How Skin Gourmet is Nourishing Ghana’s Economy Through Edible Skincare

In a Nielsen IQ survey, 69% of consumers said sustainability has become more important to them over the last two years, yet 1 in 4 consumers believe companies are not making it easy for them to act sustainably. At the same time, the unavailability of good quality sources often makes it hard for companies to make sustainable and affordable skincare products.

One Ghanaian startup, Skin Gourmet, has used its geographical leverage and traditional knowledge to create pure, sustainable skincare products. Their products are locally sourced, community-driven, and do not rely on preservatives. Since they use all-natural ingredients, these products are safe and edible. 

The ‘edible’ aspect is important for Violet Amoabeng, the startup’s CEO.

Whatever you put on your skin will end up inside your body. So, why would you put it on your skin if it’s unsafe to eat?

– Violet Amoabeng, CEO of Skin Gourmet

We spoke to her to learn more about how they create edible and sustainable skincare products and how they’re better. 

This interview is part of GreyB’s Scouted series. In this series, we spotlight innovative startups and speak to their founders about how their solutions can revolutionize the industry by solving problems. You can find all those interviews here in text and video format.

Author’s note: Here’s a report on five precision skincare startups worth exploring.

Overview – Building a Sustainable Cosmetics Brand: An Interview with Violet, CEO of Skin Gourmet

Skin Gourmet is a cosmetics startup from Ghana that harnesses the nation’s abundant natural resources and traditional knowledge to create high-quality skincare products. Founded by Violet, who brings personal passion and cultural authenticity to the company, Skin Gourmet is distinguished by its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. The brand prioritizes using edible, chemical-free ingredients while boosting Ghana’s economy and preserving traditional knowledge.

Check out the full conversation here.

Here are key highlights from the discussion to read at a glance.

What is Skin Gourmet’s product technology?

Our skincare products are made with natural, edible ingredients from local Ghanaian communities. We use traditional preservation techniques to create edible skincare products that are safe enough to eat and have a long shelf life without artificial preservatives. What sets our product apart is its purity. Our formulations typically contain seven ingredients or less, with no added chemicals.

We work closely with local communities to source pre-processed raw materials, which are further processed in our factory using handmade and machine techniques. This allows us to create jobs and preserve traditional knowledge while producing high-quality skincare. Our products reflect a deep respect for nature and traditional knowledge, making them unique.

How do you maintain the quality and shelf life of edible skincare products without preservatives?

We utilize traditional preservation techniques that have been used for generations in Ghana. For example, our shea butter lasts three years, while some products like black soap and honey don’t expire.

We also have policies to ensure product freshness, such as a six-month exchange policy for retailers and a willingness to replace any product a consumer feels has gone off. In ten years of business, we’ve never had a complaint about product expiration.

What Are Your Expansion Plans for Skin Gourmet?

Looking ahead, our primary focus is scaling our impact and product offerings. We aim to penetrate the North American and European markets, as both have strong consumer bases that value natural and ethically produced skincare.

Our growth strategy involves collaborating with local communities to ensure we continue to uphold our commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices as we scale. We are also exploring accelerator programs to understand better how to measure our impact effectively and make our operations scalable. This dual focus on expanding our market presence while maximizing our positive impact on communities drives our strategy.

How Do You Maintain Your Brand’s Authenticity During Growth?

Maintaining authenticity during growth is a challenge, but it is crucial. We build relationships with communities based on collaboration rather than a master-servant dynamic. The key is ensuring everyone involved understands their value in our processes, fostering a culture of mutual benefit.

Additionally, we constantly review our practices to ensure they align with our mission. As we grow, we incorporate more technology into our operations while preserving the handcrafted elements that reflect our commitment to quality and community engagement. This balance allows us to scale sustainably and maintain the essence of what Skin Gourmet stands for.

What is Your Approach to Patents and Intellectual Property?

At Skin Gourmet, we recognize the importance of protecting our brand and unique formulations through trademarks and patents if necessary. However, I believe that the heart of our brand lies in authenticity. Consumers are buying a product and buying into our story and the values we represent.

While we have made legal preparations to safeguard our brand, I prioritize building a strong connection with consumers through transparency and quality. A compelling brand story can often outweigh the need for aggressive intellectual property measures. If we maintain our genuineness and integrity, we will create a brand that consumers truly resonate with, making it difficult for others to replicate our success.

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Meet our Interviewer – Vikas Jha, AVP, Solutions at GreyB

Read next: 4.5.6 Skin’s Customized Skincare Solutions for People of Color – Insights from CEO Noelly Michoux.

Authored By: Hemanth Shenoy, Market Research