Aveeno announced the winners of its second installment of the Skin Health Accelerator Startup Pitch Competition, in partnership with Essence.
Related: Aveeno Announces Skin Health Startup Accelerator Pitch Competition
The program is dedicated to helping create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable skin care industry, and recognizes the power of Black female-identifying entrepreneurs in offering new solutions for all skin and hair types.
The winner and runner-up each received a $100,000 grant to help fuel their businesses and grow their product pipelines, and help advance wellness offerings for Black consumers. They will also receive hands-on business guidance and mentorship from thought leaders in the industry, ranging from package design, marketing, accounting and more.
The winners are as follows:
Arielle Brown, New Orleans-based founder of Bea’s Bayou, is the winner of the competition. Bea's Bayou Skincare was launched to give those with a highly sensitive scalp natural, quick relief from stubborn itch and dryness. Brown will use the grant to bring awareness to skin issues linked to mental health and diet, launch new products and apply for certification from MyMicrobiome, an independent control body that rigorously tests products and single ingredients for their impact on the skin’s microbiome. 
Anne Beal, M.D., runner-up, 2022 Skin Health Accelerator StartupCourtesy of Aveeno
Anne Beal, M.D., Washington, D.C.-based founder of AbsoluteJOI, is the runner-up in the competition. AbsoluteJOI is a clean beauty brand that offers people with all skin types and tones simple skin care for renewed radiance and healthy balance. The brand reportedly uses scientifically based active ingredients and botanicals to provide balance and nourishment the skin, while addressing common issues for melanin-rich skin. Beal plans to use the grant to support the launch of a new vitamin C serum formulated to fade dark spots.
