Beauty is a never-ending journey of discovery and exploration—not only because we find out about new products or hacks from buzzy brands and influencers but also because we learn what it’s like for people who are millions of miles away. So many methods, ingredients, and traditions that originated from other countries, like Korea, for example, have gone from being a trend to the norm here in the West. This is why you shouldn’t sleep on Scandinavia, especially when it comes to Danish beauty.
The Danes have a simple yet effective approach to their skincare routines that any beauty lover can appreciate. "Danish beauty is all about putting your time and energy into great skincare as opposed to makeup,” says Ole Henriksen, founder of his eponymous skincare brand. "As a matter of fact, Danish women are admired for wearing very little makeup. It’s all about that natural glow of healthy skin.”
Henriksen’s Danish heritage has informed his life’s work, especially when it comes to what he puts in his products. "An ingredient inspired by my Danish heritage that I’m fond of using in many formulations, like Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment, is Nordic birch sap,” he says. "As a child, my mother worked at the local pharmacy in my village, where she helped create ointments, one of them made with Nordic birch sap that she would apply to our skin during the cold winter months.”
If you can’t hop on a plane to Copenhagen, trying Danish beauty brands from the comfort of your home is the next best thing. Ahead, learn about seven incredible Danish skincare and makeup brands, and discover products to incorporate into your own routine.
#1: Ole Henriksen
Henriksen’s mother first introduced him to skincare when he was growing up in the Danish village of Nibe. But it wasn’t until he developed cystic acne during his travels as an adult that he was inspired to help others heal their skin.
"According to Henriksen, the extraordinary benefits of this natural extract are the high levels of soothing, calming, and reparative vitamins, minerals, and humectants."
This detoxifying blue face mask is inspired by the "cold plunge”—a tradition in Scandinavian saunas.
This delicious-smelling scrub will improve texture with lemon peel, AHAs, and sugar.
#2: Kjær Weis
Before she founded her beauty brand, Kirsten Kjær Weis was a makeup artist, working on shoots for magazines like Marie Claire and Self. She began noticing how much synthetic makeup wrecked models’ skin and decided to do something about it. In 2010, she launched her organic, natural luxury makeup line.
This lightweight, silicone-free primer contains ingredients that benefit the skin, such as soothing lavender water, moisture-boosting squalane and cold-pressed olive oil, as well as firming Spilanthes acmella flower extract, known as nature’s Botox.
Looking for a classic red that looks good on everyone and is organic? Add this one to your lipstick collection.
This organic mascara promises sky-high lashes that won’t clump up thanks to natural ingredients like sustainably sourced beeswax, acacia gum, marula oil, and carnauba wax.
#3: Ecooking
After experiencing skin issues following her divorce, Tina Søgaard began mixing up creams, oils, and serums in her own kitchen, and they fixed her skin. Soon, friends and family wanted in on the magical products, and she launched Ecooking in 2015.
Available in four shades, this creamy blush will nourish your skin while bringing color to your cheeks thanks to hydrating apricot kernel oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E.
If you’ve got angry, clogged skin, this clay mask is a lifesaver. It contains deep-cleansing iris extract, zinc salt, and vitamin A and targets redness while reducing sebum production.
Great for those with sensitive or dry skin, this cleansing milk calms while purifying, as it contains organic sunflower oil, cucumber extract, and organic glycerin.
#4: Woods Copenhagen
Co-founder Martin Lyne launched Woods Copenhagen in 2016 after his daughter was diagnosed with atopic eczema. The products in his line are formulated with Arctic spring water that's free of toxins, pesticides, and phthalates, and they're made with sustainable packaging.
Dry skin types will appreciate this antioxidant moisturizer that packs on hydration without feeling heavy.
With a formula made with lactic and glycolic acids, this gel mask will exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowy and even-toned.
This face serum tackles wrinkles, fine lines, texture problems, and more due to the presence of peptide Argireline, amino acids, and sodium PCA.
#5: Nuori
Before launching the brand in 2015, Nuori founder Jasmi Bonnén worked at L’Oréal, where she learned about the trickiness of visible expiry dates. That’s why Nuori’s philosophy is called Fight for Fresh—it makes small batches every 10 to 12 weeks in Copenhagen and quickly ships to its retail partners.
With antioxidant ingredients like carrot seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and French maritime pine extract, this sunscreen will block against UVA and UVB rays while fighting inflammation and promoting new skin cells so your skin will be both protected and healthy.
If you’re looking for a face wash that gets everything off without drying out your skin, pick up Nuori’s foaming cleanser. It has soothing oat kernel extract, moisture-retaining botanic glycerin, and exfoliating pomegranate enzyme and radish root, leaving your skin hydrated and clean.
This is your reminder not to skip out on hand protection when you’re taking care of the rest of your skin! The Vital Hand Cream contains shea butter and botanical oils that keep your hands and fingers moisturized while also protecting against outside pollution and environmental stressors.
#6: Beauté Pacifique
In 1997, Flemming Christiansen launched his skincare brand, Beauté Pacifique. It started out small, with his wife, Margith, and their family putting labels on the jars and tubes. Now, Beauté Pacifique is one of the biggest Danish skincare brands, with over 50 products.
Spritz on this face mist during the day, and your skin will never be thirsty. It contains the Scandinavian superfruit lingonberry, an antioxidant that can fight UV damage, retain moisture, and improve elasticity.
This body cream is all about vitamins—it contains three types of vitamin A, two types of vitamin E, and natural vitamin D, all helpful for fighting pollution, sun damage, and signs of aging.
Tired eyes will look refreshed in just 15 minutes due to ingredients like Alteromonas Ferment Extract and dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate—both known for their Botox-mimicking effects.
#7: Tromborg
Marianne Tromborg was a makeup artist before launching her beauty brand in 2003 with her biochemist husband, Tim Schyberg. As she and Schyberg suffered from psoriasis and allergies, it became vital that they be aware of what went onto their skin. The brand’s products are all organic and have locally made, recyclable packaging.
A gorgeous mauvey-brown shade that will nourish your lips with organic plant extracts.
Make your showers even more relaxing with this skin-loving body wash that’s free from synthetic fragrances.
Give your skin natural dimension and glow with this gorgeous mineral bronzer that contains skin-nourishing ingredients like organic meadowfoam, seed oil, and shea butter.
Up next, "Tinted Skincare for Your Lips"—This New Makeup Brand Will Be *It* for 2022
