With just $45 in her pocket, Violet Amoabeng started a skincare brand to challenge the chemical-packed cosmetic products in the market. She aimed to make edible, chemical-free beauty products so pure you could eat them. Her brand revolves around a simple but powerful belief: “If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.”
This idea was the starting point of Skin Gourmet, a unique Ghanaian skincare brand now generating an annual income of about $250,000 to $2.8 million.
Could Beauty Really Be Edible?
It all started when Violet Amoabeng sought a remedy for her dry lips during the Harmattan season. Nothing worked until she tried Ghanaian shea butter. Impressed at how natural it was, she was inspired to make more natural cosmetic products available for others to use. This was how Skin Gourmet was born. They took raw butter, coconut oil, and cocoa and made them into skincare products.
“Everything is handcrafted, 100% natural, and they work wonders!” – Says Violet Amoabeng, Founder and CEO of Skin Gourmet.
Founded in 2014, Skin Gourmet uses ingredients from Ghana’s soil. These ingredients are locally sourced without preservatives or harsh chemicals—only natural elements like shea butter, oils, and herbs sourced directly from Ghanaian farmers. This ensures that the materials used in producing Skin Gourmets’ beauty products are simple, raw, and nourishing.
Popular items they use for production include local staples like shea butter, cocoa, and coconut oil. These ingredients not only moisturise the skin but also help protect it from the sun and environmental damage.
“We made it this way because everything you put on your skin ends up in your body – even soap!” – she adds..
Their products are now exported to over 25 countries, and customers’ loyalty and demands have increased.
Amoabengs’ use of natural ingredients creates high-quality products, supports local economies and preserves Ghanaian traditions. They also support sustainable packaging by encouraging customers to return their empty skincare jars to qualify for great discounts on their next purchase.
The natural skincare enthusiast has received several awards and recognitions for her contributions to the skincare industry and her commitment to sustainable practices. Shenandoah University (USA) honoured her with the Distinguished Alumni Award for her professional business achievements. The Jack Ma Foundation also recognised her brand as a top ten finalist for the 2021 African Business Hero Award.
Skin Gourmet has garnered significant accolades, including nominations for the Ghana Beauty Awards and the Women’s Choice Awards Africa. Furthermore, the brand won titles for Customer Service Experience Brand and Most Innovative Product for COVID-19 Response at the Ghana Make-Up Awards.
By committing to sustainability and ethical sourcing, Violet Amoabeng is paving the way for a more sustainable future. She is teaching the African beauty market to appreciate the beauty of nature.
