“Most skincare today either strips the skin or overwhelms it,” said Nick Hunt, General Manager RTSCBeauty. “Sel:pH is engineered to reset the skin to where it naturally thrives, at 5.5. When you restore balance first, you treat acne more effectively, retain moisture properly, and unlock a glow that comes from healthy skin function — not surface shine.”

“The shift we are seeing is not just about product preference. It’s about a fundamentally different relationship between the consumer and the category. South Africans have become genuinely ingredient-literate. They are approaching skincare the way they approach health; with questions, with scepticism, and with high expectations.”

“I spent a long time studying longevity cultures in the East, where populations are known globally for their clear, healthy complexions. What stood out to me was their focus on supporting the body rather than forcing external change,” says Carroll. “I then focused on sourcing ingredients that were both pure and effective. The cherry blossom extract from Japan was especially important because of its long history in skin health and its antioxidant properties. When combined with rose bud extract and vegan L Cysteine, the goal was to create something that supports the skin at a cellular level, rather than relying on quick fixes.”