Altruist, a leading global dermatologist skincare brand, created by UK based consultant dermatologist and skin cancer expert, DrAndrew Birnie has launched in South Africa this month, through an exclusive retail partnership with Clicks.
Since its UK debut in 2015, the brand has expanded internationally, and is nowavailable in South Africa, both online and in-store, championing a distinctive, sun-protection–focused approach for all skin types and tones.
The launch sees five Altruist SKUs available in the market:
- Altruist SPF 50 100ml
- Altruist SPF 30200ml
- Altruist Face Fluid SPF 50 50ml
- Altruist Family Sunspray SPF 50 250ml
- Altruist Invisible Spray SPF 50 200ml
All products in the range provide market-leading, 5-star UVA protection at levels significantly higher than European standards, They are also all hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, paraben and fragrance free, water resistant and suitable for all skin types. The products also have a special, non-sticky feel, designed to make the brand accessible to as many people as possible.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN…
Having travelled regularly to South Africa for over two decades, the brand’s founder, Dr Birnie – who is married to a South African-holds a deep personal connection to the country. He helped organise the South African Society of Dermatology’s first conference and surgical workshop, and also played a key role in establishing the SouthAfrican Society for Dermatologic Surgery (SASDS), which now has hundreds of membersand offers outstanding educational opportunities nationwide. Dr Birnie has also spent extensive periods working in KwaZulu-Natal, where he ran a teaching clinic for dermatology trainees at Albert Luthuli Hospital.
He also visited harder to reach locations to run outreach clinics for people unable totravel to Durban. During this time Dr Birnie was able to help treat many people, from all backgrounds, who would otherwise not have had care because they couldn’t afford treatment.
It was also during Dr Birnie’s time working in South Africa that he met skincare economist David Westerbeek van Eerten who was inspired by Andrew’s passionate mission to reduce the incidence of skin cancer through offering the best quality sunscreen at a price most people can afford to encourage more people to wear it.Bringing together medical expertise and industry contacts made this idea a reality andfrom this new friendship, forged in South Africa, Altruist Sunscreen was born.
“Cost should never be a factor when deciding whether or not to wear proper sunscreen, or how much or how often to apply it. Everyone should have a basic right to take the necessary precautions to reduce their risks of developing skin cancer.Whilst there are some excellent products available, most are so expensive that people are reluctant to use them as often, or in aslarge a quantity as they should. Many dermatologist recommended sunscreens are expensive, which results in low application levels and a ‘make it last’ mentality. Altruist is making a stand and fighting against this” stated Dr Birnie.
Explore the Altruist range at Clicks HERE.
