A Physician's Vision

Dr. Rabi Ekore's journey from clinical medicine to formulation science. A founder driven by evidence, ethics, and the lived experience of her patients.

Our Founder

Dr. Rabi Ilemona Ekore

As a practicing Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Rabi Ilemona Ekore witnessed firsthand the frustration and distress her patients experienced with skin issues caused by unsuitable cosmetics. Disfiguring reactions, persistent discoloration, and scarring were all too common among individuals with oily and combination skin of color.

This clinical observation, combined with her own personal experience, sparked a mission to create better solutions. Rather than accept the status quo, Dr. Ekore pursued rigorous scientific training in cosmetic formulation, earning advanced degrees including a Master of Science in Cosmetic Science and a Professional Diploma in Dermatology from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

Today, as a published researcher and formulation chemist with a PhD in Natural Beauty and Cosmetics, Dr. Ekore brings her multidisciplinary expertise to Imabeh. Her work spans family medicine, dermatology, cosmetic science, child and adolescent mental health, and professional ethics. Every product is grounded in evidence, formulated with precision, and guided by an unwavering commitment to safety and integrity.

Credentials & Expertise

  • PhD in Natural Beauty and Cosmetics
  • Medical Doctor (MBBS, University of Ibadan)
  • Master of Science in Cosmetic Science
  • Professional Diploma in Dermatology
  • Master of Professional Ethics
  • Specialist in Child & Adolescent Mental Health
  • Published Researcher with peer-reviewed publications

Dr. Rabi Ilemona Ekore

Founder; Physician & Cosmetic Scientist

From Clinical Practice to Innovation

The Clinical Observation

In her years of clinical practice at leading healthcare institutions across Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, Dr. Ekore observed a troubling pattern: patients with oily and combination skin of color were developing disfiguring skin reactions, persistent discoloration, and scarring as a direct result of using cosmetics and skincare products ill-suited for their skin type. These were not merely cosmetic concerns; they were medical issues impacting her patients' confidence, mental health, and quality of life.

The Scientific Pursuit

Driven by this clinical need, Dr. Ekore embarked on an intensive academic journey to master the science behind skincare and cosmetics. She earned a Master of Science in Cosmetic Science from the University of Cincinnati, a Professional Diploma in Personal Care Formulation, and completed her PhD in Natural Beauty and Cosmetics. To deepen her understanding of skin health and disease, she obtained a Professional Diploma in Dermatology from the prestigious Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, addressing topics directly relevant to her mission: treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, efficacy of cosmetic camouflage for dermatologic issues, and skin lightening with natural phytochemicals.

The Ethical Foundation

With a Master's degree in Professional Ethics, Dr. Ekore's approach is guided by a deep-seated commitment to transparency, safety, and efficacy. She rejects the one-size-fits-all approach prevalent in the beauty industry. Instead, Imabeh was born from a desire to do better, to offer products formulated with a preventive and protective philosophy, designed specifically for oily and combination skin of color. Every formulation decision is grounded in evidence, every ingredient is chosen with precision, and every product is held to the highest standards of integrity.

The Imabeh Solution

Imabeh represents the culmination of Dr. Ekore's journey. The product line includes a liquid camouflage foundation with custom shades for oily skin of color, a brightening and hydrating facial serum, a leave-in hair conditioner for curly and oily hair, and a non-greasy hand and body lotion. Each product has been meticulously formulated to provide effective, safe, and reliable solutions for a community that has long been underserved by the cosmetics industry.

Multidisciplinary Expertise

Medical Foundation

Family Medicine Physician with extensive clinical experience, and Child & Adolescent Mental Health Specialist. Deep understanding of skin pathology and patient needs.

Formulation Science

PhD in Natural Beauty and Cosmetics. Master of Science in Cosmetic Science. Professional Diploma in Personal Care Formulation. Advanced training in ingredient selection and formulation development.

Dermatological Expertise

Professional Diploma in Dermatology from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Specialized knowledge of skin conditions affecting individuals of color, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and reactive dermatitis.

Ethical Practice

Master of Professional Ethics. Commitment to transparency, safety, and integrity in all aspects of product development. Researcher with multiple peer-reviewed publications.

The Imabeh Collection

Carefully formulated products born from clinical observation and scientific rigor. Each product addresses specific needs of oily and combination skin of color.

Imabeh Product Collection

Facial Care

  • Liquid Camouflage Foundation - Custom shades formulated for oily skin of color with full coverage and oil-control
  • Brightening & Hydrating Serum - Addresses discoloration and dehydration without greasiness

Hair & Body Care

  • Leave-In Hair Conditioner - Formulated for curly and oily hair with curl definition and oil-balancing
  • Hand & Body Lotion - Hydrating yet non-greasy, suitable for all skin types including oily skin

Our Mission

To create science-backed cosmetics and skincare products that are safe, effective, and specifically formulated for individuals with oily and combination skin of color. We believe that everyone deserves access to products that enhance their natural beauty without causing harm.

Born from clinical observation and personal experience, Imabeh represents Dr. Rabi Ekore's commitment to preventing the disfiguring skin issues that have affected too many. Through rigorous formulation, evidence-based practice, and unwavering ethical standards, we deliver products you can trust.