About Ona Mae

Celebrating African Beauty Through Science & Purpose

Ona Mae (pronounced "Oh-Nah May") is a proudly South African, female-owned skincare brand dedicated to celebrating the beauty of South Africa and Africa through our people, experiences, and locally-sourced ingredients. Our mission is to provide effective, affordable skincare solutions designed for all skin tones – by combining cutting-edge science with purpose-driven values. Ona Mae’s leave on products are Dermatologically Approved, Dermatologist Approved, Clinically Tested, Gentle on Skin, Tested on sensitive skin and proven to be safe for sensitive skin, Vegan, Cruelty-free, pH Balanced and Free from artificial fragrance. Our wash off products are all  Dermatologically Tested, Dermatologist Tested, Clinically Tested, Tested on sensitive skin and proven to be safe for sensitive skin, Vegan, Cruelty-free, pH Balanced and Free from Artificial Fragrance.

Founded in October 2021 by Ramona Pienaar, Ona Mae was born after years of research and a deeply personal skincare journey. We are committed to formulating safe, effective, and science-backed skincare products tailored to meet the unique needs South Africans.

Our Founder’s Journey: Skincare with Purpose

"Ona Mae is extremely personal to me. After struggling with hormonal adult acne in my late 30s, I couldn’t find affordable and effective skincare products that worked for my skin as a woman of colour. Luxury brands provided temporary solutions, and pharmacy products simply didn’t
work. My DIY skincare experiments and incorrect use of active ingredients
worsened my skin, causing irritation and further damage.

During my journey, I realized that people with skin of colour need specialized skincare due to the higher melanin content. For example, applying a high percentage of Vitamin C (10% or more) without understanding its form or effects can lead to irritation and hyperpigmentation.

This realization led me to dive deep into the science of skincare and the unique needs of melanin-rich skin. At Ona Mae, we focus on safe, balanced formulations that deliver results without compromising your skin's health. Our products are crafted with the right percentages of active ingredients, making them safe and effective for all skin types.

My 17 years of corporate experience, combined with my MBA and passion for empowering people through better skincare products and skincare education, inspired me to launch Ona Mae. Our mission extends beyond skincare – we aim to create a non-toxic work environment, champion skin
education, and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth." – Ramona Pienaar, Founder of Ona Mae

Our Skincare Philosophy: Science Meets Simplicity

At Ona Mae, we believe in simplifying skincare without compromising on results. With the overwhelming array of skincare products today – niacinamide, Vitamin C, retinol, AHAs – it's easy to feel confused. Here’s our expert approach to an effective skincare routine:

Morning Skincare Routine:

Cleanse:
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight buildup.

Treat:
Apply a targeted serum for your skin concerns (e.g., hydration, brightness, or fine lines).

Moisturize:
Hydrate and lock in moisture with a nourishing cream, our moisturisers are
boosted with anti-aging benefits.

Protect:
Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UV
damage.

Nighttime Skincare Routine:

Cleanse:
Remove makeup and impurities with a deep-cleansing formula.

Repair:
Apply potent actives (like Vitamin C or retinol) tailored to your skin type for overnight repair.

Hydrate:
Use a moisturizing night cream to restore and replenish your skin, our moisturisers are boosted with anti-aging benefits.

Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, making it the best time to use powerful active ingredients. Our scientifically formulated products ensure safe, effective care that nurtures your skin barrier while addressing key concerns like acne, pigmentation, dark
marks, and uneven skin tone.

Why Choose Ona Mae?

Safe Skincare: Our formulations are designed with the optimal percentage
of active ingredients, ensuring they are gentle yet effective for all
skin types.

Science-Backed Formulas: Developed in collaboration with Cosmetic Formulators and Chemical Engineers in South Africa, our products combine the latest skincare innovations with natural botanical ingredients.

Purpose-Driven:
We are on a mission to educate and empower people with the right skincare knowledge to avoid long-term skin damage.

Ethical & Sustainable: We prioritize non-toxic practices – both in our formulations and our work environment – while contributing to South Africa’s economic growth.

Our Vision: Expanding Beyond Borders

Over the past few years, we have helped countless individuals struggling with persistent skin issues. The heartfelt reviews and positive feedback we receive fuel our commitment to delivering innovative, effective skincare.

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand across Africa and globally, continuing to champion safe, inclusive skincare while creating opportunities and making a meaningful impact.

"Turn your biggest insecurity into your biggest achievement." – Ramona Pienaar

Join us on our journey to healthier, radiant skin – because your skin deserves the best.