Technology Innovation Agency supports local brand Shanti Natural Care as it launches CBD skincare inspired by African traditions.
South Africa’s Shanti Natural Care is transforming skincare with its CBD-infused product line. Inspired by African traditions and supported by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), the brand stands out for weaving Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with advanced biotechnology. Founded by Kylie Adam during 2020 in her home in Cape Town , this youth- and female-owned enterprise is making waves locally and internationally.
“When I first started making Shanti Natural Care products, the CBD space in South Africa was still largely uncharted,” said Kylie. “But I knew the healing power of plants. I wanted to create something real and inclusive, something that reflects the people and traditions that raised me.”
The origins of Shanti Natural Care
Combining historical resonance and modern science, Shanti Natural Care has emerged with the vision of providing high-quality, natural products that leverage the medicinal benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). The skincare line includes pain-relief creams, body lotions, shampoos, and more – all designed with the healing properties of CBD while being eco-conscious.
Named after Kylie’s daughter, the brand has grown into a thriving business. It has a flagship wellness store in Cape Town’s popular Kloof Street. The brand also holds partnerships with major online retailers like Takealot and CBD Care.
Empowerment through innovation and sustainability
Shanti Natural Care owes much of its success to the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). With TIA’s funding and support:
- The brand conducted extensive clinical testing to ensure product efficacy.
- Formulations were optimised to meet high-quality standards.
- Sustainable packaging options were developed to support eco-friendly practices.
This dual focus on science and tradition aligns with South Africa’s broader bio-economy strategy. By incorporating innovation into their practices, Shanti Natural Care inspires sustainable entrepreneurship and community upliftment.
Vuyisile Hobololo, Head: IKS at TIA comments: “South Africa’s wide-ranging biodiversity presents enormous opportunities for use in development and commercialisation of IKS innovations. These innovations set the stage for job creation and the development of community-based SMMEs.”
The Shanti project perfectly exemplifies how science and heritage can be combined to create world-class products with local impact.
“Through strategic funding, we de-risked an early-stage innovation to bring this CBD-based skincare line to market. This holds benefits not only for the business but for the broader community represented by the brand,” Hobololo concludes.
Why choose Shanti Natural Care?
- Authentically African: A brand deeply rooted in African Indigenous Knowledge.
- Science-driven: Each product is clinically tested and carefully designed.
- Eco-friendly: Committed to sustainability in packaging and production.
- Inclusive ownership: A 100% youth and female-owned enterprise.
Reaching global markets with local knowledge
More than just a skincare company, Shanti Natural Care is a testament to the immense potential of African tradition. The company now manufactures for other TIA-supported brands and partners with JSE-listed Labat Africa Group to supply Cannafrica franchises. This growth highlights how local innovation can drive global progress. Through entrepreneurship and community empowerment, Shanti Natural Care is setting a benchmark for inclusive innovation.
Shanti Natural Care’s evolution showcases the power of indigenous creativity paired with modern science. Markedly, its success is not just a win for the company but a celebration of African ingenuity on a global scale.
The launch of Shanti Natural Care drew key stakeholders. This included government, academia, and the private sector. All alluded to the role of inclusive, indigenous-led innovation in South Africa’s growing bioeconomy.
“This launch is not just a business win. It proves that indigenous knowledge is not just about the past, it’s part of our future,” says Kylie.
