Medical aesthetic products. Kenya’s Uncover Skincare raises US$1 million in seed round

THE WHAT? Kenyan start-up, Uncover Skincare has raised US$1 million in a seed round, with FirstCheck Africa, Samata Capital, Future Africa and IgniteXL named as participants, according to a report published by Tech Crunch.

THE DETAILS The beauty brand plans to scale its Kenyan operations and expand into Nigeria early next year. To date, it has raised US$1.225 million to build a data-driven, digital first health and wellness brand, based around African botanicals and designed to appeal to modern African women.

THE WHY? Co-founder and CEO, Sneha Mehta told TechCrunch, “We are using the funding to launch more products, go into additional markets and also double down on our tech and data to effectively produce, reach and market to our audience.”

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.