German cosmetics 

Korean beauty was yesterday: the latest trend in cosmetics is called G-Beauty and is already on its way to conquering the whole world. The abbreviation “G” stands for “German”, so we are dealing with “German Beauty”, which in turn stands for German cosmetics (Made in Germany). Hollywood is already enthusiastic about the new trend. Stars like Diane Kruger swear by luxury skincare from Germany, and there is even a dedicated hashtag for the cosmetics hype on Instagram (#gbeauty). But what is so special about German cosmetics? And how does the trend differ from K-Beauty, for example?

Why German cosmetics are so popular:

For decades, “Made in Germany” has stood for the highest quality, performance, and purity. Abroad, however, the seal of quality was previously associated primarily with German cars or German beer. That has changed. Consumers and beauty experts all over the world have recognised that German cosmetics are virtually a promise of quality and are therefore absolutely trustworthy. Incidentally, traditional German brands and so-called doctor brands, i.e., cosmetic brands with a doctorate in their name, are particularly popular. German cosmetics stand for verifiable results and – almost more importantly – for scientifically tested active ingredients at the highest level. Anyone who buys the products can therefore not only rely on their effectiveness, but also on their quality and purity. After all, G-Beauty is often developed by dermatologists or at least tested by independent dermatologists. German cosmetics are regarded as credible and sustainable: two characteristics that are becoming increasingly important worldwide. No wonder that German cosmetics are now also revered by international stars. But there is a second reason for the popularity of G-Beauty.

Minimum effort, maximum effect

The Korean cosmetics trend K-Beauty has taught us that many individual skincare steps can build on each other. However, combining the individual steps requires a lot of time… and today this is more precious than ever. G-Beauty, on the other hand, gives us time, because the aim here is to achieve the greatest possible efficiency with the least possible effort. This is popular because more and more consumers are opting for simple and uncomplicated skincare. They have neither the time nor the inclination to spend many hours in the bathroom: After all, everyday life is hectic enough for most people. G-Beauty is unagitated and unspectacular, and that is exactly what is extremely appreciated in the cosmetics world. No superfluous frills, no hopelessly cluttered bathroom shelves, but instead the simplest application, time savings, high quality standards, reliability, purity, and effectiveness. A concept that works and will certainly not disappear into oblivion again.

German cosmetics and its products

The manufacturers and suppliers of G-Beauty are just taking off and are on course for success. The product range is growing accordingly. Two very important topics in G-Beauty are moisturising care and anti-ageing. Whether day and night cream or concentrated serum – the main aim of the corresponding care lines is to ensure that the skin is supplied with nutrients and moisture, to slow down the skin’s natural ageing process and to improve the skin’s overall appearance. The focus here is clearly on natural active ingredients. Many German cosmetic products have an antioxidant, strengthening, protective, anti-inflammatory effect or stimulate the skin’s regeneration process. German cosmetics are complemented by cleansing products and care masks. Here, too, quality and effectiveness take centre stage.

Which active ingredients are typically contained in G-Beauty?

German cosmetics are only authentic if the most important active ingredients come from Germany. Fortunately, the list of cosmetically recommendable ingredients is very long. An interesting example of a native plant is lemon balm. It has antiviral, antimicrobial, and fungicidal properties and is very suitable for blemished skin. As it promotes blood circulation, it also helps to regenerate the skin more quickly, making it look younger.

Cosmacon has been offering the cosmetic service of customised formulation development made in Germany for more than 10 years.

Profile of melissa oil

INCI: Melissa Officinalis Leaf Oil

CAS number: 84082-61-1

EINECS number: 282-007-0

Extraction: by steam distillation from the twig tips and leaves of lemon balm

Main constituents: Citral, geraniol, citronellal, citronellol, linalool, isopulegol

Effect: anti-inflammatory, stimulates circulation, antiviral, antimicrobial

Camomile is also native to our region. It regenerates the tissue, stimulates the skin’s metabolism and, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, is also suitable for the care of blemished or oily skin.

Profile of true camomile

INCI: Matricaria Recutica L.

CAS number: 84082-60-0 (Chamomilla Recutita Extract), 8002-66-2 (Chamomilla Recutita Oil)

Main constituents: alpha-bisabolol, flavonoids, carboxylic acids, coumarins

Effect: soothing, antibacterial

Grape seed extract scores with a great anti-ageing effect. This is due to the secondary plant substance OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), which specifically combats free radicals and is one of the strongest antioxidants available. OPC protects fibre proteins, skin cells and blood vessels from ageing. The substance repairs collagen that has become unstable and strengthens the skin’s enzyme activity so that it is better protected against UV radiation. Grape seed extract can also accelerate wound healing.

Profile of grape seed extract

INCI: Grape Seed Extract/Vitis vinifera

CAS number: 84929-27-1

EINECS number: 284-511-6

Description: Extract from the seeds of the red grape

Main constituents: Proanthocyanidins

Effect: antioxidant, repairing, protective, antimicrobial

Birch extract is very suitable for creams and emulsions. It has a cleansing effect, activates the skin’s metabolism, refines the pores and gives the hair more body. It is often used in products against cellulite and to smooth the skin. It is also able to improve blood circulation.

Profile of birch extract

Description: Extract obtained from the leaves of the birch tree

INCI: Betula Alba Leaf Extract

CAS number: 84012-15-7

EINECS number: 281-660-9

Main constituents: Tannins, flavonoids

You can find more information in our article: Birch bark extract

G-Beauty could become your starting point for building a cosmetic brand.

German cosmetics: “Made in Germany”

The abbreviation G-Beauty stands for a cosmetics trend that is here to stay. German cosmetics “Made in Germany” are currently causing a worldwide furore and are a more than worthy successor to the K-Beauty trend from Korea, which has since faded into the background. G-Beauty stands for top quality, first-class active ingredients, and effectiveness. Would you like to realise a G-Beauty sub-brand for your existing brand? Cosmacon will be happy to assist you with the development.

Sources:

Enhancement of the Antioxidant and Skin Permeation Properties of Betulin and Its Derivatives.; Günther A, Makuch E, Nowak A, Duchnik W, Kucharski Ł, Pełech R, Klimowicz A.Molecules. 2021 Jun 5;26(11):3435.

Parameter Optimization and Potential Bioactivity Evaluation of a Betulin Extract from White Birch Bark.; Chen H, Xiao H, Pang J.Plants (Basel). 2020 Mar 23;9(3):392

Betula alba Bark Extract and Empetrum nigrum Fruit Juice, a Natural Alternative to Niacinamide for Skin Barrier Benefits.; Smiljanic S, Messaraa C, Lafon-Kolb V, Hrapovic N, Amini N, Osterlund C, Visdal-Johnsen L. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 19;23(20):12507.

Evaluation of Antioxidative Mechanisms In Vitro and Triterpenes Composition of Extracts from Silver Birch (Betula pendula Roth) and Black Birch (Betula obscuraKotula) Barks by FT-IR and HPLC-PDA.; Ostapiuk A, Kurach Ł, Strzemski M, Kurzepa J, Hordyjewska A.Molecules. 2021 Jul 30;26(15):4633.

Biosynthesis of α-Bisabolol by Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase and α-Bisabolol Synthase and Their Related Transcription Factors in Matricaria recutita L.; Tai Y, Wang H, Yao P, Sun J, Guo C, Jin Y, Yang L, Chen Y, Shi F, Yu L, Li S, Yuan Y.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 15;24(2):1730.