FAQ

The product range of BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE encompasses natural cosmetics products, developed for the targeted cleansing and care of the body and face. The range is rounded off by special products for hand and foot care.

Natural cosmetics use the power of nature. Plant oils, fats and waxes, as well as extracts from flowers, herbs and fruits are processed into formulas that care for skin and hair and help boost their natural properties. In contrast to conventional cosmetics, natural cosmetics are created without irritating or damaging chemical ingredients that are suspected of harming our health. This is guaranteed via internationally valid standards, according to which natural cosmetic products are certified. These standards also ensure that the manufacturer adopts resource-saving production processes, which take into account the optimum biodegradability of raw materials as well as environmentally friendly packaging and protection of animals.

All BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE products are certified according to the BDIH COSMOS standard. The BDIH COSMOS seal of approval is an international standard for natural cosmetics that gives you confidence about the quality of ingredients and the manufacturing process of products. To qualify for this certification, a product has to meet the strict regulatory requirements on the selection of resources and the production processes.

Substances like parabens, mineral oils, aggressive surfactants, silicones, paraffins, PEGs and synthetic fragrances and colouragents are artificially manufactured products produced in industrial processes. While some ingredients make the skin and hair appear firmer and smoother at first glance, they may prevent it from breathing and affect its capacity to regenerate in the long-term. Certain ingredients may also negatively impact the skin’s defensive properties and ability to regulate moisture balance.

• Paraffins are petroleum distillates. They can form a film on the skin that has an effect on the skin’s ability to breathe.
• Silicones, like paraffins, form a film on the skin and hair which can smother the surface. What’s more, silicones are not biologically degradable.
• Parabens are petrochemical preservatives that cannot be used in certified natural cosmetics due to their potential health risk.
• The effects of synthetic fragrances and colour agents have so far been the subject of little research. Due to the fact that they can cause allergies, they are strictly not used in natural cosmetics.
• Polyethylene glycols(PEGs) are petrochemical, water-soluble molecular compounds that cannot be used in certified natural cosmetics due to their high risk potential.

The use of raw materials from genetically engineered plants/primary materials is not permitted in certified natural cosmetics. For BIRKENSTOCK COSMETICS, the use of genetically engineered plant and animal materials is absolutely incompatible with natural cosmetics and skin health.

As a certified natural cosmetics brand, we firmly believe: Animal testing may not be carried out or commissioned either in the development or testing phase of products. The use of raw materials sourced from vertebrates is not permitted. Only certain animal-based products such as milk or honey are permitted.

Many BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE products are vegan and no animal-based products are used.

Natural cosmetics are especially suitable for skin care during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since they offer care without potentially harmful ingredients. All our products are tested in accordance with the highest quality standards for their safety and skin-friendliness. However, natural ingredients can also lead to skin reactions. In this case, you should stop using the product immediately and consult your dermatologist or midwife if necessary.

The foot and hand care products are available exclusively in selected BIRKENSTOCK shops.
The expanded product range of BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE will be available in the online store (www.birkenstock.com) and selected department stores in Europe and the USA from November 2018. Anti-aging products and products for men will be available in 2019.

To find the right treatment for you, it is important to know your skin type and care needs. In our CARE GUIDE, you can find specific product recommendations as well as information on different skin types and care needs. Only products that are matched to your skin and care needs are able to keep your skin healthy and improve complexion. For specific questions and individual advice, please also contact our skincare experts on: info@birkenstock-cosmetics.com.

Impurities and acne are caused when several factors come together. Besides genetic disposition, external factors as well as incorrect or drying treatments can cause impurities and acne. Active sebaceous glands, and consequently excess sebum, blocked pores as well as an increased incidence of bacteria (the skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes) are characteristic for impure and acne-prone skin. Treatments for clogged and acne-prone skin should aim to reduce excess sebum and potential oily shine, as well as bring balance to the skin’s oil and moisture content. Here, it is important to avoid highly dehydrating products and aggressive cleansing. This can lead to the rapid and significant build-up of grease in the skin and hair following improper care. Dehydrating alcohol-based facial toners should be avoided in particular. A thorough, but non-dehydrating cleansing and exfoliating treatment is recommended, which will help reduce excess thickening of the outer layer of the skin and counteract blocked pores. Exfoliants should only be used once or twice per week in order to avoid damaging the skin’s protective barrier. A light treatment which is neither too rich nor toooily and that refines the skin structure is especially well-suited for clogged and impure skin.

Dry skin has particularly low sebaceous gland activity and consequently reduced oil production. Moisture regulation is also impaired. Dry skin is usually hereditary and is often associated with flaking, itching, feelings of tautness and burning. In addition to increasing age, this skin condition is aggravated by a dry, low-moisture climate, a lack of fluid intake and heavy perspiration. Skin dehydration is also exacerbated by unsuitable cleansing products for the skin type as well as sun damage and extreme weather conditions. The optimal treatment for dry skin should restore the skin’s moisture and protect the skin with valuable lipids. To stabilisethe skin’s barrier, gentle cleansing products are ideally suited that do not dry out the skin and which provide intense hydrating care that continuouslymoisturisethe skin. Dry skin also needs a treatment thatstabilisesthe skin’s barrier and provides lasting protection, in order to improve elasticity and wellbeing, restoring freshness to the complexion.

Mature skin is subject to two causes of skin ageing: Intrinsic, chronological aging and extrinsic, environmental aging. Both result in visible signs of aging like reduced radiance and moisture, wrinkles, slackness and pigment imbalances. Mature skin is highly sensitive and dries out quickly. Sweat secretion, the skin’s moisture balance and lipids reduce with age. The skin’s ability to adapt to increasing environmental challenges and stresses deteriorates. To prevent and correct for the visible signs of mature skin, active ingredients are recommended that exfoliate, reduce unevenness and stimulate the skin’s collagen production, for instance. High-quality, natural oils and rich intense moisture treatments are recommended. The skin should be prevented from drying out, and aggressive cleansing products and the excessive use of hot water should be avoided. Treatments that primarily give the skin lipids andmoisturisingfactors, increasing the water retention capacity of the corneal layer are recommended. Highly concentrated active serums, oils and special care products that counteract free radicals, regenerate the skin overnight and protect against environmental effects during the day are essential for well-kept, youthful radiance.

Sensitive skin can be inherited or acquired. Sensitive skin can react to certain products and environmental influences. Various trigger factors like allergens, preservatives or fragrances, aggressive surfactants and certain ingredients can cause rashes, dryness or sensitivity. The optimal treatment for sensitive skin should contain gentle and protective ingredients that soothe the skin and improve wellbeing. Aggressive cleansing products and surfactants, alcohol and the use of too much water should be avoided. It is also recommended to abstain from mechanical peeling treatments and intense professional skin treatments.

Natural Freshness – Fresh Cleansing Gel is particularly well suited for intense cleansing of the face, neck and neckline in the morning and evening, for normal and mixed skin, as well as for oily skin. Velvet Cleansing Milk is especially suitable for the gentle cleansing of normal to dry skin. It does not dry out the skin and can also be used for sensitive skin and for cleansing without water. The difference between the two products lies in the consistency. Velvet Cleansing Milk contains a richer consistency than the Fresh Cleansing Gel, and is therefore ideal for more mature, as well as more demanding and sensitive skin. Both products cleanse gently yet thoroughly, without using surfactants.

The products in the Natural Moisture range intensely moisturise the skin and protect it against dryness. They lastingly restore the skin’s natural balance and are specially suited for normal to dry skin. IntensiveMoisturisingFluid is ideal for the targeted care of mixed skin and sensitive skin.

The difference between the two products lies in the consistency. The Intensive MoisturisingFluid nourishes the skin with a light consistency and provides plenty of moisture. It offers care without feeling heavy or greasy, and is particularly recommended for young and normal skin as well as mixed skin and sensitive skin. The light fluid is especially popular for warmer temperatures and is also used by men. The IntensiveMoisturisingCream nourishes normal to dry skin with its richer, creamier consistency, and has a deepmoisturisingeffect. Anyone who finds the IntensiveMoisturisingFluid too mild, can enjoy the optimal care and protection provided throughout the day by the IntensiveMoisturisingCream. It is also suitable for boosting the care provided by the IntensiveMoisturisingFluid during the cold winter season.

Our MoisturisingEve Contour Balm is the ideal eye care for normal to dry skin around the sensitive eye area. In the morning, it reduces fine lines and light wrinkles caused by dryness and, in the evening, it provides sufficient care and hydration for overnight regeneration.

Use a pea-sized amount ofMoisturisingEye Counter Balm beneath the eye area and on the upper lids in the morning and evening after cleansing. Apply the eye balm onto the back of your hand then dot the product carefully around the eyes using your ring finger. Gently dot the balm under your eye with your ring finger, moving from inner to outer corner. Pressing or tapping allows the skin to better absorb the product, achieving optimal effectiveness. Avoid any contact of the product with the eyes.

Our MoisturisingEye Contour Balm is also generally suitable for sensitive skin around the eye area. If you are susceptible to reactions and allergies, first test the product on your wrist. Wait at least 12 hours before you apply the balm to the eye area. Contact lens users can use theMoisturisingEye Contour Balm in the morning and evening as part of their skincare routine. Allow your skin to absorb the product in the morning before you insert your contact lenses and use concealer or make-up. Avoid any contact of the product with the eyes.

Both foot care products provide the skin with valuable natural oils and extracts. They moisturiseand nourish the skin with avocado and elderberry seed oil, for instance. The Cooling Foot Cream also contains an active complex made from menthol and lactic acid that keeps the skin cool. On an evening after a long day, for high temperatures and tired, swollen legs, the Cooling Foot Cream provides fantastic freshness and comfortably cools the skin.

Our intense caring foot oil provides the skin with valuable natural oils and boosts the skin’s protective barrier. Ideally apply the Nourishing Leg and Foot Oil in the evening and let it take effect overnight. Spray 1-2 pumps into your palm and massage the oil from the feet up to the knees. Allow the skin to absorb the Nourishing Leg and Foot Oil and relax your legs.

BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE can be considered an individual cosmetic regimen. This means that active ingredients, fragrances and individual products are harmonisedso that all products can be combined with each other. Our products can be combined depending on skin type and care needs, which change over the course of the year and life generally, for instance as a result of external and internal effects like climate, stress, nutrition, hormones and medication. This ensures a treatment that is targeted and tailored for your skin.

Product recommendations as well as information about your skin type and individual care needs can be found in our BEAUTY GUIDE under “Care advice” (verlinken).

Helpful short videos and tips about how to use BIRKENSTCK NATURAL CARE products correctly are available in our BEAUTY GUIDE under “Care rituals” (verlinken).

Only the highest quality materials are used for BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE products. Sustainable cultivation and resource-conserving extraction and processing are especially important for BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE. What’s more, the use of renewable materials, such as cork oak extract which is used as the main ingredient in all our products, is highly important to us.

BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE products exhibit an acidic pH value in the range of 4.5 to 5.2. The pH value of facial and body skin lies between 4.7 and 5.7, i.e. also in the slightly acidic range. A pH value of 7 (like water) is neutral; pH values below are acidic and pH values above are alkaline. The reason for the slightly acidic pH value of the skin lies in the skin’s natural acidic protective barrier and its composition. A dermatologically compatible, slightly acidic pH value supports our skin’s protective barrier and health. The skin’s pH value is subject to slight fluctuations and varies depending on the body region, sex and age. It rises over the course of life and becomes increasingly alkaline.

The fragrances of BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE products only comprise natural, essential oils. Besides effective and healthy skin care, we believe a pleasant fragrance is also important for our natural cosmetics. If you are susceptible to allergies to natural fragrances and essential oils, please contact us to clarify the exact ingredients.(Link zum Kontakt).

Our cosmetic products do not provide UV protection. Natural light protection is currently only possible with mineral UV filters, which can have an effect on the consistency and texture of products. Moreover, we do not wish to burden your skin with additional ingredients and UV filters in daily use. We therefore only recommend responsible exposure to the sun. However, we are already working on a healthy and effective UV protection with mineral filters, especially for children.

BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE stands for health and the highest quality. Our innovative skincare systems are a combination of the finest-quality natural substances, unique active ingredient combinations with proven effectiveness, and packaging that protects resources with a smart refill system. The harmonisedlines contain products certified according to the BDIH COSMOS NATURAL STANDARD that can be combined individually depending on the skin’s condition.

The effectiveness of the active ingredients used has been proven in scientific studies. Moreover, all our formulas have been dermatologically tested for their skin-friendliness.

BIRKENSTOCK has been synonymous with high-quality products that keep their promises for over 240 years. We also remain true to this claim for our BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE natural cosmetics. All our products are subject to the strictest quality controls in order to comply with both statutory as well as our own high standards, and to ensure top quality. Effectiveness and skin-friendliness have also been confirmed scientifically by independent institutions.

All formulas are dermatologically tested for their skin-friendliness.

For BIRKENSTOCK, health and quality are inseparably bound to a responsible approach to nature, sustainable development and social responsibility. BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE relies on renewable materials such as natural cork, as well as recyclable bottles and tubes. Secondary packaging is avoided as much as possible. An intelligent refill system also protects the earth’s natural resources.

BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE only uses resource-conserving packaging, also including an intelligent refill system: The stable bottles with airless dispensers and cork bases come with exchangeable cartridges. If a product is empty, simply purchase a refill for your original container. This saves on packaging, protects natural resources and shows how smart and straightforward sustainability can be.

The development, production and filling of all BIRKENSTOCK NATURAL SKIN CARE products are carried out in Germany.