Tried and tested: Local skincare brands that are giving global giants a run for their money
As someone who loves skincare but keeps an eye on her budget, I'm always on the lookout for local products that are both effective and ethically made.
Over the years, I've realised that some of the best products don't necessarily come with a hefty international price tag.
South Africa is home to a growing number of skincare brands that use high-quality, natural ingredients, often ethically sourced and sell at a lower price than their global competitors.
Supporting these homegrown brands not only promotes local employment, but also encourages more sustainable beauty habits.
Here are a few I've used and loved and continue to repurchase.
Gel cleanser
Gel cleansers are a staple in most of our routines, but finding one that's well-priced and mostly natural is not always easy.
Levive's Jelly Splash ticks all the boxes - it's made with over 95% natural, locally sourced ingredients including green rooibos, shea butter, marula, and moringa. It's gentle enough for all skin types, with a light lather that doesn't strip the skin.
My tween daughters have been using it daily to help with acne-prone skin and the results have been impressive.
It contains salicylic acid and lactic acid to manage oil production, and at R329, it lasts around three months. They've become so loyal to it, they won't use anything else.
Glycolic acid facial serum
Glycolic acid is a skincare powerhouse, known for exfoliating and renewing skin. I've been using Fundamentals Skincare's 5% Glycolic Acid Serum, which costs just R149 for 30ml, which is a fraction of what I used to pay for imported versions, so I can use it liberally without feeling guilty.
I started slowly, using it three times a week and gradually building up to daily use.
The result? Plumper, smoother skin, especially helpful during winter when my skin tends to feel dehydrated.
Daily micro-exfoliant
Years ago, I used a popular American micro-exfoliant, but the price tag (now around R1,500) became too steep, so I was thrilled to discover Sorbet's Daily Skin Polish Powder at R215 which is a very similar product.
It's a gentle rice-based powder exfoliant with salicylic acid that buffs away dead skin cells and helps with brightening dark spots.
What I love is that it's gentle enough to use every day, even on sensitive skin. After using it regularly, my skin feels softer and absorbs serums and moisturisers far better.
Eye cream
Eye creams are one of the first things I skip when budgeting as international brands can cost up to R1,000 for 15ml. Cape Town-based brand, Vitaderm's Anti-Ageing Eye Cream offers a great alternative.
It's hydrating, vegan, cruelty-free and free from mineral oil, parabens, artificial colours, and fragrances. I've been using it year-round and noticed firmer, more hydrated skin around my eyes without any irritation. A little goes a long way and lasts me for about 5 months. It retails at R560 for 20ml.
Overnight hydrating mask
I've been a fan of overnight leave-on masks for over a decade, and Kalahari's De-Age Hydration Mask is a standout. Retailing at around R500, it lasts up to six months, using it three times a week.
Made with ethically sourced botanical oils and South African plant extracts, it provides deep hydration for up to 72 hours. The texture is surprisingly light and absorbs quickly, so I don't worry about it rubbing off on my pillow. In the morning, my skin always feels noticeably smoother and well-hydrated.
Skincare doesn't have to cost a fortune to work and often, local brands offer better quality, fresher ingredients, and a more ethical approach to production.
These South African products have found a permanent place in my routine, not just because they're affordable, but because they deliver real results.
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