Altruist, the UK-based dermatologist skincare brand founded by renowned consultant dermatologist and skin cancer expert Dr Andrew Birnie, has officially launched in South Africa this month through an exclusive partnership with Clicks.
Since its debut in 2015, Altruist has grown into a global skincare name, now championing sun protection for all skin types and tones in South Africa, both in-store and online. The launch introduces five hero products:
- Altruist SPF 50 100ml
- Altruist SPF 30 200ml
- Altruist Face Fluid SPF 50 50ml
- Altruist Family Sunspray SPF 50 250ml
- Altruist Invisible Spray SPF 50 200ml
All Altruist products deliver market-leading, 5-star UVA protection—well above European standards—while remaining hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, paraben- and fragrance-free, water-resistant, and non-sticky for everyday comfort.
A Personal Connection
Dr Birnie’s ties to South Africa run deep. Married to a South African and a regular visitor for over two decades, he has been instrumental in developing the country’s dermatology landscape. From co-organizing the first South African Society of Dermatology conference and surgical workshop to establishing the South African Society for Dermatologic Surgery (SASDS), his work has left a lasting impact.
Dr Birnie also ran dermatology teaching clinics in KwaZulu-Natal and conducted outreach in remote areas, providing essential care to those who might otherwise go untreated. It was during this time that he met skincare economist David Westerbeek van Eerten. Inspired by Dr Birnie’s mission to make high-quality sun protection accessible, the pair combined expertise and vision to launch Altruist—ensuring that everyone can protect their skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Altruist’s South African debut is more than a product launch—it’s a commitment to accessible, expert-led skincare for all.
