A MAC chemist has helped Crayola create an entire range of skin tone-coloured crayons

Remember sitting in the classroom and asking your friend to pass the ‘skin colour’ crayon? Then proceeding to use a pale, slightly orange tone to colour in the face of your illustration?

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Well as we fight for adequate representation in the workplace, the sporting arena, award shows, and the beauty and modelling industry, there is definitely something to be said about the lack of representation in colour palettes for children trying to draw themselves, their friends or their family members. 

Enter, CEO of MOB Beauty, Victor Cassal.

The ex-chief chemist and managing director of MAC, as well as co-founder of Cover FX, has partnered with Crayola to bring us the ‘Colours of the World’ crayons. The carefully curated range of 24 shades covers light and deeper shades, including pinks, neutrals and golden undertones. 

“This is exactly the science and treatment I have used to create global shade palettes for the beauty industry,” said Victor.

 And for those who are thinking 24 shades doesn’t even scratch the surface for complexion variation, Casale explains “when you apply a complexion product on your face, and you compare it to your skin - side by side - you have to be very precise.”

“When translating this knowledge and experience to support the colours of the world initiative, I felt it would be difficult for a child to notice the difference on paper.” 

Working side by side with the research and development division at Crayola, instead of aiming for 50+ shades, the team and Victor enlisted the process of merging two similar complexion shades into one crayon. 

And just like that, Victor  and Crayola are doing it for the kids, and making a huge impact on our children feeling confident, seen and important. Bravo. 

Had you noticed these colours were missing from your childs pencil case?