Our Roots: South African,
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.
At UPENYA, we champion science over hype. Our formulas rely on the scientifically proven benefits of locally sourced ingredients combined with global expertise and rigorous testing, complying with European Industry Standards. By restoring your skin’s natural balance and supporting its microbiome, our research-driven products support and nourish compromised skin.
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
Hailing from a farm in South Africa’s Limpopo region,
Dr. Mathilda Mostert is deeply rooted in the land and its traditions. Fluent in Tshivenda and inspired by the region’s rich botanical heritage, she pursued her passion for plant-based oils through an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in oil chemistry at Stellenbosch and Pretoria universities, followed by post-doctoral research at the CSIR. With over 23 years of industry experience, Mathilda founded Precision Oil Laboratories in 2008 - an SANAS-accredited facility - before launching UPENYA Cosmetics. Upenya is a skincare line formulated to assist acne-prone & youthful skin using indigenous oils and evidence-based science. As a recognized industry expert, she contributes to Codex and SABS technical committees, locally and abroad and consults across the food and cosmetic oil sectors, always guided by her motto: “If you can’t measure it, don’t mention it.”
Beyond the lab, Mathilda balances her career with family life, raising three boys, and finds renewal in the African bush. Passionate, precise, and eager to help you shine, she brings local knowledge and international standards to every bottle.