Founder Files
Clean Skincare· Los Angeles, USA · Updated 14 May 2026

Claudia Teng

Co-founder of Topicals alongside Olamide Olowe — Teng leads product and formulation, building the science backbone for the first DTC clean-skincare brand designed specifically for chronic skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris.

"Chronic skin conditions deserve real formulations, not pretty marketing."

Claudia Teng
Background

Teng co-founded Topicals in 2020 with Olamide Olowe, focusing the brand on persistent skin conditions historically under-served by clean prestige.

Topicals launched with Faded — a brightening serum for dark spots and hyperpigmentation — and Like Butter — a hydrating mask for eczema-prone skin. It became the youngest Black-co-founded brand to enter Sephora at the time of its 2022 launch there.

Philosophy

Clinical conditions, clinical formulation — but joyful packaging.

Underserved skin is a category, not a niche.

Career timeline
  • 2020
    Co-founds Topicals with Olamide Olowe
  • 2022
    Topicals launches at Sephora
Press & appearances
  • How Topicals Built a Brand Around Chronic Skin Conditions

    feature
    Vogue Business
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Timeline