of life are shown to represent that skin care is for everyone, regardless of skin type, age or gender.