In the awards autumn series of blog posts, we get to know the brands behind the nominee products of the Nordic Natural Beauty Awards 2023. In this post, we are proud to share more about the Danish natural cosmetics brand Lundegaardens, as told by the brand:

“In the world of beauty brands, it’s often intriguing to discover the story behind the products we use. Lundegaardens is a brand founded in 2015 by Helle Tranborg Nørrevang. The name “Lundegaardens” is derived from their family farm, which has been in their family for over 100 years. The name itself carries the meaning of “the farm in the grove” when translated directly. Let’s delve into the captivating journey of the brand’s founder and explore the essence of Lundegaardens.

The Genesis:

It all started when Helle’s daughter, Iben, wanted to give her grandmother and great-grandmother a special handmade Christmas gift. They explored various hobby catalogs, and Iben was captivated by the idea of making a Christmas soap. They ordered a “do-it-yourself kit,” and Helle stepped in as a helping hand. The soaps turned out wonderful, and sparked her passion and interest in the art of soapmaking.

Consequently, she discontinued harvesting from the island’s nature, as the quantities required grew significantly as well.

Diving into Solid Shampoo:

In 2016, Helle also began toying with the idea of creating a solid shampoo, a product in high demand by her customers. She questioned why a shampoo needed to be mixed with water. The first shampoo bars she made using saponification, no matter how much she adjusted the formula, didn’t meet her high standards. They required a pH-balanced rinsing liquid (vinegar rinse), which proved to be quite cumbersome for both her and her customers.

The conclusion was that soap is not suitable for hair washing due to its high pH. This led her on a research journey to discover a pH-friendly shampoo bar. The initial shampoo bars she made followed recipes from blogs, but they mostly contained sulfates.

Determined to create a 100% sulfate-free shampoo bar, Helle dedicated her time and efforts throughout 2016. Her hard work paid off when she joyfully introduced the first Danish-produced sulfate-free shampoo bar to the market in 2017. Since then, Lundegaardens has gained momentum, sending out thousands of shampoo bars while saving the environment from excessive plastic usage and unnecessary water transportation.

Brand Philosophy and Unique Offerings:

Lundegaardens stems from a profound interest in soapmaking and a desire to create sulfate-free products with minimal environmental impact and packaging. You might be wondering about Helle’s educational background in cosmetic production. Truthfully, she has no formal education in the field. She is what you call self-taught or autodidact, acquiring her knowledge through extensive research and studying every available piece of information on cosmetics. Additionally, Helle maintains close collaborations with cosmetic chemists in Denmark and the UK, approve her formulas and compositions. This collaboration ensures that her products meet the highest standards.

Lundegaardens is located on the island of Sejerø, a small island in the middle of the Danish Sea with less than 350 residents. We are deeply rooted in Sejerø’s nature and draw great inspiration from the island’s wild flora. Our products are handmade with love for each ingredient, utilizing years of experience in natural cosmetics manufacturing.

All our products contain natural extracts, each with their own nourishing properties, and we strive to use organic ingredients whenever possible. We do not use sulfates in our products, as sulfates can be harsh on the skin and not tolerated by some individuals.

One standout feature of Lundegaardens is their commitment to sustainability. The brand’s production is powered by green energy generated from two windmills and solar panels. From the cosmetics workshop to the printer that prints package labels, their entire operation runs on 100% green energy year-round. The windmills, installed in 2012 and 2013, have been producing ample green power ever since. Furthermore, Lundegaardens strives to minimize its environmental footprint by collaborating directly with raw material producers, reducing transportation as much as possible. By working closely with dedicated producers, each specializing in their respective raw materials, Lundegaardens ensures the highest quality ingredients.

Lundegaardens crafts luxurious hair and skincare products with a focus on innovation. Their latest offering, an all-in-one bar that is 100% plastic-free, can be used for hair, skin, and even shaving. This versatile bar eliminates the need for multiple products and is convenient for travel due to its water-free formulation. The brand’s products cater to both children and adults, offering something for everyone.

In conclusion, Lundegaardens is not only a brand that creates exceptional beauty products but also one that values sustainability and environmental responsibility. As possibly the only cosmetics producer boasting a 100% green operation, their commitment to green energy and minimizing their environmental impact is commendable. With their dedication to crafting high-quality, sulfate-free products and their deep connection to nature, Lundegaardens is a brand that deserves recognition and appreciation.”

Get to know Lundegaardens even better on the brand’s website at lundegaardens-hudpleje.dk and follow the brand’s journey on Lundegaardens’ Instagram account >