Top 10 Cosmetic Raw Material Suppliers in South Africa

South Africa’s cosmetic raw materials landscape is shaped by extraordinary biodiversity, a mature chemicals sector, and growing commitments to ethical, traceable sourcing. Serving both domestic brands and export markets across the SADC region and beyond, they provide end-to-end support: standardized extracts, high-purity actives, functional ingredients for skin and hair, and formulation assistance tailored to clean-beauty and sustainability goals. This article profiles the leading raw cosmetic ingredients suppliers, their strengths, and their signature product lines powering South Africa’s fast-evolving beauty ecosystem.

ESP – Essential Specialised Products

Website: https://esp-sa.co.za/

ESP is a preferred Ingredient & Raw Material supplier to the Southern African Market. Specialising in the personal care and cosmetic market, ESP is a dynamic business offering a unique customer experience. Its ingredients are sourced from leading innovative and reputable global partners.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Local stockist for personal-care raw materials

2. Wide selection suited to indie and SME manufacturers

3. Training resources/workshops (periodic)

Key Products :

Cosmetic Ingredients (Pty) Ltd

Website: https://cosmetic-ingredients.co.za/

Cosmetic Ingredients (Pty) Ltd supplies head-to-toe ingredients, formulation solutions and ideas to businesses. It is a business-to-business company that distributes speciality and claims ingredients from manufacturers all over the globe to the southern African cosmetic and personal care manufacturers.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Distributor for established global principals

2. Focused on cosmetics/pharma ingredients with documentation

3. Technical guidance for local regulations

Key Products :

Botanichem

Website: https://botanichem.co.za/

Botanichem was established with the vision of being a reliable and affordable supplier of ingredients to the cosmetics industry. It has a particular focus on plant-derived cosmetic ingredients, which support sustainable products, fair trade products, and the global trend towards organic and safe products.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Supplier of natural/botanical extracts

2. Focus on local botanicals and clean beauty

3. Small-batch options for artisan brands

Key Products :

Chempack Industries

Website: https://www.cpack.co.za/skin-care

Chempack Industries is a specialist chemical distributor of raw materials and consumables to the hair care and skin care industries in South Africa. It is committed to creating sustainable partnerships by providing innovative and competitive sourcing solutions. Its unique approach to chemical distribution offers a variety of products and services tailored to fit the needs of each customer.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Regional distributor for chemicals including personal care

2. Inventory breadth and logistics support

3. Sourcing of commodity-to-specialty items

Key Products :

Isivuno Naturals

Website: https://www.isivunonaturals.com

Supplier Advantages:

1. DIY-friendly raw materials with clear usage guides

2. Strong catalogue for natural/handmade brands

3. Small MOQs with national shipping

Key Products：

ORCHEM (REDA)

Website: https://orchem.co.za/

ORCHEM is part of the REDA Chemicals Group, the leading specialty chemicals distributor in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Global distribution group with personal-care portfolio

2. Access to multinational principals

3. Regional logistics and tech support

Key Products：

AECI Industrial Chemicals

Website: https://www.aeciworld.com/industrial-chemicals

AECI Industrial Chemicals is a leading manufacturer and distributor of bulk chemicals to industry in South Africa and other countries on the African continent. To complement this portfolio, a comprehensive catalogue of quality industrial commodity products supplied from several leading international trade partners is available. Its products are applied in sectors that include mining, pulp & paper, energy, agriculture, automotive, petro-chemicals, water treatment, personal and home care, timber, foundry, and food & beverage.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Large chemicals player with personal-care relevant inputs

2. National footprint and compliance systems

3. Integration with broader AECI group (supply reliability)

Key Products ：

Watch Video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aeciplanthealth

CJP Chemicals (Pty) Ltd

Website: https://www.cjpchemicals.co.za/

CJP Chemicals boasts a proud history in Southern Africa and is deeply committed to providing excellence and innovation to its Customers and Principals.

Supplier Advantages:

1. One of SA’s leading chemical distributors with a personal-care line

2. Multiple warehouses and national coverage

3. Sourcing breadth across categories

Key Products：

IMCD South Africa

Website: https://www.imcdsa.co.za/

IMCD operates with a wide range of specialty chemicals and ingredients sourced from top global manufacturers. The IMCD team leverages their market-focused expertise and global knowledge to create forward-looking solutions that ignite innovation.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Global distributor with SA technical center (personal care focus incl. ethnic hair/skin)

2. Extensive warehousing in major SA hubs

3. Access to leading international principals and demo formulations

Key Products:

Watch Video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/imcdstories

Delta Colours

Website: https://www.deltacolours.com/

South Africa’s leading supplier of organic, inorganic pigments and speciality chemicals for plastics, coatings, inks, construction and cosmetics.

Supplier Advantages:

1. Leading SA supplier of organic/inorganic pigments (incl. ultramarines)

2. Strong stock availability and technical support

3. Network of global pigment principals

Key Products ：