Local LGBTQ+ brands in Singapore to support

With mermaid-hued exteriors that give the products a certain je ne sais quoi, it’s hard to resist PSA Skin. More than its devilishly good looks, PSA Skin is the brainchild of Singaporean skin expert Nicolas Travis, who’s also the brains behind Allies of Skin. The vegan and cruelty-free brand prides itself on smart, innovative formulas, powered up with active ingredients that show impressive results. It’s the perfect addition to your spot-busting skincare routine. 

It doesn’t matter what skin type, colour, and condition you have either – the proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated skincare brand is here to celebrate every unique identity, regardless of race, gender, and sexual identity. PSA Skin lets you know that “As a skincare brand, we know how important it is to be comfortable in your own skin — so we’ve got you covered outside and within.”

There are a gazillion ways to express yourself, from strutting down the street in your best ensemble to raising your rainbow flag with pride. But with Heckin’ Unicorn, you get to wear your heart on your sleeve with its playfully designed merchandise – think attention-grabbing enamel pins, tote bags, stickers, and notebooks, all centred on the message of love without boundaries. 

Founded in 2018 by Teo Yu Sheng, the queer brand aims to challenge the heteronormative narrative that is omnipresent in Singapore (and let’s be real – the rest of the world) and work towards a kinder, more inclusive Singapore. It also hopes to inspire other queer innovators with brilliant ideas to take their first step in making their vision a reality.

This Pride Month, it’s pledging to donate 10 percent of its profits to two charitable organisations: TransBefrienders and Action for AIDS. On top of that, all profits from its Transcendent butterfly pin continue to go towards local trans shelter: The T Project.

Comfort is key. And oftentimes, we need the right threads to be the best version of ourselves. For many trans and non-binary people, chest binding allows them to shift their bodies and feel in control.

Launched in 2016 by Nicole Goh, Tomscout has helped people from over 50 countries feel confident in their bodies with its top-notch chest binders that are versatile, comfortable, and affordable. And if you’re new to chest binding, check out its informative guide to get started. Besides chest binders, it also does masculine-designed underwear in traditionally women's sizes.

The brand started from the desire to “help people achieve the smoother chest they have always dreamed of for themselves and to fight back against body dysphoria.” It’s also a proud supporter of the tomboy, transgender men, and LGBTQ+ community in Singapore, and around the world.

Whether you identify as non-binary, transgender, or cisgender, KosmicKult is all about building up your confidence and your relationship with your body. The gender-inclusive label aims to break the binaries of bodywear by making safe-binding fun and accessible for individuals across the gender spectrum.

While merch like tote bags, t-shirts, and socks are currently available on its webstore, the gender-inclusive bodywear label has its eyes set on launching its colourful swim-friendly binders soon, which are made from recycled polyester and have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50. 

Besides its webstore, KosmicKult also uses its platform to spotlight queer individuals who are making waves in their respective fields. After all, representation matters.

Bare, bold, or in between – whatever your style is, Solos Cosmetics will match it up with its travel-friendly and oh-so-easy-on-the-wallet beauty essentials. 

The inclusive beauty brand was born from a discussion about the planet by two pals who were hard-pressed to find any sustainable, ethical, and cruelty-free cosmetics that are long-lasting, hypoallergenic, and won’t break the bank. Now, the duo offers affordable, gorgeous lippies and sleek liquid eyeliners that are vegan, cruelty-free, and contain no nasties. It’s suitable for all skin types too, regardless of skin tones and skin textures.

As Solos puts it: “To us, it doesn’t matter if you have porcelain white skin or a sun-kissed mocha skin, if you like a natural look or want to go full-on glam. It doesn’t matter if you are a girl playing with shades, a woman who owns her body, a boy experimenting with makeup, or a man who wants to accentuate your looks. Solos is made for all of us.”