Kim Kardashian’s Skin-Care Line, SKKN By Kim, Is Already Causing Controversy
Kim Kardashian recently announced the launch of a new product in her cosmetics empire, but she did so by appearing to steal from Black women. Following the June 1 launch announcement of her new skincare line SKKN, the reality star received quick outrage from fans who pointed out that it had a nearly identical name and packaging to Lori Harvey’s SKN by LH and small business SKKN+.
Kardashian announced the line on Instagram, writing that it will launch on June 21 with “a rejuvenating nine-product skincare ritual” that includes a facial cleanser, toner, eye cream, exfoliant, hyaluronic acid serum, vitamin C serum, face cream, oil drops, and night oil.
Lori Harvey’s SKN, which comprises a five-step regimen of a face cleanser, vitamin C serum, toner, eye cream, and niacinamide cream, was launched eight months ago.
Kim Kardashian’s SKKN has been accused of stealing before
When the 41-year-old TV personality attempted to trademark “SKKN” for her renamed cosmetics business in August 2021, Black-owned beauty company SKKN+ sent a cease and desist letter. Cydnie Lunsford, the owner and entrepreneur of SKKN+, had been utilizing the name SKKN+ since July 2017.
“I have painstakingly built my successful small business with my own sweat equity, hard work and research. It’s clear that I established my brand first,” Lunsford told the outlet in an email. “As a young black woman, my mission with SKKN+ is to provide quality skincare and curated full-body experiences to enhance each client’s self-care regimen. The (+) represents a hands-on transformative aesthetic experience that elevates the body, mind, and spirit.”
Kim Kardashian’s Attorney Say Naming The Brand SKKN, Amount To Legal Action
Michael G. Rhodes, the attorney for Kardashian, has now stated that he does not believe “they’ve done anything deserving of legal action” in response to the cease and desist order.
Many critics turned to Twitter to express their displeasure with Kardashian’s constant exploitation of Black women and to draw parallels between the three businesses.
So Lori Harvey launched a skincare line called SKN and not long after that Kim K launches a skin care line with the same/similar products called SKKN???? One thing the Kardashian’s will always do is steal from black culture/creators for a profit
— Erin Cella (@ErinCella) June 3, 2022
SKKN by Kim?? What happened to SKN by Lori Harvey??? One thing the Kardashians gon do is take from black women chileee, pic.twitter.com/aWxS7MuFRi
— big Lo (@theemoblackgirl) June 1, 2022
Kim naming her skincare brand SKKN when Lori Harvey’s skincare brand name is SKN doesn’t sit right with me. Seems like they’re stealing from a black woman for the thousandth time.
— kay (@makaylamdavis) June 1, 2022
So far, SKKN by Kim appears to be on track for a successful launch. Harvey has yet to make a public statement on the incident.
