About Us
About Melanin & Matcha
Melanin & Matcha was created to bring together inclusive beauty and Japanese skincare philosophy, offering complexion products designed specifically for melanin-rich skin.
Why You Can Trust Us
MADE IN JAPAN
Formulated and manufactured in Japan, known for its high standards in cosmetic quality and safety.
BACKED BY PROFESSIONAL FORMULATION EXPERTISE
Developed in collaboration with experienced OEM specialists to ensure performance, safety, and consistency.
INGREDIENT-LED APPROACH
Powered by matcha (green tea extract) and skin-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides.
DESIGNED FOR MELANIN-RICH SKIN
Shades are intentionally developed to complement deeper skin tones, avoiding ashy or grey finishes.
TESTED FOR REAL-LIFE WEAR
Created and developed over 2 years to perform in humid climates, delivering long-lasting, breathable coverage and also provide benefits to your skin through our Japanese natural ingredients.
Thoughtfully Made, from Formulation to Finish
Each Melanin & Matcha product is carefully developed in Japan in collaboration with experienced cosmetic manufacturers, following strict quality and safety standards. Our formulas are built with a skincare-first approach, combining complexion performance with ingredients like matcha (green tea extract), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to support healthy-looking skin.
From shade development to final production, every step is designed with melanin-rich skin in mind, ensuring seamless blending, true-to-tone color, and a natural finish without ashy undertones. Products are tested for real-life wear, including humid conditions, to ensure long-lasting, breathable performance you can rely on every day.
Meet the
founder
Melanin & Matcha was founded by Michelle Ito, with a vision to create beauty products that truly serve melanin-rich skin.
After moving to Japan, I struggled to find makeup that truly matched my skin tone. Many products either didn’t go deep enough or left an ashy, unnatural finish. What should have been a simple part of my routine became frustrating and limiting.
That experience stayed with me, but it became even more personal after I had my daughter, who is Japanese-Zimbabwean. I began to think about the world she would grow up in, and whether she would face the same challenges when it came to beauty and representation.
Melanin & Matcha was created from that place. I wanted to build something better, not just for myself, but for her, and for anyone who has ever felt overlooked in the beauty space. A brand where melanin-rich skin is not an afterthought, but the starting point.
By combining inclusive shade development with the quality and innovation of Japanese formulation, Melanin & Matcha is about creating products that feel thoughtful, effective, and truly made for you.
