The Best South African Beauty Products 2022
A Few years ago, an article like this would not have been possible. We relied on International beauty brands for products for results. It is surprising how the beauty landscape has changed in South Africa, and how producers of beauty brands have come to the fore using natural products that are so freely available here - and we have become a country with the most powerful, organic and ethical beauty brands.
Environ Focus Care Youth +
Environ was the first South African beauty product to gain global acclaim. Now they have their new star product. Seven years of extensive scientific research, 45 million hexapeptides reviewed, skincare visionary Dr Des Fernandes, Environ Founder and Scientific Director has pushed the boundaries of cosmetic science to unlock the solution to the skin’s full rejuvenating potential. “As we age, it is natural for the skin to lose fat in the dermis as well as hyaluronic acid. What many people need is to improve the cushion of fat in the skin and boost the hyaluronic acid status to make it look develop a topical cosmetic formulation that can be used to improve the appearance of well-cushioned skin,” say Dr Des Fernades.
Their Focus Care Youth + 3D Syneregè Filler Crème has a powerhouse of ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, which needs to be replenished as we age, as well as Peptides and potent phyto-antioxidants to revive skin.
One advanced system with two dermal filler techniques to target the three things we want for our skin; 3D rejuvenation, resiliency, and reborn skin.
Esse Probiotic Serum
The most awarded product from Esse’s probiotic range - the world’s first live Probiotic Serum (30ml). This formula includes 50 million live probiotics per drop in a ground-breaking formula made up of an array of beneficial microbes. Probiotics has been shown to improve barrier function, helping to slow the ageing process. Independent testing shows that it increases skin firmness by 16% in 28 days with positive results being shown in 100% of test subjects.
Your microbiome is an ecosystem of billions of diverse microbes that protect skin from pathogens. Similar to your gut, these bacteria, fungi and viruses have essential roles in protecting you and educating your immune system. They also help skin produce Hyaluronic Acid and other moisturising factors, while maintaining the skin’s pH and helping produce calm, healthy skin that not only looks better but ages slower. Skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is essential to look after it.
R1 375 from an Esse stockist esseskincare.com
Sapienic Prime Lipid Serum
The brains behind Sapienic, Trevor Steyn studied organic chemistry and completed a Masters degree in 1996. His mentor, Prof Siegfried Drewes, inspired a passion for the chemistry of Africa’s plants. After discovering the potential of some of these plants in skin care, Trevor formulated and founded Esse. Work on Esse began in 2000 with research into Kigelia africana, the African Sausage tree. After two years of formulating, Esse was born in 2002.
Now this beauty maverick, brings us a product with a new angle in skin care. He says, “We have evolved as humans to have a set of genes that allow us to produce strange oils in our sebaceous glands. Eclectic fatty acids like Sapienic acid and Sebaleic acid aren’t found anywhere else in the animal kingdom. It is becoming increasingly clear that these oils are highly curated to feed very specifically, co-evolved microbes that thrive on human skin. And our response is to use surfactants to wash this oil off … every day. It seems unlikely that humans would have developed a clade of genes to produce large amounts of unique oil on the surface of the skin for no reason. Perhaps we should reconsider this practice in light of the fact that 85% of teenagers now get acne, a disease that is not found in hunter-gatherer populations. We have revisited the “cleanse, tone, moisturise” skin care routine through the lens of the skin microbiome and our evolutionary past. We minimize disruption of the skin microbiome and the lipids that these microbes require by avoiding foaming agents and emulsifiers. We use live probiotics at high cfu/ml to simulate contact with the natural world. We exclude synthetic chemicals that would pollute the microbial ecology on skin.”
Designed specifically for ageing-sensitive skin, the Sapienic PRIME Lipids & PRIME Serum routine offers a radically different approach to anti-ageing. Restore your skin’s resilience with the a simple 2-step skincare routine containing pure Ximenia oil, with proven anti-ageing results, and Hyaluronic acid, Probiotics and Prebiotics for a moisture boost.
PRIME Lipids RSP R710 / 20ml / PRIME Serum RSP 870 / 30ml. Available online at sapienic.co.za
Carina Franck the CEO and Founder of Kalahari Lifestyle grew up on a farm in the Kalahari Desert. She is well known in the beauty industry with decades of experience, developing another well known SA brand. But she had a calling to bring African ingredients to the world. Her passion for the land, it’s people and the ancient plants were the perfect synergy for an authentic success story. Kalahari Skincare is a Phyto-ceutical Product Range developed over years of dedicated research by a team of botanical experts and cosmetic scientists. The highly phyto-effective™, innovative formulations contain superior-grade botanical oils and exceptional plant extracts from Africa and beyond. Kalahari Lifestyle is at the forefront of the discovery and development of new African botanical compounds by working closely with several South African Universities and their Plant Sciences Departments. African Indigenous plant knowledge is continually being researched to establish the efficacy of ancient botanical remedies and to explore the possibility of extending these hidden therapies that have survived generations to the benefit of all.
Marula Face Oil
R366.00
A light-textured, botanical oil blend of Marula, Rosehip fruit oil and Kalahari Melon seed oils. This oil contains essential fatty acids which will reduce trans-epidermal water loss and protect the natural lipid layer of the skin, which prevents premature ageing. The oil is rapidly absorbed by the skin, leaving it nourished and moisturised.
Instant Lifting Serum
R291.00
An intensive, skin firming serum formulated with Peptides and botanical extracts of Oat kernel, Kelp and Hydrolysed rice protein. This Vitamin C enriched serum stimulates collagen and elastin production resulting in a visibly lifting and skin-tightening effect.
After decades of working in the global spa industry in various EU and Asian countries, Healing Earth Founder Elisabeth Brandt came to realise the international demand for pure, natural, conscious and authentic spa and lifestyle products and therapies sourced from the rich natural wealth of the African continent. It is through her passion and determination to share the healing, authentic and innovative capabilities of Africa with the world that Healing Earth was born. Healing Earth products are not only harmless to humans, but also to the Earth on which we live. Elisabeth’s holistic approach, strong beliefs and values reflect in her unique conceptualisation and treatment protocols.
HEALING EARTH AFRICAN POTATO BALM
Healing Earth was the first to launch what has now become known as the iconic African Potato Balm.
Containing a unique patented formula, the multi-purpose Healing Earth African Potato Body and Face balm is in a league of its own.
It can be used by the whole family, to assist in any kind of skin ailments or damaged or sensitive skin, and is good for ailments such as exzema, even nappy rash and bites. This is a must have for each household.
Well known for their beauty serums, the top ones are :
Neroli & Rose Balancing Serum
An essential serum for oily, combination skin types, the lightweight blend of Kalahari Melon, Pinotage and Baobab oil nourishes and balances the skin, regulating sebum production. Essential Oils work deeply into the pores, cleaning the hair shaft and detoxifying the sebaceous glands.
Maurla & Rose Hydrating Serum
A hydrating essential oil-based serum, provides a moisture boost for dehydrated skin, deeply nourishing the skin with essential fatty acids leaving the skin tone even and fine lines less visible. This serum is the perfect night-time sleep enhancer, with the blend of chamomile and angelica soothing the mind. Do not use with allergies to tree nuts / almonds.
Jasmin & Baobab Stimulating Serum
A skin brightening and stimulating blend of carrot, baobab and pinotage oil base provides vital replenishment for tired dull skins. The essential oil blend deeply nourishes the skin, promoting new cell growth stimulating the skins renewal process. A great serum to recommend for skin that is dry and dull. The uplifting scent, stimulates the mind and uplifts the mood.
Healing Earth also has Award Winning Spas in Franschhoek, Midlands, Zanzibar, Maldives and in The Kruger Park.
Born and raised in Madagascar, Dr. Helary has deep experience across agricultural science, botany, conservation, and ecology. He has also devoted much of his time to economic development projects across Africa. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental and Wildlife Management and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Ecology, with a particular focus on the Black Rhinoceros. His current focus encompasses ethnobotany and the biochemistry of indigenous botanicals, as well as their uses in local communities.
Dr. Helary’s work is driven by a deep passion for conservation and an unshakeable love of the earth and its gifts. He is committed to demonstrating the power of pure, rare ingredients and to partnering ethically and responsibly with expert African producers and suppliers to bring those ingredients to the world. The name, Terres d’Afrique, is his act of homage and a constant reminder of the wisdom and beauty the “earth of Africa” provides.
Terres d’Afrique Uplifting Serums are a light gel with potent anti-aging properties. Easily absorbed, this serum will lift the skin, leaving it feeling firm and smooth. Suitable for all skin types.
Uplifting Serum With Kigelia, Baobab & Buchu: Terres d’Afrique Uplifting Serum is a light gel with potent anti-aging properties. Easily absorbed, this serum will lift the skin, leaving it feeling firm and smooth. Suitable for all skin types.
Facial Glow With Marula, Manketti & Kalahari Melon: A light, dry, deep-acting face oil which nourishes and balances the skin. Easily absorbed, this oil is ideal for skin exposed to harsh elements. It restores dry, dull, tired skin to a soft silky feel and a radiant glow. Suitable for all skin types.
Metaphysical therapist, healer and innovator, Renchia Droganis is CEO and founder of Africology. Informed by years of research, scientific studies and her natural healer's intuition, Renchia has created an authentic spa range comprising of organic, fair trade and ethically-formulated products. She started in her kitchen, after studying what most beauty products are comprised of, and realised that she could make formulations which are natural and chemical free. After seeing incredible results with friends and family, and how healing her formulations were, she knew that her calling became a reality- to heal through carefully selected ingredients. Two decades later, Africology is now a family business, with her four children working along side her in this passionate and ethically driven enterprise.
Winning many awards, and lots of fans internationally, their anti-aging arsenal is the famous Intense Hydration Night Treatment, a rich, heavenly smelling formula of peptides and tiny hyaluronic particles that melt into the skin, instantly making the skin more radiant and glowing . The Anti-Aging SOS spray is infused with Frangipani . This spray is a must have for after sun care, on flights to keep hydrated and can be used all over the body.
Africology also has incredible spa’s all over the country.
Lulu & Marula are proud to be a women-founded, women-run, and women-powered business, working to connect with and support other local females and businesses wherever they can.
A proudly South African business that’s creating products by women, and for women. In fact, the team remains female-led, all product research, development, and testing is still headed up by their wonderful skincare scientist, Monique.
Balancing Hydra serum is a collagen boosting and hydrating serum with powerful anti-oxidants and Marine actives to improve elasticity and firm the skin.
Olive Squalane and botanical Hyaluronic Acid deliver superior hydration to deeper layers within the skin. Gotu Kola and Aloe Vera impart soothing, healing properties, leaving skin feeling rejuvenated and velvety smooth.
luluandmarula.com
