Actor, model and recording artist Dorion Renaud, founder of Buttah Skin, recently introduced his genderless skincare collection at a Meet & Greet at Macy’s 34th Street store. The event was quite a success, with a beautiful, handsome and well-dressed crowd anxious to test Buttah’s products and talk to Renaud. There were one-on-one beauty consultations with Dorian, tasty refreshments and samples for all. These products make excellent last-minute holiday stocking stuffers.
Inspired by his own skincare struggles as an actor and model, Renaud founded the company in 2018. His dedicated fanbase grew quickly. “I wanted Black men to feel comfortable in their skin,” he said. “Women have been utilizing helpful skincare products for years. Now, here are some products that men can use.”
Buttah’s skin line is created with organic and cruelty-free ingredients like shea butter, chamomile and lavender. Prices range from $17 and up.
As one of the early Black-owned lines to feature skincare products for men as well as women, Renaud has been featured in most major magazines and by celebrities, including Beyoncé, Amber Riley, Nina Parker, Keri Hilson and 2Chainz.
The Buttah Collection includes a vitamin C Serum with added vitamins D and E. It’s the company’s top seller. There’s a Buttah Tea-tree Cleanser and Mask in his line. The collection also features an oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid for oily skin.
The AmNews talked to Renaud just before the Macy’s event. He offered several skincare tips with a smile, and recalled his discovery of shea butter, incorporating it in his products, and how he used to visit Carol’s Daughter shop in Harlem at a young age, which inspired him to create a line for men.
AmNews: When did you first become aware of your skin?
Renaud: When I suffered with a skin abrasion, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hairs early in college, I wanted to use something other than Vaseline, which our mothers always used when we were all kids. I had a small bout with acne, and realized the importance of taking care of my skin. Buttah enriches the body and soul.
AmNews: What’s your skincare message to men?
Renaud: Cleanse your skin daily with Buttah’s Gentle Cleanser. Then moisturize your skin daily as well. Men can use scrubs and have facials. Drink water! Eat your vegetables! It helps to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Today, visibility in-person and on the Internet is more important than ever. More men are taking better care of their skin, and their nails.
AmNews: How did you come up with the name Buttah?
Renaud: One night, I recalled the phrase, “Your skin is as smooth as butter.” I added the “h” to the word, Buttah, so that we would know that this was a collection for us with an African influence.
AmNews: What’s coming up for you?
Renaud: Look for an upcoming HBO special “The Beauty of Blackness,” which will be airing soon.
Buttah Skin is currently sold at Macy’s and other major retailers.