When exactly did you decide to launch your own brand and why?

I first joined my family hotel in the 1990s and one of my initial projects was to develop a spa with an offering of signature beauty treatments. I quickly realised that I also needed to create my own in-house spa product line to support the service. One that adopted the same natural, regional and sustainable values as the hotel itself, a line that looked and felt as premium as the results it delivers. In 2003 we launched SUSANNE KAUFMANN skincare. This is where it all began.

Do you have a memory or anecdotes of your grandmother teaching you the healing power of plants to share with us?

I grew up in the idyllic Austrian alpine region in the Bregenzerwald immersed in an understanding of the local traditions and the beauty and wellness benefits that could be found in the plants that grew in abundance in the area, which has served as my inspiration for the brand since launching in 2003. I first embraced the beauty and healing power of regional herbs and plants by my beloved grandmother — we made healing tonics, marigold cream and arnica schnapps. This is where I formed my passion and curiosity for natural healing ingredients and powerful formulations.

Could you tell us more about your pioneering sustainable manufacturing methods?

A responsible philosophy is at the heart of our brand. For us, this goes much further than our recyclable glass bottles. It also encompasses an environmentally friendly production, sustainable packaging innovation and manufacturing processes, and a deep respect for nature and people. Since the brand’s conception, we have always championed local production.

This year we launched our 100% recyclable refill bottles for some of our best-selling cleansing products, like the Cleansing Gel 250ml and the Hand Soap 250ml. Each recyclable refill, with its intelligent capless design, not only helps reduce waste to landfill, but it also cuts carbon emissions by 69%. Made from 75% post-consumer material, it is 60% lighter than standard plastic bottles making it our most environmentally friendly packaging to date.

Our production facility, which has been in operation for over 17 years, runs completely on solar, thermal and green electricity sources, some of which are unique to SUSANNE KAUFMANN. Our most recent development is a state-of-the-art, solar powered, high-capacity emulsion and gel mixing unit. This unique machine utilises thermal energy, 100% of which is obtained from the in-house solar system. Everything is then recycled, ensuring no energy is wasted: once the heating curve has been reached, the residual heat is fed back into underground pipes and stored for the next production.

Let’s talk about your novelties. How does the Relaxing Room Diffuser stimulate the senses? 

It is the combination of comforting scents that complement and provide a sense of vitality. A citrus blend of orange, apple and mandarin are combined with rich and warming notes of cinnamon and pine to calm and fill the atmosphere with a warm and relaxing aroma. In keeping with our sustainable philosophy, our Relaxing Room Diffuser is packaged in a recyclable glass bottle and the natural wood diffuser reeds are sourced locally to our production house in Austria, handmade from local spruce and beech wood found in the beautiful Bregenzerwald.

Why does the pine and spruce in the Mountain Pine oil have such soothing properties for the skin?

Inspired by the landscape of the Austrian Alps, this aromatic Mountain Pine Bath Oil is developed with essential oils derived from pine and spruce needles. These locally sourced oils are known for their skin soothing properties, as well as the invigorating benefits on the mind and body. Mountain pine is an essential oil with a pleasantly warming and soothing effect and helps to regulate blood circulation and ease muscle tension while spruce is an essential oil which strengthens and stimulates the blood circulation. It also has an antiseptic effect. It is the perfect way to end a winter day. 

What are the features and benefits of each oil part of your Bath Oil Trio?

The Bath Oil Trio includes three 30ml glass bottles featuring our best-selling Oil Bath for the Senses designed to soothe the senses, Witch Hazel Bath to nourish the skin and the brand-new immune-boosting Mountain Pine Bath Oil to help relieve muscle tension. Each bottle features the signature delicate herbs inside handpicked from the Austrian alps. I think it’s such a beautiful gift for a loved one so they can personalise their bath depending on what their needs are. 

f you had to choose your favourite product of your Advent Calendar 2021, what would it be and why?

My skincare philosophy has always centered around seeing the skin as one, supporting the skin’s natural functions so it can look and feel its best. I believe in every single product so it’s quite difficult to single out just one. However, the Eye Rescue Stick is a real hero product for me, as it can be used before or after makeup for a refreshing top up and is perfect for the festive party season.

During the winter period, the face and body need specific care. Which Susanne Kaufmann’s cosmetic would you advice for this season?

As temperatures begin to drop, it is important to change up your skincare to richer textures to avoid dry and flaky skin during the colder seasons. I would recommend our soothing Cleansing Milk containing chamomile, sage and St. John's wort flowers famous for their calming and regenerating effects to cleanse the skin. I always find that a serum is the perfect moisture boosting treatment during the colder seasons. I would suggest our vitamin-rich Nutrient Concentrate Skin Smoothing for a healthy and glowing finish. Always moisturise to lock in moisture, even if you have oily skin. I recommend our Day Cream and Regeneration Cream Line T for extra hydration.
Don’t forget to exfoliate. Our gentle Enzyme Peel works to remove dead skin cells and creates the perfect blank canvas for follow on products.

How do you imagine the future of plant-based cosmetics? 

Sustainable production has always been at the heart of our brand since the very beginning in 2003 and the regional production, the sourcing of local partners and the longstanding cooperation with our suppliers gives us a big lead when it comes to the future of plant-based cosmetics. The producers and the suppliers have grown with us and we have developed together. Only in this way can we implement the latest scientific findings in the ingredients, make our production and packaging more ecological and withstand the challenges in a rapidly changing landscape; consumer demands for their skin are greater than ever. Research is always developing and for us it is all about continuing to source and cultivate our own ingredients and herbs as locally as possible to help reduce our footprint while achieving the most potent, high quality botanicals with proven benefits. 

Any future project for Susanne Kaufmann to share with us?   

Inspiration for new products and formulas usually comes from understanding the needs of my own skin, alongside our ever-evolving research and developments in science and technology. What really excites me is how a unique complex of ingredients can interact with each other to holistically support the relationship between the skin and body. We are proud to use local medicinal plants from the Bregenzerwald region, famed for their ancient healing benefits alongside modern technology. Next year, we have a new launch that brings all of this together to deliver unrivalled benefits for the skin.