Here at the Refinery29 Most Wanted team, we strive to shine a light on BIPOC-owned brands that deserve more love and recognition. To celebrate the Lunar New Year — and really any occasion where we can shout out Asian-owned brands (eg, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month) — we’ve given shout-outs to our favorite AAPI-owned fashion brands available on Amazon , as well as emerging Asian-owned beauty brands that should be on your shopping radar. Here, we highlight AAPI-owned lifestyle brands available on what is perhaps the most convenient shopping hub of all – Amazon.
The e-commerce giant has an impressive high-key search algorithm for everyday purchases like cleaning products, but due to the sheer volume of inventory available, it can be really hard to spot minority, indie brands from a sea of other products. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. From travel essentials to tasty snacks, read on for our selection of best-in-class products from AAPI-owned brands to add right to your Amazon shopping cart.
Cocokind
Ceramide Barrier Serum$15.44
Founded in 2015 by Priscilla Tsai, Cocokind is more than a skincare brand – it’s a platform for people to meet their skin where it is, challenging aspirational beauty standards with effective, clean and affordable products that make you and your skin to feel good. All of Cocokind’s products, from the AHA Gel Cleanser to the Ceramide Recovery Balm, provide “moisturization, skin barrier support, or both,” per the site. Time to renew your glow.
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Summer Fridays
Jet Lag Mask$49
We are huge fans of it Summer Fridays. The brand has amazing cruelty-free vegan products that work magic, from the viral Lip Butter Balm to the Dream Oasis Serum. Each product was created by part-Vietnamese co-founder Mariana Hewitt and her counterpart Lauren Ireland to leave your skin looking great no matter what you’re doing – like a “daily mini-staycation for your skin,” as they describe it on the website. . Reviewers rave about the cult award-winning Jet Lag Mask for its moisturizing properties. has even received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
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Fly By Jing
Sichuan Chili Crisp$11.99
Even if you’re not a huge spice person, you’ll crave spoonfuls of this divine chili oil. Featuring a blend of Chinese chilies, peppers, and fermented black beans, the sauce isn’t overly hot, but packs an umami-packed punch. Chili flakes, appearing front and center in every bite, are the delicious cherries on top. According to founder Jing Gao, an expert in Chinese cuisine, Mr Sichuan Chili Crisp it will taste good with literally anything — fried eggs, meat dishes, pasta, even vanilla ice cream.
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Omsom
All in one package$59
The beauty of Asian comfort dishes like bulgogi or stir-fry noodles has a lot to do with their rich and complex flavors. Unless you’re a seasoned home cook with a well-stocked spice rack, pulling off these crowds in an authentic way can be a tall order. Thanks to OmSom’s bestselling spice samples, DIYing these classics is now much less complicated. The buzzy food brand, founded by Vietnamese-American sisters Kim and Vanessa Pham, offers a sampling of 12 essential sauces and condiments you need for three iconic East Asian and three Southeast Asian dishes — including Vietnamese Lemongrass BBQ, Thai Larb and Chinese stir-fried — wrapped in perforated, photographic package. It’s a great pantry addition for yourself or a cute gift for the foodies in your life.
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Le Mini Macaron
DIY Gel Manicure Kit$37.99
First things first, we’re really into the super cute design of this DIY manicure kit. The fact that it can give you a salon gel mani in just 15 minutes makes it an absolute Amazon must-have. The LED bulb is powered by a USB cable and is shaped like a macaron (amazing). Created by Christina Kao, a Taiwanese-American business owner who used her ten-year career in the luxury fashion industry in Shanghai to launch this unique nail care set. Also worth checking is the brand top coat gelwhich can make your nail color last up to three weeks.
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Aloha Collection
Make-up bag with splash protection$46
Here’s an essential pack you never knew you needed: a waterproof case that doubles as a toiletry bag and a swimsuit case. It’s a great way to prevent any moisture from damaging the rest of your suitcase, such as dripping sunscreen or dripping bikini bottoms. Tropical patterns and motifs are inspired by the founders’ native Hawaiian roots, and the brand has committed 5% of profits to island conservation organizations.
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Ranavat Botanics
Brightening Saffron Serum$135
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world — and a very important ingredient in Ayurvedic practice. It can only be harvested by hand and is believed to be effective in brightening and firming your skin. Ranavat Botanics, a South Asian founded luxury skincare line, has bottled all the goodness of saffron in the form of a serum. “I’ve had a lot of ‘maskne’ scars thanks to the pandemic, but I’ve noticed that continued use of this serum has really helped fade the scars and overall just helped my skin look brighter and more supple,” writes one enthusiastic five-star reviewer on Sephora . “I also love that this serum brightens without making my skin more sensitive to UV rays, which is usually the case with brightening products.” Now, you can pick it up too best seller serum on Amazon.
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Sanzo
Calamansi Flavored Sparkling Water (Pack of 12)$39.99
Dubbed “the first Asian-inspired carbonated beverage brand,” Sanzo was founded by Sandro Roco, a Filipino-American entrepreneur from Queens. The delicious flavors are combined with various tropical Asian fruits such as yuzu, lychee and calamansi, a type of sweet and tart lime commonly found in the Philippines. There are no added sugars and they make refreshing iced drinks on their own – and an even better mixer in cocktails or mocktails.
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HAST
Santoku knife$119
Japanese knives are widely known to be the best quality blades you can invest in, but they are also famously expensive. Noticing a gap in the market for well-made kitchenware that reflects the quality of Japanese products without breaking the budget, Elliot Cao launched Hast, a collection of cutting tools made from high-grade powder-coated steel. The best seller of the brand Santoku knife has been praised by Amazon reviewers for its unmatched sharpness and ergonomic handle design. The Scandinavian chic, minimalist look will last you for years to come.
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