The beauty industry has been growing exponentially all over the globe. But in a world where we’re tired of brand-hopping in an attempt to find the most ideal products for our skin, we’ve been yearning for some skincare miracles.
So of course, our local sisters have taken it upon themselves to create their own brands in this highly competitive industry. Blessing us with amazing sustainable products filled with natural ingredients and local flavours carefully curated for our South African skins.
Because local really is that lekker.
Also read: Local fashion businesses leading the way in sustainable practices
Whether shopping online or visiting in-store, let’s celebrate these incredible, proudly South African women-owned skincare brands:
Swiitch Beauty
Not many people (let alone just women) can say they founded a cosmetics brand at the tender age of 14. But Rabia Ghoor can – talk about a teenage dream.
It all began when she discovered Youtube, primarily watching international makeup influencers and channels since there weren’t that many local ones at the time. From a four square-metre area in her bedroom, an Instagram page and two products, Swiitch Beauty was born.
Having won the Forbes Woman Africa Young Achievers award, the cosmetic brand has expanded to skincare with the range now having approximately 20 products that strive to deliver what it promises while not having to break the bank.
- Website: swiitchbeauty.com

Lelive
Amanda du Pont is an unapologetic powerhouse unto herself. Actress, model, and television host has added CEO and founder of Lelive to her evergrowing list of accolades.
Lelive means ‘of the nation or world’ and was inspired by Amanda’s unofficial Swazi name. The perfect name for a brand striving to build a strong community that centres around listening, supporting, and guiding, helping us feel our most confident and beautiful in our own skin.
The brand was created in 2020 and has been ticking all the boxes ever since: simple, dermatologically-tested, clean, and effectively affordable, all while celebrating the uniqueness of what makes us South African.
Pro tip: There’s a reason why Lelive’s All the Shade won the 22 Woman & Home Beauty award for the Best Tinted Moisturiser in South Africa.
- Website: leliveafrica.com

SKOON
As the name suggests, Skoon is all about clean beauty. This small, strong women-led beauty brand strives to offer more conscious choices to people who want to push the world forward, both through skincare, sustainability, and women empowerment.
‘We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We do believe in an effective, flexible range that makes you feel happy in your own healthy, good-feeling skin’.
Their products are produced in Cape Town, using century-old beauty secrets nestled within the natural flora of their backyard – The Cape Floral Kingdom. None of their natural ingredients is tested on animals, and they contain no obvious toxins or controversial synthetics.
They also commit to donating 1% of all sales to South Africa’s Boabab Foundation so that not only can our radiant skins stay nourished and looked after, but our lands and communities in need can too.
- Website: skoonskin.com

Suki Suki Naturals
The brand’s founder, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Linda Gieskes-Mwamba, started Suki Suki in 2014 when she wanted to grow out her natural hair. All hair products available at the time were either full of chemicals, ridiculously expensive, or both – and did nothing for her hair needs.
Linda started playing around with natural ingredients, which led to Suki Suki Naturals’ first and most popular hair product. Now crafted in Johannesburg, the product list has grown to include skincare too.
Her current ranges are specially developed for those living under the harsh African sun and are produced using essential oils and natural ingredients all derived from the abundant flora that South Africa has to offer.
The best part is that these products are cruelty-free and free from toxic beauty ingredients. This list includes mineral oil, preservatives, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, petroleum, and paraffin.
- Website: sukisukinaturals.co.za

Lulu & Marula
Founded in 2013 by beauty enthusiast Jesslynn Shepher and later joined by skincare scientist Monique Spaltman, Lulu & Marula tick all the ‘eco’ boxes. From scented body balms and bath oils, to cleansing bars and lip balms, all products are as natural as they come.
A natural, ethically produced skin and body care collection developed in their beauty studio in Cape Town. It’s natural, sulphate- and paraben-free, not tested on animals, and free from palm and mineral oils.
Wherever possible, everything is made and sourced in South Africa. Their business practices support local enterprises and their beautiful packaging – that’s enough to get anyone excited – strictly uses glass and cardboard recyclable packaging.
One of Lulu & Marula’s core principles is that ‘simplicity is the new awesome’ and that’s a concept we can really get behind. It explains why they’ve created a limited range with fewer products that are hardworking multitaskers.
You really are getting more by using fewer products.
- Website: luluandmarula.com

Chick Cosmetics
Created in Johannesburg in 2018, by Nomfundo Njibe, who has always wanted to marry her interests in skincare and makeup to her passion for advancing women’s perceptions of beauty.
As a Result? Chick Cosmetics was born and quickly became known as the brand that does beauty differently, changing the world by creating beauty products that break traditional styles.
Four years later, the brand prides itself on being cruelty-free in every sense of the word. The brand is vegan-friendly and makes sure to adopt ethical marketing and sustainable practices. All while developing each product to perfection after careful processing with passion and love for quality in beauty.
Known for its colourful schemes and innovations across South Africa, Chick Cosmetics is ‘driven by the love of creating, diversity and confidence’.
- Website: chickcosmetics.com

Also read:
Indulge in some self-care with these luxury local skincare brands
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