Naomi Osaka partners with Walmart to brings KINLÒ suncare line to Mass Retail

I have over 10 years of experience in the retail…
Functional suncare brand formulated specifically for people with melanated skin, KINLÒ announced today their exclusive expansion into retail with Walmart, bringing the popular skin protection line for people of color to stores nationwide. Starting April 30, the KINLÒ product suite will be available on Walmart.com and in 2,500 Walmart stores across the country.
KINLÒ, which is known for its best-selling Golden Rays Sunscreen SPF 50+, a mineral-based, non-chemical sunscreen with a golden tint that mattifies and protects melanin-rich without leaving a white cast, is excited to be expanding its shade range to include new Light, Medium and Deep shades, complementing a wider range of complexions – exclusively in Walmart stores and online at walmart.com for $11.97.
“Naomi is truly a pioneer in her work to build a future of skincare that is formulated for melanated skin, while shining a light on the unmet skincare needs affecting people of color,” said Angel Beasley, Merchandise Director, Beauty, Walmart U.S. “Adding the KINLÒ product line to Walmart aligns squarely with our mission to better serve the needs of all of our customers. Walmart is ultra-focused on reflecting our diverse customers and advancing racial equity.”
KINLÒ was formulated in partnership with Dr. Naana Boakye, Dermatology Director for KINLÒ, who is raising awareness and educating people of color on skin cancer, sun damage prevention, and the mortality rate of skin cancer cases within the Black community, as well as amplifying the conversation on accessible suncare products for melanated skin tones.
“Growing up playing tennis, I never liked using sunscreen because of the white residue and I assumed my natural melanin would protect me anyway, but that’s not actually true. I got a bad sunburn the first time I went to Australia, and then I started doing more research and learned that people of color have a significantly lower skin-cancer-survival rate,” said Naomi Osaka, founder, KINLÒ. “I started KINLÒ to educate others about proper sun protection, no matter what they look like or where they live. Offering KINLÒ products at Walmart is a huge step in bringing suncare awareness and accessibility to a national level.”
“Born as a direct-to-consumer brand, KINLÒ’s retail expansion with Walmart will not only allow us to bring high-quality products formulated with natural ingredients at an accessible price point to millions of people around the country,” said Mia Meachem, president, KINLÒ.
I have over 10 years of experience in the retail industry including expertise in marketing, operations, merchandising, buying, shopping and technology. I am a former senior managing director of The School of Retailing, University of Alberta. My education includes a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from The University of Alberta in Marketing, Certificate in Real Estate and a Diploma in Fashion Merchandising and Buying from LasSalle College, a Canadian private school founded in 1959 by fashion designer Jean-Paul Morin.