After battling with hyperpigmentation and feeling disillusioned from trying endless skin care products, Shannon Dougall felt the urge to embark on a journey where she would create effective skin care solutions.
“I was inspired to start a brand that delivered on its promise, that empowered customers with honour, knowledge, and a brand that was highly efficacious at an affordable price point,” Dougall says.
Shannon Dougall is the founder of SKIN functional, a skincare brand with an extensive range of scientifically formulated products.
How SKIN Functional Got Its Glow
Having been in the skincare business for over 26 years, Dougall knew she was ready and experienced enough to introduce a game-changing brand into the industry. “It was through my own journey with hyper-pigmentation, where I tried so many brands and was left feeling disillusioned, that I was inspired to start a brand that delivered on its promise; a brand that empowered customers with honourable knowledge and a brand that was highly efficacious at an affordable price point
A highly effective brand with integrity that offered customers real results at an affordable price, leaving them feeling empowered,” says Dougall
The Science of SKIN Care
Dougall is deeply passionate about providing products that are backed by thorough research and give customers value for their money without harming their skin. That’s why her brand’s philosophy is centred around having a science-led approach.
“The brand philosophy was built on my experience within the skincare industry and addressed the gaps that I felt needed to be addressed. SKIN functional has not strayed from its philosophy of providing multi-functional clinical technologies using neuro-cosmetic actives formulated at optimal concentrations for reproducible results,” she says.
She continues to emphasise this point with a powerful statement. “This will always be our philosophy as it is the DNA of the brand and it is the very minimum that customers deserve”.
Finding Balance in Entrepreneurship
Running a skincare brand requires balancing creativity, science, and business, a challenge Dougall embraces wholeheartedly.
“An entrepreneur’s work is full-time; there’s no downtime,” she admits. “When I’m not in the office, I’m conceptualising, brainstorming, reviewing, and analysing the market. When you’re driven by deep passion, it doesn’t feel like work – it’s exciting and something you want to throw yourself into.”
While she describes it as a “huge juggling act,” Dougall believes success comes down to prioritising and compartmentalising. “The quantum of work requires that I spend more than an eight-hour day focused on my business,” she says. “But when you love what you do, it’s worth it.”
Milestones, Wins, and Challenges
SKIN functional has received numerous accolades, including South Africa’s Fashion Awards Best Skincare Brand (2025) and Glamour’s Best Cleansing Balm (2024).
“Each award motivates my team and me to keep striving for excellence,” Dougall says. “It’s fulfilling to know that the work we do positively impacts the lives of our customers.”
This year, Dougall received the Santam Woman of the Future Award, a recognition she describes as both humbling and affirming.
“The award solidifies for me that the work I’ve dedicated my life to is meaningful and adds value to people’s lives,” she says. “For SKIN functional, it’s a huge stamp of approval and excellence. It motivates and inspires me to do more and be more.”
However, growth hasn’t come without challenges. “Managing the rapid rate of growth and the cash flow required to support that growth has been one of our biggest hurdles,” she notes.
The Future of SKIN Functional
Looking ahead, Dougall envisions her brand continuing to lead the charge in transparency and innovation.
“SKIN functional has already shaped the South African skincare industry by demanding that brands be more transparent,” she says. “We provide honourable ‘skintelligence’ that customers can trust. Our goal is to elevate the industry through ethics and integrity – because that’s what customers deserve.”
The future is equally ambitious. “SKIN functional will always be rooted in innovation and firsts,” Shannon adds. “We plan to expand our global footprint and transform SKIN functional into a globally recognised brand while keeping innovation accessible for all.”
For Shannon, building SKIN functional has always been about more than selling products; it’s about creating a personalised journey toward skin confidence.
“SKIN functional isn’t about sales; it’s about helping people feel confident in their skin,” she explains. “We were the first company in South Africa to offer customers product recommendations, and when you’re a leader, there will always be followers. We single-handedly revolutionised the skincare industry through personalised skincare guidance.”
By prioritising genuine connections, SKIN functional ensures that every interaction, whether online or in-store, builds trust.
