Why local skincare brands are redefining beauty in South Africa
Healthy skin shouldn't come with a hefty price tag.
Image: Freepik
We often assume that the best skincare comes from big international brands, with the fancy packaging and price tags to match.
But some of the most innovative, community-driven, and award-winning skincare is actually being created right here in South Africa.
These local brands aren’t just making great products; they’re telling powerful stories, led by visionary founders who are redefining beauty through ethics, sustainability, and authenticity.
Here are three of our favourite homegrown brands that truly deserve a spot on your bathroom shelf.
Lelive: Clean luxury rooted in African botanicals
If you’ve seen a beautifully minimalist aluminium bottle gracing your Instagram feed, it was probably Lelive.
This high-performance, community-driven range is the brainchild of South African actress and entrepreneur Amanda du-Pont, who named the brand after her Swazi name, Langalelive, meaning "light of the world."
Lelive is much more than just a celebrity-backed line; it’s a commitment to clean beauty, born from her own journey with acne-prone skin and a desire to blend local heritage with modern science.
They harness the power of local botanicals like Rooibos, Kalahari melon, marula, and mongongo oils, but couple them with serious, reef-safe science.
The result is a vegan, cruelty-free range that feels luxe without the hefty price tag.
Lelive is already making international waves, recently launching in London.
Products like their “Drip hydrate + glow setting spray” and the “oil la la Brighten + glow body oil” have received beauty awards.
Swiitchbeauty: The next-gen empire
When we talk about a visionary founder, Rabia Ghoor is exactly who we mean.
Rabia launched Swiitchbeauty from her bedroom at the incredible age of just 14, starting with a goal to fill the gap for affordable, honest, and innovative products.
What began as a digital-first experiment has exploded into a cult favourite for young consumers across the country.
The brand’s huge success lies in its radical approach to community.
They don't just listen to their followers; they co-create with them, ensuring every product is low-maintenance and actually delivers on its promise.
Their relatable, youth-led story is incredibly inspiring, proving that you can disrupt an entire industry from the ground up, one affordable and effective product at a time.
The hustle and vision haven’t gone unnoticed: Rabia was deservedly celebrated with the prestigious "Women of the Year 2022 Next Gen Gamechanger Award."
It’s the ultimate validation that her vision for accessible, community-driven beauty is exactly what the industry needed, and it's great to see the brand expanding from online to physical retail.
Silki: Award-winning efficacy and ingredient transparency
If your skincare philosophy leans towards 'no fuss, just results,' then Silki is the brand for you.
This proudly South African brand was founded by Mena Kooger and her husband, Martin, during the pandemic, born from Mena’s desire to create a range that was inclusive, educational, and accessible.
Silki’s mission is simple: to produce high-performance, affordable skincare that is ethically made.
They cut through the noise by focusing on honest, high-quality ingredients, avoiding unnecessary fillers to create products that work for a wide range of ages and skin concerns.
Mena’s philosophy is centred on empowering consumers with knowledge and providing effective solutions for a diverse range of skin and hair types, while building the brand on genuine community feedback.
When a brand's focus is on effective ingredients, the awards truly matter.
Silki’s dedication to quality was spotlighted when their 1% Bakuchiol Booster picked up a major win, taking home "Best Retinol Alternative at the Woman & Home Beauty Awards 2023."
These three local brands are proving that the future of beauty is proudly, powerfully South African.