Lyvv Cosmetics, a Ghana-based startup developing clean beauty products for melanated skin, has raised $1 million in a blended finance round led by Barka Capital.

The investment, which consists of $500,000 in equity and a $500,000 structured working capital loan, comes as the startup prepares for a major retail push into global giants like Sephora and Ulta.

Founded by Victorine Sarr Awuah, Lyvv Cosmetics is carving out a niche in the “clean beauty” sector by combining inclusive product development with a vertically integrated supply chain. The company produces mineral makeup and organic skincare specifically formulated for melanated skin, utilizing African botanicals like baobab, moringa, and jojoba oils.

While many beauty brands source raw ingredients through third-party wholesalers, Lyvv is using this fresh capital to build what it calls a “restoration-linked” supply chain. This model integrates tree planting directly into the sourcing process, effectively turning environmental restoration into a driver of raw material security rather than just a sustainability checkbox.

“This partnership allows us to scale Lyvv as a global beauty brand grounded in purpose, investing directly in the farmers and ecosystems behind our ingredients,” Sarr said. “We are creating a brand that is both internationally competitive and authentically rooted in Africa.”

The startup has shown significant commercial traction ahead of the raise. Lyvv reported revenues of nearly $550,000 in 2025, moving from an initial lipstick line to a full skincare portfolio. Its products are currently distributed through spas, airports, and beauty retailers, as well as on Amazon.

The new funding will be used to expand Lyvv’s manufacturing lab and support its entry into new markets. By embedding restoration into its sourcing, the company expects to generate over 100 rural jobs, strengthening the local economy alongside its own growth.

For Barka Capital, a climate-focused investor, the deal represents a bet on “market-based” environmental solutions.

“Lyvv Cosmetics reflects the future we believe in, where African companies drive growth, inclusion, and positive environmental impact simultaneously,” said Rekia Foudel, Managing Partner at Barka Capital.

As Lyvv eyes expansion into Sephora and Ulta, it joins a growing cohort of African consumer brands looking to move beyond local markets and capture a slice of the global premium beauty industry—all while keeping value addition and manufacturing on the continent.