For Sabrina Elba—model, activist, and cofounder of skincare brand S’Able Labs—self-care is less about excess and more about intention. From navigating sensitive skin as a woman of color to launching a brand that speaks to underserved communities, Elba has carved out a path rooted in thoughtful beauty, ancestral knowledge, and balance. Her guiding principle? “Do less.” In this intimate look at her routines and philosophies, she shares the wellness essentials she swears by—and why simplicity can be revolutionary.
Creating change from the inside out
Sabrina Elba never imagined she would end up at the helm of a skincare company. But her frustration with traditional beauty products—and their lack of consideration for melanin-rich skin—sparked a mission. In 2022, alongside her husband, actor Idris Elba, she launched S’Able Labs, a brand grounded in science and African heritage.
“I never really thought I’d get into entrepreneurship before I started the brand,” Elba says. “But Idris is such a dreamer, and it got to a point where we just said, ‘Sometimes you have to be the change you want to see.’” That change was a skincare line centered on melanated skin, formulated with the sensitivity and complexity of darker skin tones in mind. By choosing to develop products for the most reactive skin types, S’Able Labs created formulas that are inclusive, effective, and gentle for everyone.
Skincare that speaks to the soul
At the heart of S’Able Labs is a respect for ancestral traditions and modern needs. The brand’s offerings—from the Qasil Cleanser to the Baobab Moisturizer—draw from African ingredients and rituals. Most recently, Elba unveiled the Moringa Lip Salve, a deeply hydrating balm powered by antioxidants, castor and marula oils, and tyrosinase inhibitors to address hyperpigmentation.
“It took years to get the formula right,” she says. “But I put a lot of love into it.” The product, which she dubs her desert-island essential, reflects Elba’s larger philosophy: slow beauty, done well. Her shift in skincare mindset also mirrors her personal journey. “I used to struggle with hyperpigmentation, and I was constantly spot-concealing,” she explains. “Now, I’m finally confident enough to not wear makeup. It’s freeing to let my skin breathe—and reapply sunscreen more easily!”
Routines rooted in balance
From soothing skincare to body care rituals, Elba gravitates toward products that are gentle, effective, and shareable. Her current shower essentials include Le Labo body washes, which she and Idris both use, and S’Able Labs’s Qasil Cleanser, which she loves for its all-over benefits. “I’m also obsessed with those big yellow sponges—they foam everything up so well without being too rough,” she adds.
Her wellness routine extends beyond skincare. Supplements like lion’s mane mushroom and vitamin D help support focus and mood—particularly during grey London winters. “Lion’s mane helped me cut back on coffee, and vitamin D has done so much for my energy and clarity,” she says. These little rituals help Elba stay grounded, especially when work becomes demanding.
Scent, movement, and moments of calm
Elba is a sensory enthusiast—someone who loves incense, luxury candles, and thoughtful design. “We’re big candle people,” she laughs. “I love Loewe’s Tomato Leaves—it’s so unique. And we’re also into incense; we have a beautiful stand from the Aman Hotel that we’re addicted to.”
Fitness, too, is a part of her self-care equation. She’s a devotee of Lagree Pilates, which she says bridges the gap between traditional strength training and mindful movement. “It’s great for people who miss weights but still want the benefits of Pilates,” she says. Her go-to studio in London, MAD Chelsea, is a place she finds physical and mental clarity.
The power of doing less
More than anything, Sabrina Elba champions simplicity. Her top self-care tip? “Do less.” Before launching her skincare line, she overloaded her skin with harsh actives, thinking more was better. “I was damaging my skin barrier,” she explains. “Even texture is often just a sign of overdoing it.”
Instead of reaching for more acids or treatments, she now recommends a gentler approach: “Give your skin a break. Let it reset.” This minimalist mindset applies to her life, too. “Sleep is another big one,” she says. “We underestimate how essential it is—not just for skin, but for our peace of mind. If something can wait until tomorrow, let it.”
A new vision of beauty
Sabrina Elba’s take on wellness goes far beyond the surface. With S’Able Labs, she’s built a brand that honors inclusivity, heritage, and intention. But even in her personal rituals—whether it’s a swipe of lip balm, a candlelit evening, or skipping makeup—her message is clear: self-care is not about doing more. It’s about doing what truly matters.
In a world that often pushes us to overperform and overconsume, Elba is a refreshing voice of calm. Her reminder? “Your skin, your body, your peace—they all need space to breathe. Give it to them.”
