Two weeks ago, something pretty exciting happened — Glean was featured in Beauty Independent, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on it and share it with you.

While it might seem like just an article to some, for me, it’s a meaningful milestone in a journey that started over two years ago. Getting recognized in such a well-known beauty publication is definitely a big step for Glean, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.

What the Feature Was All About

The article dives into what Glean is all about — our mission to elevate qasil, an East African botanical, as a key ingredient in skincare. As someone with Somali heritage, qasil has always been a part of my life. My mum, grandmother, and great-grandmother all used it to treat their skin, long before “skincare” was a global trend. For me, qasil is more than just an ingredient — it’s a connection to my roots, and it’s something I want to share with the world.

The feature also highlights the products we launched with:

• Magic Dust Qasil Powder

• Hoyo Purifying Mask

And more recently, we added two new soap bars to our line:

• Qasil-Blackseed Hydrating Bar

• Turmeric-Qasil and Kojic Acid Brightening Bar

These products are all inspired by the amazing benefits of qasil, which can help with acne, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and overall skin brightness. Since launching last year, our Magic Dust Qasil Powder has already become a favorite, and it’s so exciting to see people discovering the power of this ancient beauty secret.

Why This Feature Means So Much

For me, this isn’t just about the recognition; it’s about raising awareness for qasil and A-Beauty as a whole. African beauty ingredients have so much potential, and I believe they deserve a place alongside the more well-known options like shea butter and marula oil. The feature is an important step toward getting qasil the recognition it deserves.

Being featured also feels like validation for everything we’ve worked for. It’s been a long road, filled with both challenges and wins. Every product we create, every post we share, and every connection we make has been about one thing: bringing clean, simple, and effective skincare to people who are looking for something better.

What’s Next for Glean

While this feature is a huge moment for us, we’re just getting started. We’ve got a lot in the works for the future, from expanding our product line to connecting with retailers. Glean’s mission to make African beauty more accessible is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

In the meantime, we’re continuing to educate our audience about qasil and its incredible benefits. Social media has been a big part of this, with before-and-after transformations showcasing how it helps with acne, redness, and hyperpigmentation. Seeing people share their results has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Thank You for Your Support

None of this would be possible without the amazing community we’ve built so far. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just discovered Glean recently, your support means the world to us. It’s your belief in the brand that keeps us going, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.

If you’re interested, you can read the full Beauty Independent article [https://www.beautyindependent.com/new-skincare-brand-glean-wants-raise-profile-african-ingredient-qasil/]. It’s a great overview of where Glean is now and where we’re heading in the future.

Thank you again for being part of this journey. I’m so excited to continue growing Glean and bringing more African beauty traditions to the forefront.

With gratitude,
Hibo Elmi
Founder & CEO of Glean