AbsoluteSkin
An Elemis cleansing balm, a bottle of Nuxe dry oil and a Mustela baby cream would normally mean a few different shops. AbsoluteSkin puts them on one website, along with nail polish, foundation and shampoo.
It is a beauty stockist, so you are shopping other brands in one place. The useful questions are which brands it carries, what delivery costs and how strict the returns are once a product is opened.
What they do
AbsoluteSkin is an online cosmetics store founded in Cape Town in 2011 by Franz and Cheryl Lamers. It sells skincare, suncare, makeup, haircare, baby care and some wellness products from local and international brands.
The brand list takes in Elemis, Nuxe, Dr. Hauschka, Bioderma, Filorga, Gatineau, SVR, ISDIN, Mustela and OPI. You can browse by brand, by product type or by skin concern, such as dark spots, redness or acne.
For deal hunting, AbsoluteSkin belongs in Personal Care & Wellness on The Real Deal.
What to look at first
Skincare by Concern
Cleansers, serums, moisturisers, night creams and eye creams, grouped by concern as well as by brand. Handy if you know the problem but not the product.
Best for: building or restocking a daily routine.
Sunscreen
SPF from brands like ISDIN, SVR, Filorga and Hannon, including moisturisers with SPF built in.
Best for: daily face protection in South African sun.
Makeup and Nails
Foundations, concealers, mascara, lipsticks and a large OPI nail polish section, plus brands like Diego Dalla Palma and Stila.
Best for: topping up makeup basics alongside your skincare order.
Baby Care
Mustela, ISDIN Baby and Pharmaceris baby ranges, with sections for nappy change, cradle cap, bath time and baby sun care.
Best for: parents who already trust a pharmacy baby brand.
Haircare
Shampoo, conditioner, styling products and brushes, including Beaver Professional and Luxliss.
Best for: adding salon-type hair products to a bigger order.
Simple way to think about it
If you already use one of the stocked brands, AbsoluteSkin is a good place to compare price against a pharmacy or department store. Start with the product you buy most often.
If you are trying something new, read the ingredients first. Opened products cannot go back, so a wrong guess costs you the full price.
If a product is already on your list, see whether it shows up in live AbsoluteSkin deals on The Real Deal first.
What makes AbsoluteSkin different
Mostly, it comes down to brand mix. AbsoluteSkin carries several European pharmacy and salon skincare names that are not always easy to find together in one South African shop. Browsing by concern also helps if you are not tied to one brand.
It does not make the products themselves any different. An Elemis serum here is the same serum you would buy elsewhere, so price and delivery are what you are really comparing.
The practical bit
Shipping: Free on orders of R750 and more. Below that, a Pargo collection point or PUDO locker costs R65, major-centre door delivery R135 and regional door delivery R165.
Delivery: The site quotes 2 to 3 days for door delivery to major centres and Pargo pick-ups. Check checkout for your area.
Returns: Unopened, unused items within 7 days of receipt, with return shipping on you. Contact them before sending anything back.
Support: Help is available through absoluteskin.co.za and the contact details listed there.
Who it’s for
This is for you if:
- You use European skincare brands like Elemis, Nuxe or Filorga
- You want skincare, makeup and baby care in one order
- You like shopping by skin concern rather than brand
- You prefer collecting from a Pargo point or locker
Probably not for you if:
- You want to test a product in person first
- You need flexible returns on opened products
- You only shop budget drugstore brands
Final word
For imported skincare and pharmacy brands, AbsoluteSkin is a practical online stop, with a lot of choice in one place. It works best for repeat purchases of products you already know. For new products, the tight returns rules mean you should do your reading first.
Compare AbsoluteSkin offers on The Real Deal against what you normally pay for your go-to products.
FAQ
Is AbsoluteSkin worth it?
Yes, for regular buyers of brands like Elemis, Nuxe or Mustela who want them delivered. Returns only cover unopened items, so it suits repeat buys more than experiments.
Where can I find AbsoluteSkin deals in South Africa?
Current AbsoluteSkin deals sit on AbsoluteSkin on The Real Deal, RealRank verified against the store's own pricing.
Can I return opened products to AbsoluteSkin?
Generally no. AbsoluteSkin accepts unused, unopened items within 7 days for hygiene reasons. If a product causes a skin reaction, contact them within 14 days of purchase, and they may ask for a doctor’s letter.