Meet Maleé, a Clean African Beauty Brand We’re Loving
As someone who has spent my career advocating for my home country of Zambia and working to help the world esteem all of Africa in higher regard, I am constantly on the hunt for brands that share in that same passion. From home-goods companies to African beauty brands—I try to keep my eyes peeled for opportunities to spend my money with companies that act as champions for Africa and her people. And when I find a brand that aligns with those values, you can believe I am more than excited to shout their praises from the rooftops.
Today, then, I am thrilled to share with you my newest find on my ongoing hunt for brands that give back to Africa in a meaningful way: Malée Natural Science. Read on for all you need to know about this incredible, inspiring African beauty brand.
What is Maleé Natural Science?
Founded in 2010 by Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao, Malée [Mah-lay] Natural Science is a niche African beauty brand that’s rooted in the perfect balance of both science and heritage. With 100% pure plant-based ingredients and formulations based on time-honored African healing rituals, I so love that this brand is both inspired by ancient African history and informed by science. It’s the perfect blend of ancestry and efficacy—of storied rituals and modern formulations.
How does Maleé Natural Science give back to Africa?
There are two main ways Maleé operates as a conscious beauty brand. The first is through its sustainability efforts. All of this African beauty brand’s products are formulated and produced locally in South Africa, according to their website, “complete with SABS registration and at ISO 9001:2015 compliant facilities” ensuring exceptional quality and keeping with the global standard of best manufacturing practices. They employ local South Africans, are committed to eco-conscious manufacturing methods, use only sustainable ingredients, and do not use any microplastics in their products.
The second is through a beautiful initiative called Ripple Reading, a community-outreach program that provides financial assistance and mentorship—with a focus on literacy and leadership development—to children in disadvantaged communities. Beginning in 2019, Maleé pledged to donate a portion of all proceeds to Ripple Reading, while also funding additional learning facilities and materials.
Do you have favorite Maleé products?
I’m so glad you asked! I love (as in: really love) absolutely everything I’ve tried from Maleé. Their products smell divine, feel like a dream, and produce noticeable results. I’ve since introduced a few close friends and coworkers to this game-changing clean African beauty brand, and they’re just as head-over-heels in love with Maleé’s products as I am. It’s so hard to pick favorites, but a few things I’m loving lately include…
- Glow Recipe Kit: Ok—let me just tell you, this is a miracle worker on dry hands and skin (which we all tend to have with washing our hands constantly during the pandemic). It’s a 3-in-1 oil-blend kit that scrubs, polishes, and moisturizes deeply. Seriously—if you get one thing from Maleé, let it be this.
- The Polyanthes Soya Candle: This smells like a cool African night. Every time I light it, it brings me right back home to myself. I love that the wax from this candle doubles as a massage oil—simply light it, melt the oil onto your skin, and let the sore-muscle soothing begin.
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Overall, I’m just so excited to have happened upon Maleé’s website. I love that I can feel good spending money with them—knowing that they’re doing right by the environment, carrying on ancient African heritage through their modern products, and giving back to Africa’s youth.
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