There are so many brands and formulas to choose from it’s hard to know where to start when buying the best skin products in South Africa.
The simplest approach is to be guided by your skin type. Look for products that target your needs with results backed by research – and reviews.
At Hairhouse Warehouse, we offer the best skin products in South Africa used by professionals in salons, spas and barber shops. Here, they’re available to you online.
We also answer your FAQs about skin products.
Overall best moisturiser
All skin types need moisture and this ultra-light, dry-touch moisturiser is the perfect all-rounder for face and body. As a bonus, it offers vital sun protection – essential in South Africa.
Avocado and coconut oils, along with soothing aloe vera, pamper and nourish the skin while guarding from environmental damage.
Pharmagel’s exclusive Photosome Complex, formulated from marine plankton, liposomes and enzymes, helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Despite its heavyweight ingredients, the sheer, silky finish doesn’t leave skin greasy or shiny.
What we like:
Amazon 4.3
“This is the best moisturiser with sunscreen I have ever used. It has little-to-no scent, it’s moisturising and helps my skin so much.”
– Natavia C (Amazon)“I love this moisturiser/sunscreen. I use it in the morning to help prevent sun-damaged skin and at night as a moisturiser before bed. Goes on nicely; a little goes a long way!”
– Beverly VD (Amazon)
Best face cream
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient that’s a gamechanger when it comes to lubricating and hydrating skin. This velvety-soft face cream is formulated with triple hyaluronic acid (high and low molecular weight hyaluron as well as cross-linked hyaluron) to provide truly intensive hydration.
Prickly pear and sweet almond oil provide moisture and nourishment, facilitating the skin’s natural ability to regenerate itself. High in antioxidants and vitamins, they increase cell turnover, brighten your complexion and restore elasticity.
What’s more, it’s quickly absorbed into the skin and leaves no greasy residue.
What we like:
Amazon 4.9
“Absorbs quickly, no oily film on the skin, no burning in the eyes (as is often the case with other creams)…. highly recommended.”
– Iris B (Amazon)“The cream absorbs well into the skin and is soft and velvety afterwards. It’s economical to use, well tolerated and has a pleasant smell. I highly recommend this cream.”
– Anonymous (Amazon)
Best eye serum
The skin around the eyes is very thin, sensitive and vulnerable to dryness and irritation. This serum is packed full of active ingredients that soothe and restore dry, lined and dark eyes.
Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin, leaving it noticeably more supple, soft and less lined after just a few applications. Use morning and evening after cleansing and moisturising.
What we like:
Best facial mist
This vitamin C face mist is a complexion transformer in hot South African summers – the perfect pick-me-up spritz spray. Don’t leave home without it.
The lightweight mist uses brightening vitamin C and invigorating caffeine to refresh, revive and energise the skin, leaving it brighter, softer and dewier.
Hold the bottle 10 cm from face and lightly mist to be instantly revived with a fresh citrusy fragrance. It’s also free from parabens, sulphates, propylene glycol and mineral oil.
What we like:
Just My Look ***** (5 stars)
“Purchased for summer but used already. It feels great.” – Yvonne B (Just My Look)
Best scar treatment
This treatment contains rosa mosqueta seed oil, a powerful moisturising agent that boosts cellular renewal to reduce the appearance of facial scars.
Rich in fatty acids, it also helps restore the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance and texture of blemishes. Apply twice a day for at least a month.
What we like:
Amazon 4.6
Best toner
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Skintruth Soothing TonerR111.85 – R287.55
Some toners feel harsh but this toner from Skintruth is specially formulated to clarify, calm and soothe sensitive skin.
Unlike many toners, it’s alcohol free. Soothing chamomile extract and calming lavender leave skin feeling refreshed, smooth and relaxed. It’s formulated for allergic and sensitive skin but is ideal for all skin types.
What we like:
Sally Beauty 5
“Love this toner. Used it for a couple of years now. So refreshing and does the job.”
– Deanna W (Sally Beauty)“Very good quality toner. Great fragrance, too.”
– Emma J (Sally Beauty)
Best acne treatment
If you’re looking for a treatment for adult or teenage acne, look no further than this three-step regimen.
The cleanser, spot treatment and moisturiser all contain salicylic acid – the essential active ingredient in acne treatments. The natural beta hydroxy acid derived from the white willow plant dries and clears acne blemishes and allows skin to heal. It’s able to penetrate oil-laden pores and hair follicles to deeply clarify.
The anti-bacterial cleanser washes away oils and excess sebum. A targeted spot treatment clears up blemishes, prevents the development of breakouts, and allows skin to heal. Lightweight, non-comedogenic medicated moisturiser gel hydrates and absorbs excess oils while reducing redness.
Other active ingredients (sodium PCA, sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E) combine to improve the appearance of problem skin, while copper peptide helps minimise scar tissue. Use twice daily to see real results.
What we like:
Amazon 4.4
“…I couldn’t believe the results. I am usually covered in red spots all over my face but today, two months after using, my face is almost completely clear. Would definitely recommend using all three items together every day.”
– Megan (HHWH)“If you are having break outs and acne I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this product, but you have to be consistent with it. Do not skip your face care routine. Wash your face every day and night. It cleared my skin all the way and I don’t have acne anymore.”
– Sarah G (Amazon)
Best moisturiser for men
A moisturiser is an essential step in everyone’s daily skin routine and this product is formulated especially for men’s skin, which is generally thicker and produces more sebum than women’s.
Powerful active ingredients in Reyouth cream (whiskey extract, almond, grapeseed and avocado oils, aloe vera, caffeine and cucumber extract) ensure a healthy moisture and oil balance, while hydrating and firming.
The cream is quickly absorbed and leaves a fresh herbal scent. The most reluctant man will want to use this product.
What we like:
Best foaming cleanser
This cleanser is a refreshing alternative that uses micellar water to clean the face. The gentle formula removes dirt, debris and build-up without leaving the skin feeling dry and stripped.
Daisy flower and helichrysum extract give long-lasting hydration and improved radiance, while leaving the skin feeling soft and relaxed. The lavender fragrance is subtle and calming.
What we like: