Über uns

“We like being close. To nature, to years-long proven science, to new understandings and to our customers’ skin needs.”

What we do naturally

In 1930, our founder and her sister Gertrud treaded new territory – with courage, conviction and a big idea.

The pioneering spirit of the two women was just as revolutionary as the fact that even back then, they completely relied on the power of nature. At the Institute für Natürliche Kosmetik (Institute of Natural Cosmetics) is where products and treatment methods were developed that are still used today, and where Charlotte’s book Heilkräuter im Dienste der Schönheit (Medicinal Herbs to Serve Beauty) became the standard for natural cosmetics. The determination of our founders to tread a solid path through unknown territories inspires us to this day.

Charlotte & Gertrude Meentzen Schwestern Illustration

“Our value-added chain is very normal for us, but actually quite special.”

Hand in hand – MADE IN GERMANY

From development to manufacturing to shipping, everything takes place in Radeburg, near Dresden, Germany. After all, it has always been clear to us: our value-added chain works best when it is “made in Germany”. And the responsibility that comes along with this is something we are happy to take on.

Out of respect for nature, we prefer to use natural ingredients from plant-based sources, which are easily biodegradable, and play close attention during research and manufacturing in strictly adhering to environmentally friendly processes. We are frequently awarded quality labels, and voluntarily oblige to meet our own high standards. Our goal has always been and will always be to offer natural, effective cosmetics with optimal value for money – while taking responsibility for nature and people.

Science is in our nature

Why do we like science so much? Because it proves just how effective medicinal plants can be, such as providing anti-inflammatory, firming or moisturizing properties. This proof is also a supportive confirmation of our work. What’s more, we intensively work together with independent dermatological institutes – allowing us to benefit from both worlds when it comes to optimizing or developing new products.

“We precisely know just how effective the power of plants can be because we scientifically prove it.”

TRUE BEAUTY LIES IN ITS HARMONY

Even back in the 19th century, Charlotte Meentzen understood how important it is to care for both the skin AND the soul. Which is why she developed special treatment methods to complement her products – ensuring more effectiveness and more well-being.

We continue to work today in line with Charlotte’s holistic approach – even if we have naturally adjusted and expanded it over the course of time. After all, our new products allow us to cater to the uniqueness of all people even better. We manufacture our products with the greatest respect for our environment – from sourcing the raw materials to manufacturing to shipping. And when it comes to our employees, colleagues and customers, we take responsibility and treat them with respect. This is because we believe that true beauty is only possible if we treat everyone and everything around us mindfully.

ALWAYS IN GOOD HANDS

The relaxation and pressure point massages personally developed by Charlotte still make today for wonderfully balanced customers with radiating skin. And we continue to conceptualize and develop massages with the same precision – together with the possibilities of the 21st century.

Over time, we have developed new treatment methods to now be able to meet various skin needs in a more individual way. We provide frequent and intensive training on both our classic and our new treatment methods to ensure our customers benefit from the best-possible effectiveness. The result of this continually high quality? Satisfied customers in over 25 countries.

TRULY BEAUTIFUL

When we grow, then with our heart, soul and mind. Today, over 5,000 partners use our high-quality products and profit from our efficient support via regional sales managers and cosmetics trainers, as well as Germany-wide seminars and treatment workshops.

Word has gotten out, also internationally, that we care for our business partnerships just as personally as our customers’ skin needs. Beauticians and cosmeticians in over 25 countries value our products and treatments – and profit from intensive marketing support through our exclusive business portal.

NEW PRODUCTS FOR NEW NEEDS

We are only successful if we can cater to skin needs even more precisely and individually. This has led to us improving our range of products with a new, tailored product line.

What merely started with the Kräutervital series, which is still popular today, has grown to now include products that meet various skin needs. Charlotte Meentzen provides care for young skin, offers a series for greasy skin prone to impurities as well as products for mature skin, dry skin and special care needs such as couperose. Thanks to our genuine closeness to our customers using our products at home (or who ask for our products in studios), we will also be able to offer continually more individual products and treatments in future.

Zwei angepinnte schwarz-weiß Fotografien der Schwestern Charlotte und Gertud Meentzen.

1930s: The Beginnings of a Booming Cosmetics Trade

Charlotte Meentzen establishes the „Institute for Natural Cosmetics“ in Dresden as well as the „School for Natural Cosmetics“. Already at a young age she develops the „Relaxation and Nerve Pressure Point Facial Massage“ that is still recognized today. Together with her sister Gertrud Seltmann-Meentzen this pioneering woman soon starts the „Charlotte Meentzen Heilkräuter Kosmetik“ (Medicinal Herbs Cosmetics) company and revolutionizes the entire beauty sector with her motto „Back to Nature“.

Zwei alte Bücher geschrieben von Charlotte Meentzen.

1940s: Tragic Decade and a New Beginning

At the young age of 35 Charlotte Meentzen dies unexpectedly. After her death her sister continues to run the jointly owned company and publishes the book „Heilkräuter im Dienst der Schönheit“ (Medicinal Herbs in the Service of Beauty). In this book Charlotte Meentzen clearly manifests her knowledge in this field. Since then, this book is considered the standard reference for natural cosmetics. In 1945 the bombing raids on Dresden destroy the company, which will later be rebuilt by Gertrud Seltmann-Meentzen one step at a time. The „School for Natural Cosmetics“ is re-established and stays open right into the 1960s.

Ein schwarz-weiß-Plakat aus den Zeiten des VEB Kräutervital Kosmetik Dresden mit einem stilisierten Frauenkopf und der Plakatüberschrift "für jeden Hauttyp".

1970s: The Family Business is Nationalized

In 1972 during the so-called socialization period the family-run business is turned into public property of the GDR, after the Meentzen and Seltmann families had been previously dispossessed.
The established trademark „Charlotte Meentzen“ is now forbidden. The company is renamed „VEB Kräutervital-Kosmetik Dresden“ (Publicly Owned Company Kräutervital Kosmetik Dresden).

1990s: German Reunification and the Long-Awaited Economic Turn

Shortly after these historic events of German Reunification the „Charlotte Meentzen Kräutervital Kosmetik GmbH“ is newly founded. The sons and grandson of the Meentzen sisters get to work and reprivatize the company. Finally, the registered trademark „Charlotte Meentzen“ may be used again.

Fünf Produkte aus der Serie Age Control. Blaue Behälter auf weißem Hintergrund mit Schatten.

2000s: Lots to Celebrate

In 2002 the company opened its modern production facilities and office building in Radeberg near Dresden, thereby combining its three former work locations. The skincare ranges are further expanded, new care lines and special products are developed and marketed, including the anti-aging range AGE CONTROL. A special highlight is the 75th.company jubilee in 2005.

2010s: New Skincare Ranges, Seals and Digitization

With the Natur Pur care range the company introduced certified natural cosmetics into its product line. The range will be further expanded to meet the needs of the various target groups, also including men. Since its exclusive cooperation with ZUII ORGANIC Charlotte Meentzen now markets organic decorative cosmetics, thereby serving customer demands for a „back to nature“ make-up line.

2018: Presented with the German Brand Award

Natural skincare with uncompromising quality – this philosophy has paid off for the Charlotte Meentzen traditional brand. On June 21, 2018 the Natural Cosmetics Company was presented with the German Brand Award in the German Historical Museum in Berlin in the category „Industry Excellence in Branding/Beauty & Care“ for its successful packaging relaunch and its excellent brand leadership.

Fünf Hautpflegeprodukte liegend auf grünem Hintergrund, dazu ein weißer Cremefleck und eine Pflanze. Umgeben von Aquarellfarben, die einen stilisierten Kopf von Charlotte Meentzen darstellen.

2020: 90 Years Charlotte Meentzen

In 2020 the company celebrated its 90th. Jubilee and also commemorated the 80th. Anniversary of Charlotte Meentzen's death. The firm is well positioned for the future and, now as before, totally focused on the power of nature. Only products with scientifically proven skin compatibility and effectiveness are on offer. The care products are modern in design. Innovative, personalized product ranges and treatment methods complement the successful classic lines.

WE LOVE SUSTAINABILITY

Our relationship to nature has grown intensively over many years. Which naturally goes with a special degree of responsibility. In every area of our work, we are determined to improve conditions for the environment and for people – and to achieve this, we continually set new, higher goals.

For instance, we treat raw materials with respect and mindfully, manufacture using 100% green power and continuously increase the use of recycled packaging and shipping material. And for our working climate, we also provide employees well-considered additional benefits. We find it fulfilling when everyone and everything can profit from sustainability ideas and measures. We know how much we are already doing. And we also know there is always room for improvement.

RESPONSIBILITY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Those who put so much trust in nature like we do, automatically live with respect for the environment. And just as self-evident as our ecological responsibility is our social responsibility. In the region, we partake in social engagements by supporting organizations such as Sonnenstrahl e.V. in Dresden. The society for the promotion of children and youth suffering from cancer has been supported by both us as a company and by our employees for many years. In addition to this, the support of future talent in our company is dear to our heart, which is why we offer company tours specially for pupils and students. What’s more, we have an above-average number of internship placings and are a popular training business.