Science-first skincare.
Why we started
​UPENYA draws inspiration from the marula-strewn landscapes of Limpopo, where Venda communities have long honored nature’s bounty. Our name - “to shine” in the Venda language - evokes both the sun-drenched savannah and the natural radiance of healthy skin. Rooted in the heart of South Africa’s northernmost region, we harness the restorative power of marula oil to help your skin regain its balance and you to shine from within.
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We believe in science - not skincare hype.
Our formulas are made with locally sourced, proven ingredients, combined with global expertise and rigorous testing to meet European cosmetic standards.
Each product is designed to restore your skin’s natural balance, support a healthy microbiome, and gently care for skin that’s prone to breakouts or sensitivity.
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Every UPENYA product is made with over 99% natural, nature-identical, and naturally derived ingredients, specifically designed to care for acne-prone teenage skin - boosting confidence so young people can truly shine from within.
Where the marula trees grow...
Meet Our Founder: Dr Mathilda Mostert
Mathilda, founder of UPENYA Cosmetics and Precision Oil Laboratories, grew up on a farm in South Africa’s Limpopo region. Fluent in Tshivenda and inspired by the area’s rich botanical heritage, she earned an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Food Science from Stellenbosch and Pretoria universities, specialising in seed oil chemistry, followed by post-doctoral research at the CSIR.
Like all the best ideas, Upenya began at home - when Mathilda searched for a gentle yet effective skincare range for her three teenage boys. Drawing on decades of oil-science expertise, she developed Upenya Cosmetics using evidence-based research to care for acne-prone and youthful skin.
With more than 23 years of industry experience, Mathilda heads an SANAS-accredited laboratory and serves on Codex and SABS technical committees, guided by her principle: “If you can’t measure it, don’t mention it.”
Publications
FST Magazine
Issue 47 - November 2025:
The importance of contributing to standards in the oil industry: Why testing your oil sample helps shape global standards
Die Burger Gesond 21 March 2025
Tieners se vel kan dikwels uitdagings bied soos aknee en olierigheid.
Dr. Mathilda Mostert van Upenya Cosmetics deel waardevolle insigte oor hoekom produkte met natuurlike bestanddele so belangrik is vir aknee-gevoelige vel. Sy verduidelik ook hoe om te besef wanneer dit tyd is om professionele hulp te soek.
Keynote Speaker: 14TH ANNUAL BRIP (Biomedical Research and Innovation Conference)
16 & 17 October 2024 - SAMRC Conference Centre, Cape Town, South Africa