Medical Expertise Meets Skin Science: How Epicutis Elevates South African Skincare

Medical Expertise Meets Skin Science: How Epicutis Elevates South African Skincare. When Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe, a dermatologist and senior lecturer at the University of the Free State, teamed up with his wife Mantwa Makhakhe, a business operations expert, they launched Epicutis Skin Care Range in October 2022. Their goal was clear: create dermatologist‑formulated skincare tailored specifically for African skin and climate conditions. Their journey offers meaningful lessons on science‑based innovation, local manufacturing, and strategic scaling in a competitive beauty space.

From Clinic to Cream The Founders’ Vision

Dr Makhakhe encountered recurring limitations in conventional skincare treatments during his dermatology practice. Motivated by firsthand patient experience and rigorous academic research, he pursued a postgraduate diploma in formulation science and partnered with the South African Institute of Dermatology to formulate products grounded in clinical efficacy.

Meanwhile Mantwa lent her operational acumen, drawing on her BCom in Economics, culinary arts diploma, and financial planning certification, to build a robust business infrastructure. Together they built Epicutis not only as a product line, but as a purpose-led skincare business focused on health, authenticity, and local impact.

Developing Science‑Backed Products with Local Relevance

From the outset Epicutis positioned itself as a science‑based skincare range informed by clinical dermatology rather than marketing hype. Its product catalogue, featuring body creams, lotions, petroleum jelly, hand soaps, face creams, night creams, aqueous creams and CBD products, is formulated to address common African skin concerns like dark spots, eczema and dryness.

Each product undergoes stability testing for pH, viscosity and microbiological safety. Ingredients are carefully chosen for functionality, from anti inflammatory agents to hydrating lipids and packaged in small batches to ensure quality. This scientific rigor offers credibility consumers can feel.

Key Milestones That Spotlight Growth

One early landmark was the product launch in October 2022, officially supported by the University of the Free State. Within one year, Epicutis was stocked in over 25 SPAR outlets across Free State, North West, and Gauteng.

Another milestone was registering certain creams with medical aids for eczema and dermatitis treatment. Providing access via pharmacies boosted Epicutis’ reach among patients seeking clinically validated skincare.

By mid‑2023 the company had grown to over 25 employees, primarily based in Bloemfontein, focusing on production, logistics and quality control. Local procurement of ingredients and packaging reinforced brand values and contributed to regional economic upliftment.

Overcoming Challenges with Medical Authority and Local Mission

Entering the skincare market meant facing established global brands backed by large budgets. Epicutis overcame this through medical authority. With formulation led by a practicing dermatologist and supported by scientific research, Epicutis offered more than marketing, it offered results.

Limited funding and production scale presented early hurdles. To manage risk, the founders opted for lean operations and small‑batch production while steadily reinvesting revenue. Mantwa’s financial discipline and Dr Makhakhe’s industry networking helped navigate supply chain and distribution challenges.

Innovation from Research to Retail

Epicutis stays ahead by aligning innovation with scientific need. The brand plans to launch a day cream and foam face wash by late 2023. Their patented Hyvia lipid serum, rich in salvia hispanica (chia seed) oil and other functional lipids, is designed for sensitive skin hydration.

Packaging innovations include fragrance‑free and CBD‑infused creams for stretch mark therapy and intensive repair. Each formulation targets specific skin conditions while remaining dermatologist approved. This combination of clinical intent and product range enhances both credibility and consumer loyalty.

Actionable Lessons for Entrepreneurs

• Leverage your expertise. Epicutis benefitted from Dr Makhakhe’s clinical knowledge and academic rigor.
• Root innovation in real need. The brand addressed a gap in skincare suitable for African skin and climate.
• Prioritize quality over scale. Small‑batch production maintained consistency early on.
• Use credible validation. Registration with medical aids and clinical formulation built consumer trust.
• Foster local impact. Hiring locally and sourcing locally aligned business growth with social impact.
• Expand through partnerships. SPAR listings and discussions with major retailers opened market reach.
• Develop purpose‑led branding. Epicutis is not just skincare, it is dermatologist‑crafted wellness for all skin types.

A Brand Defined by Science and Service

Today Epicutis Skin Care Range stands as a homegrown, clinical skincare brand with authentic promise and growing distribution reach. Lehlohonolo and Mantwa show how combining medical expertise and operational discipline can build a brand that delivers results and impact.

Their story offers a clear roadmap for entrepreneurs: solve a real problem, build credibility, start small, and scale with purpose. Epicutis is poised to redefine affordable, high‑quality skincare for African consumers, one scientifically formulated cream at a time.