Science of Environ

The Environ method was developed by South African plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes. Fernandes is one of the world’s leading vitamin A experts, having dedicated nearly his entire career to vitamin A treatments for the skin.

In his youth, working as a hospital doctor, Fernandes was motivated to dedicate his life’s work to this field after losing two young patients to melanoma. In the early 1980s, he became interested in research suggesting a connection between vitamin A, skin health, and sun damage. His colleagues found the hypothesis amusing, which only made Fernandes more determined to delve deeper into the subject. Since there were no suitable products available to test the idea, he began making them himself.

A few years later, when Fernandes introduced vitamin A-based skincare products to his clients, they initially sparked little interest. However, those few who started using the products were pleasantly surprised. Gradually, the clinic began receiving increasing demand, especially for the creams.

Since 1990, Des Fernandes has been the developer and lead innovator of Environ products and their absorption-enhancing methods and technologies. Now over 80 years old, he continues to serve as Environ’s scientific director, a popular speaker in the field, and a practicing plastic surgeon at his own clinic.

In May 2021, Dr Des Fernandes received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Skin Cancer Foundation for his contributions to the development of techniques and technologies used in skincare and photoprotection. The award also recognized his over 30 years of work with antioxidants and vitamins crucial for skin health.

Environ is created for everyone—regardless of gender or skin type. Every product is formulated with high-quality ingredients and fresh, active vitamins to support healthy, radiant skin. Because vitamins naturally degrade over time, Environ ensures that customers receive the freshest products possible to achieve optimal results.

To minimize the risk of irritation and support even the most sensitive skin, most Environ products are made without added preservatives or fragrances. This commitment makes Environ one of the very few skincare brands in the world to take such a clean and careful approach across its entire range.

Environ Skin Care (Pty) Ltd meets the highest global manufacturing standards. As an ISO 9001 and ISO 22716 certified company, Environ produces all products in its own state-of-the-art sterile facilities. Manufacturing takes place under red light to protect light-sensitive ingredients and under vacuum to prevent contact with air. These highly controlled conditions, including the use of filtered air throughout the facility, ensure that every product meets strict safety and quality standards. Each batch undergoes rigorous scientific testing by internationally accredited laboratories to confirm its purity and effectiveness.

Because the formulas include highly effective active ingredients and minimal preservatives, Environ invests in advanced packaging to protect product integrity. Every tube, bottle, and container is designed to keep light and air out, ensuring both hygiene and performance from first use to last.