Promising excellence, delivering the exceptional

The cosmetics industry is highly competitive, yet, despite the many players and what can be a difficult environment in which to operate, Chemgrit Cosmetics has managed to differentiate itself from the competition.

The business was founded by Athol Carter. At the time, he saw an opportunity to service the industry more efficiently. So he took advantage of the situation and grew the business from there.

“Chemgrit Cosmetics has built its reputation on being transparent and honest, and we have always worked with customers that have the same values. The result is partnerships that are a win-win situation for everyone,” explains Chemgrit sales manager, Johrinda van Rensburg.

She adds that the company focuses on building lasting business relationships from which they believe sales and profit will come naturally.

Chemgrit started out as a family-owned business in 1989, dealing mainly in personal care ingredients and raw materials. Over the years, the company has expanded into various other industries whilst the cosmetics division has gone from strength to strength and now has several exclusive agencies to its name.

Quality ingredients from reliable suppliers

One of the first agencies it acquired was UKbased Fragrance Oils International, which specialises in the creation of perfumery essences and natural herbal extracts for use in the fine fragrance, personal care, room fragrances and household cleaning sectors.

Chemgrit Cosmetics now supplies a range of chemical raw materials, ingredients and actives to the personal, skin and hair care markets as well as the home care and pharmaceutical industries.

“Our suppliers give us excellent support, which allows us to provide our customers with great advice, products and service,” says Van Rensburg.

Aside from sourcing quality ingredients from reliable suppliers worldwide, people continue to be central to the success of the business.

“Our customers, suppliers and staff are our future – great products but poor service does not make good business sense,” comments Carter.

Chemgrit Cosmetics also accommodates small to medium-sized businesses by repacking ingredients into smaller quantities to make them more accessible and affordable for startups and smaller operations. This continues to be a major area of growth as the appetite for entrepreneurship increases.

“We have been a part of many small business owners’ journeys – some of whom have become big names in the industry. We are proud to have been there for them when they started out,” says Van Rensburg.

Global supply with a local touch

Chemgrit Cosmetics sources products from all over the world. The company has an office in China, which has helped establish longterm relationships with quality suppliers in the Far East.

Staff also travel regularly to meet with suppliers and producers to maintain relationships and to ensure that the products supplied are of the best quality and procured at the most competitive prices.

Regular attendance of international trade shows ensures that the company is in touch with the latest global trends.

Locally, Chemgrit Cosmetics has offices and warehousing facilities in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, enabling it to service and support customers countrywide.

Formulation solutions

Chemgrit Cosmetics has an onsite laboratory which provides customers with formulation and technical assistance. The laboratory also offers training to customers on how to use various raw materials and demonstrates new trends and innovations. Due to COVID-19, the laboratory is currently not offering training. However, customers are encouraged to contact Chemgrit Cosmetics to check when training will be available.

Many of the company’s suppliers also provide guideline formulations, which can help to inspire customers with ideas for new products.

Anna Stolz, Lesego Bodibe, Stephanie Gompel-Ratsiane and Johrinda van Rensburg

After more than three decades in the business, Chemgrit Cosmetics remains as committed as ever to providing quality products and services at affordable prices.

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

Chemgrit Cosmetics supplies ingredients and actives for the following products:

• conditioners

• shampoo

• styling products

• baby care and cleansing

• body and hand care

• liquid soap

• personal care wipes

• shower and bath products

• face care

• face cleansing

• colour care

• after-sun

• self-tanning

• sun protection

• antiperspirants and deodorants

• toothpaste and mouthwash.

Key agencies

• Fragrance Oils International specialises in the creation of perfumery essences and natural herbal extracts for use in fine fragrance, personal care, air care and household cleaning applications.

• Chemyunion is a Brazilian company that manufactures raw materials used in the cosmetics and personal care industry. It is recognised globally for the creation, development and manufacture of innovative assets which are used in many well-known global brands.

• GfN & Selco manufactures high-quality active substances for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food supplement industries. The company specialises in combining ingredients of natural origin with innovative active substances.

• Cremer Oleo is a supplier of soap bases consisting mainly of vegetable oils. Its portfolio offers various palm-free and RSPO-certified alternatives as well as different qualities of organic oils. These products are supplied in the form of noodles or flakes.

• Pritty Pearlescent Pigments is a professional pearlescent pigments manufacturer. The company exports to more than 50 countries worldwide, which sees its products used in various applications including cosmetics, decorative paints, plastics, wallpaper, powder coatings, automotive paints, etc.

The Chemgrit Cosmetics team

Johrinda van Rensburg, sales manager, oversees the company’s cosmetics division. She has an in-depth knowledge of the division’s entire portfolio of products and liaises with suppliers and agencies to ensure supply of the latest innovative ingredients and raw materials. Van Rensburg’s motto is “today is always the most productive day of your week”.

Lesego Bodibe, technical sales representative, services Gauteng customers and specialises in personal care. Bodibe’s motto is “product quality matters”.

Anna Stolz, technical cosmetic consultant, deals with online enquiries. She also addresses all cosmetic enquiries from internal sales assistants and telephonic queries as well as manages samples and the movement of stock. Stolz’s motto is “just do it as well as possible”.

Judith Leshabane, the laboratory assistant, helps with formulations, lab projects and the preparation of samples for customers. She is also responsible for assisting with the analysis of non-conforming batches, as well as laboratory document control and admin. Leshabane’s motto is “creating a divine path for satisfied customers”.

Bryan Tennant is the customer sales representative for Cape Town and surrounds. He has been involved in the cosmetics division since 2009 and has a good general knowledge of all products, while fragrances are his strength. Tennant’s motto is “there is no product we will not attempt to find for our customers”.

Stephanie Gompel-Ratsiane is the Durban sales representative. She provides technical and commercial guidance on new and existing product development and has a special interest in hair and personal care. Gompel-Ratsiane’s motto is “responsiveness is key to service”. •

Chemgrit Cosmetics – www.chemgritcosmetics.co.za