Review: Africology

Wednesday, 2 March 2011

The people at Africology recently got in touch and asked if they could send us some samples of their organic skin care products. We happily agreed, in keeping with our goal of creating awareness for green brands and products and promoting a culture of eco-conscious consumption.

The Africology range is naturally and ethically formulated and is completely free from chemicals. They also contain essential oils which are said to align skin, body and mind and enhance overall wellbeing.

We tested the body scrub (R212), body lotion (R225) and anti-oxidant serum (R460).

The body scrub is made from sunflower oil, walnut and marula shell and is fantastic as a body exfoliator. It doesn’t lather much, but the combination of rough grains and nourishing oil leaves your skin feeling plump and polished.

The body lotion is a silky application formulated with natural oils such as apricot kernel, and is designed to boost the production of collagen. Unlike most commercially sold moisturisers, this one deeply nourishes your skin without leaving it too oily.

The anti-oxidant serum is my favourite of the three products. You apply drops of it to your face and neck just before you moisturise in order to improve elasticity and texture. I have no idea what exactly it does or how it works, but my skin felt incredible for the entire day after I used it. Highly recommend.

Africology won three categories at the Fairlady Best of Beauty Awards last year, one for the wonderful anti-oxidant serum. The products have a wonderfully earthy smell which lingers as a pleasant reminder that the essential oils are working on your skin throughout the day. Read on to find out more about this fantastic brand and it’s founder.

The Africology range offers a comprehensive selection of skin care, bath and shower, beauty, and nutrition products, many of which are stocked by luxury spas and wellness centres all over the world.

Founder and CEO Renchia Droganis started Africology in 2001. A trained life coach, metaphysical counsellor, Reiki master and aroma therapist, Renchia has an in-depth understanding of the human condition and the restorative processes which take place inside our bodies every day.

Not one to stop learning and growing, Renchia has also applied herself to astrology, Jungian psychology, metaphysics and ancient Indian Vedic studies.  Her view of the world is one of sharing, learning and developing as human beings while respecting the environment.

She was kind enough to answer some questions for us:

• What are the advantages/benefits of using natural health and beauty products?

Our bodies are loaded with chemicals as a by-product of everyday living. With all-natural skin care we avoid the use of chemicals that can not only disrupt the integrity of the skin but also damage the endocrine system.

• Do you think the green cosmetic industry is growing?

Absolutely it is; more people prefer to apply body applications that are natural and kind, and that will support the body in its daily recovery process from the effects of the environment.

• Have you noticed increasing demand for ethically and environmentally responsible products?

Consciousness is growing and consumers are aware of positive energy exchanges. By purchasing a product with environmental and social consciousness, one feels more appreciative of one’s contribution towards making this world a better place.

• Do you think environmental responsibility will ever supercede other consumer decision influencing factors such as price?

Currently people in lower income brackets still work on pricing rather than quality. However, we have noticed from our retail experience that there is an increase in desire to purchase products that are good at a slightly higher price. It is almost as if the consumer is giving themselves a gift.

• Where can we currently purchase Africology products and are there any plans to expand the distribution network?

Africology is available online as well as in selected luxury hotels and spas around the world, and from our Rosebank flagship store. We have plans to roll out more stores in Cape Town, Durban, Australia, and Belgium this year.

Renchia is not a passenger

Part of the revenue generated by Africology goes into the Africology Education Fund, which provides the financial means to put underprivileged children through school and university. Africology also focuses on developing the income potential of very poor communities. The marula oil used in Africology products is one of the raw materials Renchia sources from a community project.

Renchia is also setting up a campaign this summer to provide isolated communities with water tanks which will encourage these communities to cultivate their own crops. For her efforts to make a difference to the people of South Africa, Renchia received the Spa Humanitarian Award in 2007 from Les Nouvelles Estétique, a leading spa trade magazine in South Africa.