As awareness of how beauty brands are made continues to increase, so too does customer demand for sustainable and cruelty-free skincare options free from animal testing or by-products.
Thankfully, more and more South African brands are making the switch to vegan alternatives and opting to create cruelty-free formulas for our everyday must-haves: meaning you can now shop knowing you’re doing no harm.
Being a conscious consumer can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed by the rules, facts and expectations that you feel you have to know. Take a look at these local gems which show products that care about your skin and your planet. They also show that skincare can be made simple, accessible, and without the exhaustion of buying hoards of products from overseas.
Simona Stone spotlights our pick of the beauty labels worth investing in for your daily skincare regime.
MYHRU
MYHRU offers skincare that is simple, natural, and transparent. The ‘Myhrulosophy’ is all about going back to basics: beautiful results can be effortless with just one product, sure to redefine your old skin routine. Get your skin glowing with this 100% natural skincare range featuring potent skin-loving ingredients.
MYHRU’s power combo of Baobab and Marula oils compliment each other’s superstrengths to create a beauty force fit for providing an easily-absorbed, preservative-free serum packed full of vitamins, omegas, and phenolic acids which nourish, fight ageing and dehydration.
Developed for all skin types – even oily! – this gentle, versatile serum also compliments any other cosmetic, and makes for a wonderful silky primer under foundation, for your glow-on-the-go. The bright packaging reminiscent of nature will keep you excited about the love and well-being of your precious skin!
MYHRU fresh-feeling products are full of life, the very ethos that makes them the ideal partner for the enigmatic singer and songwriter, Amanda Strydom who serves as ambassador. Use code AMANDA100 to score R100 off all purchases via their online store.
Where to get it: Find MYHRU’s goods online here.
Website: myhru.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @myhruofficial | Instagram: @myhru
IWORI BEAUTY OF AFRICA
Iwori Beauty of Africa is a local bath, body, hair, and skincare brand inspired by the earth and age-old wisdom passed down from generation to generation. These luxurious formulations are vegan approved and have never been tested on animals. They are also guaranteed to be free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, and other ingredients perceived to be harsh on the skin and the environment.
Each product is proudly designed, manufactured, and packaged in South Africa. Iwori Beauty of Africa uses organic key ingredients which are sustainably sourced through small farming communities: all within Africa.
Take a look at one of its customer favourites: the Hydrating Facial Toner. This dermatologist-approved formulation is gentle on skin and enriched with organic African Baobab Oil. It effectively clarifies skin, refines pores, and removes impurities.
The high concentration of nourishing ingredients, including Baobab Oil, Vitamin E, and Witch Hazel, help to leave skin feeling healthier and revitalised. If this doesn’t have you rushing to add this product to your skin routine, hear what this loyal Iwori customer has to say: “It’s purifying, hydrating, vegan, and made locally – I couldn’t ask for more from my toner!”.
Where to get it: Shop the Iwori range at Clicks stores nationwide, or online via their website.
Website: iworibeauty.com | | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 0800 333 308
Facebook: @iworibeauty | Instagram: @iworibeauty
NATURALS BEAUTY
Naturals Beauty is a small, family-run business, known for its range of handcrafted products, made with only the freshest natural ingredients. That means no mass manufacturing, and also no petrochemicals, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and harmful chemicals.
Naturals Beauty is a win-win for your skin, and for the earth around you. It doesn’t test its products on animals, and it doesn’t use any source products who conduct animal testing either.
This local beauty brand is known for its customer care and offers a selection of products for all ages. This includes its R&R Baby Range, Kid’s Range, Teen Range and Mature Skincare Range. It also stocks other skincare collections dedicated to making you feel like a million bucks, like The Essential Collection of botanical, eco-friendly cleansers, creams and serums which offer anti-aging benefits.
As Naturals Beauty often says, it is ethical, effective and affordable. What more could you want to celebrate your body?
Where to get it: You can visit Naturals Beauty online to shop, otherwise, the products are available at an extensive number of stockists nationwide.
Website: naturalsbeauty.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @NaturalsBeauty1 | Instagram: @naturalsbeauty
GAIA ORGANICS
Gaia Organics offers natural, organic skincare and healthcare products all based from the heart of Plettenberg Bay. Now into its 3rd decade of operating, this business uses innovative ingredients to keep things beautiful for people, animals, and the earth alike.
Keep things local-loving with Gaia Organics’ range of over 70 products from natural sunscreens to simple oxygen-based products designed to bring your body into balance. Look out for innovative ingredients like seaweed, green tea, pure essential oils, and herbs such as Asiatica and Gotu kola.
This business keeps things small and personal, and its small team of dedicated staff is determined to give you a truly beautiful experience with friendly advice and caring service. Do not be fooled: Gaia Organics’ tiny team still supplies over 180 outlets nationwide, so there is plenty of opportunities to look after your skin with these planet-loving products.
Where to get it: Shop online for Gaia Organics at its website here.
Website: gaiaorganics.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 467 0799
Facebook: @www.gaiaorganics.co.za | Instagram: @gaiaorganicsskincare
LE NATUREL
Inspired by the power of fynbos, Le Naturel is a luxury beauty brand using no chemicals, fragrances, colourants, or parabens. Here is a chance to reconnect with nature by incorporating one of its many wonders into your daily skincare routine.
Its business model is totally centred around the well-being of the earth, striving to do business in a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and natural way. Le Naturel uses fynbos from the natural shrubland near streams on the lower slopes of the Western Cape mountains. These indigenous medicinal plants have been used for centuries by locals, known for their incredible healing benefits and enchanting aromas.
Le Naturel infuses natural unique oils in their products derived from botanical and natural ingredients that are purposefully combined to create blends with great remedial purpose. Every ingredient is specifically chosen for each blend, based on its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. These include skin-brightening Rosehip Oil, healing Argan Oil, and the antioxidant Buchu Essential Oil. Choose a brand that is kind to people, to the earth, and to your skin.
Where to get it: Shop online for Le Natural at its website.
Website: lenaturel.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @lenaturelproducts | Instagram: @le.naturel
CHERISH BEAUTY
Cherish Beauty offers a transformative collection of targeted and concentrated high-performance natural products guaranteed to rejuvenate your skin and indulge your senses. These beauty products are 100% natural and cruelty-free. It also does its bit for the environment, using only non-toxic, eco-friendly ingredients, with recyclable packaging.
Treat yourself to Cherish Beauty’s extensive range of face care products for different skin types, including cleansers, toners, moisturisers, serums, and masks. Choose what is best for you! Be sure to browse its other skin goodies, from aromatherapy rollers, serums, to gentle baby products.
Handcrafted right on the beautiful coasts of KwaZulu Natal, Cherish Beauty promises the opportunity to use nourishing skincare solutions for conscious, healthy and – of course – beautiful living.
Make every day a spa day with Cherish Beauty. After all, your skin and wellbeing are two things definitely worth cherishing.
Where to get it: Shop the Cherish Beauty range for delivery via their online store.
Website: cherish beauty.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 074 186 6926
Facebook: @CherishBeauty2 | Instagram: @cherishbeauty1
MASODI ORGANICS
Masodi Organics is an online-based beauty shop that makes and sells 100% natural hair and skin products, founded by Liz Letsoalo. A brand inspired by nature’s nourishment.
Products are made with meticulous attention to detail, from the ingredients selected, to the essential oils used for nutrition and a refreshing fragrance. Crafted with care and the environment in mind, the majority of the products are sulfate-free and contain no harsh chemicals.
Specialising in natural-based shampoo, conditioner, hair oil and body butter, as well as satin head wraps and pillowcases for glowing hair and skin. Liz is in the process of launching Rave, a mobile beauty service that brings hair, make-up, and nail services to clients in the comfort of their home.
Where to get it: The full range is available via their online store
Website: masodiorganics.com | Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @masodiorganics | Instagram: @masodi_organics
GOODLEAF
Goodleaf prides itself on the belief that sharing its deep-rooted cannabis passion and knowledge can promote wellness and also cultivate an improved quality of life.
They’ve curated a premium range of CBD lifestyle products including a variety of skincare, drops, vapes, and beverages. You can feel confident that their product range fully is transparent and meets the highest standards in terms of origins, dosage and quality. A small library of books for essential reading on everything cannabis is also on offer.
The Goodleaf range is derived from the hemp plant and is 100% legal to buy and enjoy in the form of your choice. All products are third-party tested (with Certificates of Analysis available on request), so you can be certain of what you are putting into your body. And lastly, all their products are free of THC, so there’s no chance of getting ‘high’.
Where to get it: Visit their chic concept store in Gardens or shop online
Website: goodleaf.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 286 9055
Facebook: @foragoodleaf | Instagram: @foragoodleaf
