University of the Free State: UFS lecturer and postgraduate students launch new skincare company
A senior lecturer and specialist in the Department of Dermatology at the University of the Free State (UFS) and his two associates, who are also postgraduate students at the university, have realised their dream when they launch their skincare company next month.
Dr Lehlohonolo Makhakhe, a full-time medical specialist (dermatologist), Dr Maanda Tshikororo, a medical doctor and a postgraduate student in the Department of Psychiatry, and Mrs Mantwa Makhakhe, who holds a BCom Economics degree and is currently completing her postgraduate diploma in financial planning, are the directors of Epicutis Skincare. Dr Makhakhe, who is also a PhD candidate registered with UFS, is the Chief Executive Officer and primary formulation scientist for the company, while Dr Tshikororo is the Chief Marketing Officer and Mrs Makhakhe the Chief Operating Officer.
The company is launching on 22 October 2022.
Narrowing the gap between treating skin ailments and manufacturing skincare products
According to Dr Makhakhe, who published the very first comprehensive African atlas on skin diseases commonly seen in the African setting,The African Atlas, synopsis and practical guide to clinical dermatology, says Epicutis is a company which will produce a range of personal skincare products. The range will comprise of products such as body lotions, body creams, petroleum jelly and a night cream. Since becoming a dermatologist, he has always wished to narrow the gap between being a clinician treating skin ailments and being involved in manufacturing skincare products.
“Creating products as a dermatologist has great benefits, because the products are created from a clinician’s perspective, with more intentional results. All ingredients used were carefully selected for their specific and scientifically proven benefits, they were then tested for stability in terms of viscosity, pH, microbiology in association with the South African Institute of Dermatology and other third parties,” says Dr Makhakhe.
Ecstatic about the upcoming launch
Dr Tshikororo says this has been an adventure they have always thought of undertaking. “We finally reached a point of shifting from the comfort of dreaming about it, to taking action.”
“We hope our company will play a notable role in creating permanent employment for the youth, and also have an impact on the growth of the economy of the Free State province and that of the country as well,” says Mrs Makhakhe.
The three directors are ecstatic about the upcoming launch of their products, and optimistic that there is enough room for new, affordable, locally manufactured skincare products that are suitable for all family members.