Written by Madeleine White - Founder of JUNI & CO
In 2021 Madeleine received the highly acclaimed CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Young Achiever Award. She's also an Advisory Board Member for the British Beauty Council's Sustainable Beauty Coalition.
Natural skincare brand Susanne Kaufmann recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. Since the beginning, they have championed environmentally conscious production, local-first ingredient sourcing, and responsible packaging innovation, with a deep respect for both environment and people.
When we first launched the range at JUNI & CO we had customers calling to put their favourite products on hold. From the sensory bath oils to the efficacious facial treatments - each product is not only a joy to use but gives real, noticeable results.
Keep reading to hear about the story behind the brand, why self-care is so important and skincare secrets from Susanne herself.
What first inspired you to start your own brand?
I grew up in the Bregenzerwald, an Austrian Alpine region, immersed in an understanding of the local traditions and efficacious benefits that could be found in the Alpine plants that grew in abundance in the area. In the Bregenzerwald, regional customs and traditions that celebrate the power of the local plants have a special significance. I joined my family hotel in the 1990’s and one of my first projects was to develop a new spa concept. To support the service, I created my own skin, body and bath range. One that adopted the same focus on highly effective, preventative, holistic care for optimum skin health, as well as the natural, regional and sustainable values as the hotel itself. In 2003 we launched SUSANNE KAUFMANN skincare. This is where it all began.
Our range of effective skincare solutions, nourishing body care and luxurious bath oils is developed with the finest and most potent plant complexes, rooted in a rich heritage of holistic rituals and responsibly produced using modern science to support skin health.
The SUSANNE KAUFMANN range goes much further than high-quality, natural, and effective ingredients. It encompasses environmentally friendly production, sustainable packaging innovation, manufacturing processes and a deep respect for nature and people. This has always been our philosophy. It’s always been about the entire picture.
Growing up in a family of renowned hoteliers, what was the most important lesson you learned and took with you throughout your career?
I have learnt that an excellent product and service is the key to success. Quality, results and consistency are so important.
What have been your greatest challenges in growing your business?
As we grow, we work consistently to find new ways to implement natural ingredient complexes and the latest scientific findings in our formulas, and how to make our production and packaging more ecological with ever-evolving sustainable practices.
Your skincare brand is deeply rooted in nature and holistic well-being. Why do you think this is so important?
I have always been extremely dedicated to my Austrian heritage rooted in the practices of holistic wellbeing and self-care. The idyllic Austrian Alpine region of the Bregenzerwald has been home to myself and my family for generations. I have the utmost respect for nature, our people and our planet, which is reflected as part of our brand ethos and in my day-to-day life.
Why has sustainability always been so central to your brand philosophy?
Sustainability and transparency have been at the heart of Susanne Kaufmann since the very beginning. From the type of energy we use to power our production facilities, to the responsible sourcing of efficacious botanicals for our formulas and our innovative refillable packaging, the use of renewable resources, cutting edge science and intelligent product design have been integral to our production
methods for over two decades.
What does your skincare routine look like?
I have always seen the skin as one which means the same rules you apply to your face should apply to your hands and body too. I swear by a deep double-cleanse, cleansing with the Purifying Cleansing Gel for an intensive, effective cleanse and then using the Soothing Toner to lift any impurities. Before applying my day and night cream, I’ll apply our Hyaluronic Serum for an added boost of hydration. To
finish, I’ll gently tap the Rejuvenating Eye Cream around my eyes.
For my body care, I like to use the Refining Scalp & Body Scrub to remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal followed with the Body Butter when my skin is feeling dry for extra nourishment.
Do you have any beauty insider secrets you can share with us?
Before applying a serum, I recommend prepping the skin with Enzyme Exfoliator once or twice a week. The fruit extracts in Enzyme Exfoliator help to remove dead skin cells, whilst Ectoin increases the skin’s ability to store moisture. This enhances the absorption and efficacy of the serums, for an intense facial treatment like no other.
What are your three desert island beauty products?
Eye care is a must for me, as the first impression of a person is always reflected through their eyes. My top tip is to use the cooling Eye Rescue Serum and the Rejuvenating Eye Cream together. I apply the Eye Rescue Serum below the eyes and then a small amount of Rejuvenating Eye Cream to the outer corner of my eye, putting any excess on the upper eyelid.
Purifying Cleansing Gel is also a daily essential for me. Cleansing is an essential for any beauty routine.
What are your three desert island beauty products?
Eye care is a must for me, as the first impression of a person is always reflected through their eyes. My top tip is to use the cooling Eye Rescue Serum and the Rejuvenating Eye Cream together. I apply the Eye Rescue Serum below the eyes and then a small amount of Rejuvenating Eye Cream to the outer corner of my eye, putting any excess on the upper eyelid.
Purifying Cleansing Gel is also a daily essential for me. Cleansing is an essential for any beauty routine.
Where do you see the Susanne Kaufmann brand going next, and what does the future of the beauty industry look like for you?
I am committed to the next level of sustainability and efficacious product formulas. We will continue to innovate with unique plant-based ingredients, combined with the latest scientific developments and
pioneering biotechnologies to bring you the best in long-lasting, effective skincare.
Click here to discover more from Susanne Kaufmann.