So what is it with K –beauty , G-beauty, etc? Pretty soon we’ll have the whole alphabet. Well not really, and , G-beauty does indeed have a few major differentiators. G-beauty has come to be known as “clean beauty”and what we call a holy trinity of n’s: “non-toxic , non-irritating and non-inflammatory . It seems the Germans hold manufacturers to a higher standard of what we Americans, at the drop of hat, call “natural .“ German skin care producers make great demands on the quality of what goes into their formulations, as the German public demands transparency and they get it. With simple packaging and easy to read labels, German brands and their Swiss neighbors, tell it like it is, and their U.S. sales figures are proof they are onto something in a big way.
In the fifties, Dr. Hauschka introduced some the first more “holistic” types of skin care, first only available at health food stores and now they can be found everywhere, even CVS. The Soothing Milk Cleanser is a classic blend loved by vegans, nursing mothers and just plain skincare aficionados of every age.
The newer doctor-led lines from Germany have taken the high-end beauty world by storm, Professor Augustinus Bader has done much of his research work around stem cells , his cream and super rich cream are thought to stimulate collagen and jump start healing or what we might call a reversal of the aging process. If keeping it in stock is any indication, these creams are far more effective than a good streusel with whipped crème.
Dr. Barbara Sturm is a much heralded dermatologist who is into what she calls molecular cosmetics . The intense hydration of her Hylauronic Serum is visibly apparent after even one use. It is far easier to buy her products than actually get an appointment to see her, even if you fly to Dusseldorf, so you might also want to try the Brightening Serum, it is combined with an active potion of cress sprouts and shimmering particles.
The G’s love using ampoules to deliver treatments that rely on freshness for their efficacy, these Royal Fern Phytoactive Antioxindants pack a market-fresh punch with Vitamin C, B-12, hyaluronic acid and more
You will find Weleda Skin Food , which was first introduced in 1926, in most makeup kits of the pros as it is an easy, affordable way to deliver moisture when you need it fast. So too, is old school Nivea cream—the landmark blue tins have been on every desk and glove compartment we can remember , it smells like our lovely grandmothers. and your cuticles will rejoice.
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.