University of Cape Town launches facility to boost African-led skin health science

SOUTH AFRICA – The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have unveiled a transformative five-storey skin care facility, marking a pivotal advancement in dermatological research and training tailored to African populations. 

This project, centred on the African Research Institute for Skin Health Equity (ARISE), expands South Africa’s capabilities in practical, industry-focused education, cutting-edge research, and rigorous cosmetic safety evaluations. 

Located within UCT’s Division of Dermatology on the Faculty of Health Sciences campus in Observatory, Cape Town, the hub addresses critical gaps in skin and hair science long overlooked by global standards dominated by non-African data.

At Groote Schuur Hospital, a key UCT-affiliated institution, clinicians have treated numerous patients suffering devastating reactions to unsuitable cosmetics, including cases where individuals lost nearly all their skin due to product-induced damage. 

UCT’s ARISE project lead, Professor Nonhlanhla Khumalo, stressed that such incidents consume valuable medical resources that could better serve other urgent needs, underscoring the facility’s role in preventing avoidable harm through localized testing and innovation. 

The centre will feature specialized units like the Hair Fibre Lab, which delves into the unique biochemistry of curly versus straight hair, revealing higher lipid content in curly strands that affects drug absorption and treatment efficacy.

Services SETA’s multimillion-rand commitment, reported as R100 million (USD 5.3 million) across related coverage, funds this infrastructure to professionalize South Africa’s USD 4 billion cosmetics market, the continent’s largest, while aligning with national goals for youth skills development and economic growth. 

Acting CEO at SETA,  Sibusiso Dhladhla, stated, “This new capacity will raise skills, protect consumers, support entrepreneurs, and help South Africa become a leader in skin and hair science in Africa.”

The hub builds on proven programs like UCT’s Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Formulation Science, which has already equipped over 100 unemployed graduates with hands-on expertise and job placements, and is now set for expansion through increased enrollment and short courses.

ARISE will pioneer occupational skin health studies, sustainable formulations, and services like advanced hair rehabilitation for chemotherapy patients, capabilities currently unavailable locally. 

UCT leaders, including Dean Lionel Green-Thompson and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mthunzi Nxawe, celebrated the February 13, 2026, sod-turning as a milestone for equitable research and career pipelines.

Deputy Minister Dr. Mimmy Gondwe praised the partnership’s innovative approach to post-school training. 

As construction advances, this hub promises to reduce reliance on imports, spur entrepreneurship, and position Africa as a leader in inclusive dermatology, with ripple effects for emerging markets in personal care innovation.

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