(Photo: Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Tennis star Naomi Osaka, who is breaking into the world of skincare with her new line called “KINLÒ” in a mission to advocate for protecting melanated skin tones, is also the newest investor in Sweetgreen, a healthy food chain.
The 23-year-old said her new skincare line will differ from other celebrity-endorsed products on the market because it places a harder emphasis on skin protection for people of color.
“For me, this project is something that requires more than just being a spokesperson. This is a public health need,” Osaka said, according to Business of Fashion. “I used to tell people that I didn’t need to wear sunscreen — but even if you have melanin, you need to take care of your skin, and I am passionate about that.”
Osaka also made the brand’s name, KINLÒ, a love letter to her heritage, combining the Japanese and Haitian words for “gold.” The line will include an SPF 50 sunscreen, protective body spray, SPF 40 tinted face lotion, and more.
There’s no official launch date for the skincare line, but all products will be sold under $20.
Sweetgreen officials said teaming with Osaka is the perfect partnership to stress the importance of healthy eating among young athletes, and called her an “icon of the next generation.”
“As an athlete, what I put into my body directly correlates to how I perform and eating delicious, healthy foods fuels my daily routine. I’m excited about the work we’re doing together to create a positive impact,” Osaka said according to L.A. Biz.
Sweetgreen will debut a bowl named after Osaka May 20 with 100% of the sales going to the Asian American Foundation and other AAPI-led organizations, according to Restaurant Business.