Cultures, diverse skin tones, and age-old rituals that celebrate confidence and authenticity have long shaped African beauty. Yet, for decades, the global skincare market overlooked the continent’s unique needs until Uncover Skincare emerged.
Founded in 2020 by Kenyan entrepreneur Sneha Mehta, alongside her co-founders Jihan Abass and Nathalie Raphäella Githaka, Uncover Skincare is a movement empowering African women to embrace skincare that works for them.
Built in Africa, for African skin, Uncover merges K-beauty innovation with African dermatological research, creating products that are clean, effective, and tailored to local climates. Uncover has redefined what inclusive skincare means. But beyond products, it has become a symbol of representation, education, and self-love, a brand that tells every African woman that her skin deserves science-backed care, not compromise.
How Uncover Began A Vision Rooted in Africa
Founded in 2021, Uncover Skincare was born out of Nairobi, Kenya, through the Antler incubator program. It was co-founded by Sneha Mehta (CEO) and Jade Oyateru (COO), with Catherine Lee, a Korean skincare expert, as a technical co-founder and advisor.
Sneha brought years of experience building businesses across Africa, while Jade drew on her background in nutrition, FMCG, and e-commerce with companies such as Unilever and Nestlé. Catherine, based in Korea, contributed formulation and product expertise from the K-Beauty industry.
Together, they envisioned a brand that would combine Korean dermatological science with African botanicals to create products designed explicitly for melanin-rich skin, rather than adapting products from other markets. That purpose quickly evolved into one of the most inspiring African beauty success stories in recent years.
What Makes Uncover Uniquely African
1. Skincare Designed for Melanin
Uncover’s tagline, “K-Beauty. Crafted for Melanin”, perfectly captures its difference.
Instead of repackaging formulas made for lighter skin, Uncover formulates to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and sun damage that affect darker tones. Every product is tested on African women under African climates, ensuring it performs in real conditions.
2. A Fusion of Science and African Botanicals
Each product combines K-Beauty innovation with natural African ingredients, including baobab, aloe vera, and green tea extract.
This combination includes powerful ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and arbutin in formulas that deeply moisturise, protect from UV rays, and gently reduce dark spots without lightening the skin
3. Education and Empowerment
Beyond skincare, Uncover invests heavily in digital tools and education. Its website features skin quizzes, content hubs, and expert guidance to help users understand their skin type and build safe routines.
This approach reflects the brand’s belief that beauty should be empowering, not confusing.
4. A Physical Presence Rooted in Africa
Uncover started in Nairobi but now has a thriving footprint in Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda.
Its Experience Hub in Lekki, Lagos, is a vibrant, minimalist space that serves as a community centre where customers can learn, test, and connect with beauty advisors.
This local presence reinforces that Uncover is not just selling to Africans, it’s built with Africans.
Funding: In 2024, Uncover raised $1.4 million in a Seed II round led by EQ2 Ventures, Chui Ventures, IgniteXL, and Altree Capital. The investment fuels its expansion into new African and global markets.
Market Presence: The brand now operates across Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda, with plans for a US launch to serve the African diaspora.
Retail Distribution: Uncover products are available in over 500 retail stores across Africa, including major pharmacies like Medplus and Goodlife.
Community Impact: Its digital community has grown to over 200,000 African women who share results, reviews, and self-care stories.
Awards: In 2024, co-founders Sneha Mehta and Jade Oyateru were listed among Vogue’s 100 Innovators, a nod to their pioneering contribution to African beauty.
Each Uncover product tells a story of inclusivity, science, and functionality.
Aloe Invisible Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Lightweight, hydrating, and completely white-cast-free, this sunscreen protects dark skin without leaving a white cast.
Baobab Glow-C Serum – A brightening serum that combines vitamin C, arbutin, and baobab extract to even tone and fade dark spots.
Green Tea Blemish Control Serum—Formulated for acne-prone skin, balancing oil while calming inflammation.
Licorice Root Dark Spot Serum – Targets hyperpigmentation gently but effectively, evening out skin tone.
Sheet Masks (Aloe Cooling & Green Tea Detoxifying) – For quick hydration and detox, ideal for post-sun exposure in hot climates.
These formulations are dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and tailored to the skin challenges faced by African women.
Why Uncover Matters to Africa
Uncover Skincare represents something bigger than commerce. It symbolizes beauty and sovereignty. For years, African women had to rely on imported brands that neither understood nor celebrated their skin. Uncover changed that by designing skincare for us, by us.
1. Redefining Representation
It normalises darker skin in beauty marketing and shows that innovation can come from Nairobi or Lagos, not just Seoul or Paris.
2. Creating Jobs and Knowledge
Through its hubs and distribution networks, Uncover creates employment for Africans.
Promoting Safe Beauty Practices
By offering affordable, effective, and science-based alternatives, the brand discourages harmful bleaching practices still prevalent in parts of the continent.
4. Inspiring the Next Generation
Uncover’s success story inspires young African entrepreneurs to dream globally while building locally.
Where to Buy Uncover Skincare
You can shop directly on theofficial website or visit the Experience Hub in Lekki, Lagos (St. Michael’s Mall).
Uncover products are also available through reputable African retailers like Medplus, Goodlife, and Beauty Bar, as well as select international stores.
Uncover Skincare is an African beauty and skincare brand that merges K-Beauty innovation with African botanicals to create derma-tested, effective products for melanin-rich skin.
2. Who owns Uncover Skincare?
The brand was founded in 2021 by Sneha Mehta and Jade Oyateru, with Catherine Lee as a co-founder and technical advisor. It operates primarily from Kenya and Nigeria.
3. Is Uncover Skincare suitable for African skin?
Yes. Every product is tested on African women and designed to address common melanin-rich concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne marks, and uneven tone.
4. Where can I buy Uncover Skincare in Nigeria?
You can purchase Uncover products from the officialUncover Skincare Nigeria website or visit the Lagos Experience Hub in Lekki for in-person consultations.
5. How much funding has Uncover Skincare raised?
As of 2024, Uncover has raised $1.4 million in Seed II funding to expand across Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and the US, strengthening its position as Africa’s leading skincare brand.
