Home / Lifestyle / Skincare Is Either Stripping or Suffocating Your Skin — Sel:pH Launches in South Africa to Reset It at 5.5

Skincare Is Either Stripping or Suffocating Your Skin — Sel:pH Launches in South Africa to Reset It at 5.5

South African consumers have long been forced to choose between harsh, alkaline products that trigger oil and breakouts — or overly acidic formulas that dry, irritate, and weaken the skin barrier.

Sel:pH is entering the market to challenge that imbalance.

Built around the science of optimal skin function, Sel:pH formulations are calibrated to restore the skin to its natural equilibrium of pH 5.5 — the level at which skin is healthiest, strongest, and most resilient.

When skin becomes too alkaline, it can stimulate excess oil production, congestion, and acne. When it becomes too acidic, the barrier can weaken — leading to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Sel:pH was developed to bring skin back to its optimal middle ground.

Balanced. Protected. Glowing.

“Most skincare today either strips the skin or overwhelms it,” said Nick Hunt, CEO of RTSC Beauty. “Sel:pH is engineered to reset the skin to where it naturally thrives — at 5.5. When you restore balance first, you treat acne more effectively, retain moisture properly, and unlock a glow that comes from healthy skin function — not surface shine.”

A Reset for Acne, Oil and Barrier Damage

By stabilizing the skin’s acid mantle, Sel:pH helps:

• Control excess oil without stripping

• Reduce acne flare-ups

• Strengthen the skin barrier

• Improve hydration retention

• Support long-term radiance

Rather than aggressively layering actives, Sel:pH focuses on creating the correct skin environment first — because when the skin is balanced, treatments perform better.

Targeted, Responsive & Affordable Skincare for South Africans

At the heart of the launch is Sel:pH’s breakthrough concept: skincare designed around the skin’s natural pH balance. Moving away from cookie-cutter routines and fleeting social media trends, the brand introduces a smarter system built on personalization, simplicity, and science.Its flagship product, the First Base Cream Serum (R549) paired with a customizable Microdose (R429), allows consumers to build a powerful, dermatologist-recommended routine for under R1,000. The base serum, formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture and brightens for a balanced, radiant complexion. ​


Above: the Hydrating Microdose: with Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea, Manuka Honey and Oat Extract for deep hydration and calming redness R429 

Consumers can then personalise their routine with one of three targeted microdoses to improve hydration, reduce inflammation or boost their skin’s cell barrier.​​


Above: Barrier Boosting Microdose: with Probiotic Peptides and Kelp to fortify and rebalance the skin barrier R429

​Above: the Skin Renewing Microdose: with Retinol, Licorice and Mulberry Extracts to refine texture and support renewal (for those experiencing breakouts – these anti-inflammatory properties will calm acne, fade dark spots and support clearer skin) R429 

South Africans Offered a Complete Routine, Without the Premium Price Tag

In a market saturated with imported skincare often exceeding R1,500 per product, Sel:pH positions itself as premium science without the premium price barrier. Beyond the First Base + Microdose range, the broader Sel:pH skincare suite also includes:

  • Micellar Water with Aloe Extract (500ml) – R399
  • Jelly Blue Superfood Cleanser – R429
  • Skin Barrier Balance Toner – R499
  • Skin Slayer 2% Salicylic Exfoliator – R549
  • Vampire Skin Peel – R549
  • Power Pop Amino Acid Serum – R699
  • Cloud Bounce Moisturizer – R699

Now Available Nationwide

Sel:pH is now available across South Africa through Truworths, both online and in retail stores. With products priced under R700, the brand bridges the gap between dermatology-inspired skincare and everyday accessibility.

Stockist

All products stocked online through Truworths, as well as in selected stores. 

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