Kim Kardashian’s new skin care range, SKKN, has come under fire on social media over its similarities with black-owned brands SKN by LH and SKKN+.
Twitter users were quick to point out the name’s parallels, with posts claiming that Kardashian is stealing from black creators by using a similar name to the two brands.
Lori Harvey, an American model and entrepreneur, launched her SKN by LH brand in 2021.
SKKN+ founder Cydnie Lunsford, meanwhile, has been using the name SKKN+ since July 2017, according to Forbes.
Lunsford originally filed a cease and desist against Kardashian in August 2021, when she attempted to trademark the name.
"I have painstakingly built my successful small business with my own sweat equity, hard work, and research. It's clear that I established my brand first," said Lunsford in an email to Forbes.
Kardashian’s psoriasis diagnosis in 2019, a skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin, was the catalyst for the creation of the brand.
“What began as a psoriasis diagnosis became the catalyst for my journey of skin care discoveries, inspiring me to learn more about my skin and how to care for it,” she added.
SKKN by Kim will be launched under beauty company Coty, and its products will be sold through a new US direct-to-consumer website.
"In all of my business endeavours, I've been fuelled by my passion to fill gaps in the market with expertly-crafted and universally-loved products that are performance driven – and I have carried this same drive and approach with me into creating a legacy skin care brand," said Kardashian.
Coty and Kim Kardashian’s press team have been contacted for comment.
