As early as age 4, Mychal-Bella Bowman knew she was destined to make a difference in the world.
“I remember, even then, being so impacted by people in need. My mom and I went to downtown L.A. to help pass out food to people facing homelessness. That experience made me really want to keep doing good as I got older,” the 16-year-old actress/model/humanitarian recalls.
Her latest project? A vegan skincare line for a v. good cause by the name of Basics by: Mychal. Inspired in part by a service trip to Kenya, Mychal partnered with the advocacy organization (RED) to create a range that not only works wonders on your face (srsly, better than any hundred-step GRWM) but fuels the fight to end preventable and treatable diseases across the globe.
Of all the accomplishments in her overflowing resume (including starring in the Golden Globe-winning limited series The Underground Railroad, fronting ad campaigns for the likes of Nike, Gap and American Girl and posing in our February/March issue), Mychal seems most pumped about Basics by: Mychal when we sit down to chat. “The whole idea behind the brand is confidence,” she says, smiling. “When your skin feels good, you feel good, so it was really cool to bring a philanthropic angle to that.”
To us, “really cool” seems like an understatement. Read on to learn more from Mychal herself about her beauty essentials, 2026 bucket list and the causes she’ll never stop supporting.
Girls Life: Congratulations on the launch of Basics by: Mychal! What made you gravitate towards skincare in the first place?
Mychal-Bella Bowman: Since I was a young girl, I’ve always loved skincare, makeup, that kind of stuff, you know? I wanted to create something that everyone could use. It’s unisex, cruelty-free and includes four simple products that everyone needs. A cleanser, a toner, a mask and a moisturizer. And hopefully we’ll have a sunscreen coming soon!
GL: And when did you decide to collab with (RED)?
Mychal: Last summer, (RED) sent me and my mom out to Kenya with their team, to do outreach and see where a lot of their proceeds go. We visited different hospitals and learned about what they were doing to prevent HIV and AIDS. You hear about these organizations and think, Oh, that’s awesome. But for me, when I was able to actually see how many people it affects firsthand and the resources they needed, it made me want to contribute more than I already was.
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GL: Was there any particular moment from your trip that still sticks with you today?
Mychal: On our second or third day, we visited this woman who had contracted HIV. We saw the hospital she went to and thankfully, she was able to get special medicine that prevented her from passing down the disease to her six kids. Still, hearing her story and what she went through, it was sad. I remember thinking, This is wrong. Something has to change.
GL: When you’re facing these global problems—ones that sometimes might feel overwhelming—how do you stay motivated in your work?
Mychal: I just try to put myself in the shoes of the people who are facing these issues. What would I do? How would I feel? That way, you stay focused and never take for granted all that you have.
GL: Any advice for girls who also want to give back to their communities, but aren’t sure where to start?
Mychal: Do as much research as you can. And also, it all starts with you. So try your best to stay confident in yourself and dream big.
✨ Four fast facts with Mychal-Bella Bowman ✨
Ultimate dream role? “I’d love to someday play a Marvel superhero that empowers young women and girls!”
Can’t-skip skincare step? “Definitely moisturizer. My skin used to get really, really dry, so I can’t go without it.”
Best gift you’ve been given? “I received a handmade purse from one of the girls I met while visiting a school in Kenya. I’m going to wear it on the red carpet!”
Biggest goal for 2026? “I actually typed out a list this year. I want to stay off of my phone, stop procrastinating homework and keep giving back.”
Keep up with Mychal HERE and follow us on IG @girlslifemag for more insider celeb content!
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Top and slider image: Blackprint Photography
