Angel Reese and Rema are Investing Big in Skincare

Culture has always shaped what people wear, listen to, and buy. What is changing now is who gets to benefit from that influence. In recent years, more creatives, athletes, and entertainers are moving beyond endorsements and stepping into ownership. This shift is clear in the latest news from skincare brand Topicals, which has announced a new round of funding backed by WNBA star Angel Reese and Nigerian music sensation Rema. 

Topicals confirmed that it has closed this new funding round with participation from Angel Reese, Rema, and other figures across entertainment and sports. While the financial terms were not made public, the impact of the announcement goes far beyond numbers.

Since launching in 2020, Topicals has raised over twenty million dollars, marking it as one of the more successful Black-founded skincare brands in recent years. This latest round adds another important layer to the brand’s story, one rooted in community, shared vision, and long-term belief.

Angel Reese and Rema are not just famous names added to a press release. They are individuals who actively shape conversations in sports and music, especially among younger audiences. Their decision to invest points to a deeper connection with what Topicals stands for and who it serves.

Topicals was founded by Olamide Olowe, an entrepreneur who entered the beauty industry with a clear purpose. She wanted to create skincare products that address chronic skin conditions such as eczema, hyperpigmentation, and flare-ups, issues that are common yet often ignored or poorly represented in mainstream beauty.

From the beginning, the brand challenged the idea that skincare should only focus on flawless appearances. Instead, it centered on real skin, real struggles, and honest conversations.

This approach quickly set Topicals apart. Rather than hiding conditions or using overly polished images, the brand embraced transparency. Its messaging made space for customers to talk openly about their skin without shame. Social media became more than a sales tool. It became a place for education, humor, shared experiences, and support. This strong connection with its audience helped Topicals grow rapidly in a crowded market.

According to The Business of Beauty, Olamide Olowe shared that she intentionally invited investors who were already part of the Topicals community. In her words, when people think of the brand, they think about marketing, storytelling, products, and culture. For her, it made sense to bring in people who already influence culture in their own fields. These are individuals who understand how narratives are shaped and why representation matters.

Angel Reese fits naturally into this vision. As one of the most visible figures in women’s basketball, she has become known not only for her performance on the court but also for her confidence and self-expression off it.

She represents a generation of athletes who refuse to be boxed into narrow expectations. Reese has spoken openly about identity, self-worth, and embracing individuality. Her influence extends into fashion, social media, and youth culture, making her a powerful voice beyond sports.

Her investment in Topicals reflects a broader pattern among women athletes who are taking control of their financial futures. With the rise of name, image, and likeness opportunities, athletes like Reese are exploring ways to build wealth that lasts beyond their playing years. Investing in a brand that prioritizes inclusivity and real skin concerns aligns closely with her public values.

Rema’s involvement adds another important dimension. As a global Afrobeats star, he has played a key role in bringing African music to international audiences. His sound, style, and success are deeply connected to cultural pride and creative freedom. By investing in Topicals, Rema is extending that influence into the business world. His participation highlights how African creatives are increasingly becoming stakeholders in global brands, not just contributors to culture.

The connection between Afrobeats and beauty might not seem obvious at first, but both are rooted in expression and identity. Afrobeats has grown because it stayed true to its origins while speaking to a global audience. Topicals follows a similar path by creating products that address specific needs while resonating with people worldwide. Rema’s investment signals recognition of that shared journey.

This funding round also includes a continued relationship with earlier supporters such as Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji. Both were among the figures who helped spotlight Topicals in its early days. Their involvement gave the brand credibility and visibility at a time when Black-founded beauty companies often struggle to gain attention from larger markets. Issa Rae, in particular, has built a reputation for supporting businesses that align with her values around representation and community. Yvonne Orji has similarly used her platform to amplify stories that reflect real experiences.

Together, these investors form a group connected by more than fame. They represent different lanes of culture, from film and television to sports and music, yet they share a belief in supporting brands that mirror the communities driving demand. This is why the phrase “different lanes, shared vision” fits the story so well.

The beauty industry has a long history of borrowing from Black culture while excluding Black founders from ownership and decision-making. Hairstyles, makeup trends, and skincare practices rooted in Black communities often become mainstream without proper credit or financial return. In recent years, conversations about diversity and inclusion have increased, but progress has been uneven. Funding remains one of the biggest barriers.

Topicals’ success challenges that pattern. Raising over twenty million dollars since 2020 shows that brands built with authenticity and purpose can attract serious investment. Bringing cultural figures into the investor group strengthens this position even further. It signals confidence not only in the products but in the brand’s long-term impact.

Topicals has already demonstrated how cultural understanding can translate into strong marketing. Its campaigns often feel relatable rather than aspirational. They speak directly to customers instead of talking down to them. This tone has helped the brand build loyalty and stand out in an industry filled with similar promises.

The involvement of Angel Reese and Rema reinforces this connection. Their audiences are not passive followers. They are engaged, vocal, and invested in conversations about culture and identity. When these figures choose to invest rather than simply endorse, it sends a signal to fans that the brand is worth paying attention to.

This move also reflects a broader shift in how wealth and influence circulate. More creatives are recognizing the importance of reinvesting in ecosystems that support their communities. Rather than letting value flow outward, they are helping build structures that sustain growth from within. This approach can lead to more diverse leadership, more relevant products, and stronger connections between brands and consumers.

Olamide Olowe’s leadership plays a central role in this story. As a young founder, she has navigated an industry that often underestimates Black women. Her ability to raise significant capital, build a recognizable brand, and attract influential investors speaks to her clarity of vision. By inviting investors from the Topicals community, she has shown that funding does not have to come at the cost of identity.

The fact that this funding round includes figures from different parts of culture also points to the growing overlap between industries. Music, sports, beauty, and entertainment no longer operate in isolation. Trends move quickly across platforms, and audiences follow people, not categories. Brands that understand this interconnectedness are better positioned to stay relevant.

Topicals’ journey since 2020 shows how a clear mission can guide growth. Starting with a focus on underserved skin concerns, the brand expanded its reach without losing its voice. Retail partnerships, social media presence, and product innovation have all been driven by a consistent message. This consistency makes it easier for investors to believe in the brand’s future.

As the beauty market continues to evolve, stories like this may become more common. Consumers are demanding more honesty. Creatives are demanding more ownership, like we see in Angel Reese and Rema’s skincare investment. Founders are seeking partners who understand their vision. When these elements come together, they create opportunities that feel both profitable and meaningful.

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