8 Must-Try Cruelty-Free Skincare Brands in South Africa

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.

So 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.

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 super strengths 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. This serum is developed for all skin types and serves as a gentle yet versatile serum that also compliments any other cosmetic product, and makes for a wonderful silky primer under foundation, for your glow-on-the-go.

See Details: 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. The Hydrating Facial Toner is amongst one of the customer favourites and is adored for its gentleness on the skin. It effectively clarifies skin, refines pores, and removes impurities. It has a high concentration of nourishing ingredients, including Baobab Oil, Vitamin E, and Witch Hazel, help to leave skin feeling healthier and revitalised.

See Details: Iwori Beauty of Africa

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.

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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.

See Detaisls: Gaia Organics

Le Naturel

Inspired by the power of fynbos, Le Naturel is a luxury beauty brand that uses no chemicals, fragrances, colourants, or parabens. Its business model is completely centred around the well-being of the earth, striving to do business in a sustainable and natural way. Le Naturel uses fynbos from the 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.

The brand 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. So choose a brand that is kind to people, to the earth, and to your skin.

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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.

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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 sulphate-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.

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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 and many others. You can feel confident that their product range fully is transparent and meets the highest standards in terms of origins, dosage and quality.

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.

See Details: Goodleaf