The Natural Africa
receive a complimentary rosehip oil when you purchase our Cape Aloe Serum!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Natural and Organic vs synthetic chemical skincare?

We know that what we apply to the skin affects our skin health, our future health and our brain health. The skin absorbs approximately 60% of what is applied to it and it secretes and sweats out toxins. It is a miraculous organ of self regulation. We feel that the skin works best when it has natural ingredients supporting and working with it, helping to support skin function and the skins ability to heal.

What is a serum?

Essentially, a serum is a highly concentrated formulation of active ingredients that is designed to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver specific, targeted results. They’re intended for daily use, and come in a variety of consistencies - but are generally lighter than oils or creams. Read more about serums in this blog post.

What makes The Natural unique?

The Natural provides scientifically formulated, restorative skincare in the way that nature intended. We capture the power of African Botanicals and the best actives natural science has to offer, empowering you to love your skin, and care for our planet. Our focus is on delivering pure, effective, organic formulas at the peak of their power – yet safe enough for the whole family.

Are your products vegan friendly?

All ingredients in The Natural are 100% vegan-friendly.

Are your products tested on animals?

None of the raw ingredients used in The Natural have ever or will ever be tested on animals.

Is your packaging recyclable?

Our bottles are made from HDPE which is 100% recyclable but not degradable.

HDPE is accepted at most recycling centres in the world, as it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle. Most recycling companies will collect HDPE products and take these to large facilities to be processed.

What are the benefits of Aloe Vera in skincare?

Aloe Vera is a super-ingredient of the Botanical world. It’s full of vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals that provide healing relief, slows signs of aging and reduces inflammation. Read more about it in this blog post.

What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance that works to help retain the much-needed moisture our skin so desperately needs - but as we get older levels tend to deplete which can lead to dullness and loss of elasticity along with fine lines and wrinkles. Its primary function is restoring and retaining moisture and can hold up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water. Read more about it in this blog post.

What is the difference between Low Molecular Weight HA vs other forms of HA?

The size of the molecule differs. High molecular weight HA is a large molecule that cannot penetrate the skin. IT sits on the surface where it holds water (HA has an incredible ability to hold water) and makes it available to the skin. This significantly increases hydration of the upper layers of the skin – with all the resulting benefits attached to that.

Low Molecular weight HA is a smaller molecule that can penetrate the skin. It travels down to the dermis where it acts as a “water reservoir” holding water and increasing the hydration of the lowe layers of the skin. Together, these two provides multi-layer hydration to the skin.

What are Jojoba Esters?

Jojoba esters in The Natural Serum are extracted through the hydrogenation of Jojoba oil. It’s known for its incredible ability to soothe and soften the skin, improving skin elasticity and firmness. It has a remarkable similarity to the natural oils produced by the human skin, therefore acting as a protective layer that aids moisture retention.

What is Devils Claw?

Our Devils Claw is extracted from the deserts of Namibia. It relieves skin redness, inflammation and puffiness (ideal for acne-prone, irritated or sensitive skin), has anti-inflammatory properties, and aids in skin regeneration.

How should I store my serum?

Store at room temperature (around 25 degrees Celsius)

Is The Natural Serum beneficial for dry skin?

The Natural contains key ingredients that intensely hydrate the skin, increases cell turnover rate (getting rid of dead skin cells), and soothes and restores skin barrier. This helps to retain moisture in the skin and treat dry skin.

Is the Natural Serum beneficial for oily skin?

Often oily skin is due to the skin being dehydrated. It overcompensates by producing excess oil. HA offers intense, ultra lightweight hydration that restores skin balance without greasiness. Vitamin C assists in moisture retention, helping restore the balance in the skin.

Are the fragrances in your product natural and safe?

The Natural does not use any synthetic fragrances in its products. Our rose and grapefruit essential oils are 100% naturally-derived.

I'm interested in more details about the lesser known ingredients in your serum, can you give a more detailed breakdown?

Hectorite is a naturally occurring clay mineral, used as a thickening agent in cosmetic products.

 

Propanediol is a colourless liquid that's naturally derived from corn glucose, or corn sugar. Propanediol is used as a solvent, humectant, and emollient.

 

Gluconolactone belongs to a group of acids known as PHAs, poly-hydroxy acids and has the ability to remove the dead cells from the outer most layer of the skin, resulting in a smoother, brighter, complexion.


Sodium benzoate is used in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal care products and acts as a preservative.

What preservative do you use in your product?

Sodium benzoate is the preservative used in The Natural. It is primarily an anti-fungal agent and also is effective against bacteria.