All the best sales are here.Check them out.
Go beyond the mainstream.Learn More
Stay up-to-date on current sales.See them all.
BeautyBody CareWellness

5 Skincare Brands Making Biotherm Look Like Yesterday's News

Ioli Baltas

Ioli Baltas

Editor @ Marmalade

Published on: November 25, 2024
Hero Image of product body-glow-trio
Hero Image of product face-moisturizer-hyaluronic-acid
Hero Image of product pink-cloud-rosewater-tremella-creamy-jelly-cleanser
Hero Image of product essential-face-wipes
Hero Image of product reviving-body-scrub
1 / 0
The French luxury giant Biotherm might dominate department store shelves, but a new wave of innovative skincare brands is challenging its reign. These companies aren't just copying successful formulas – they're reimagining what skincare can be through novel ingredients, sustainable practices, and science-backed approaches. Here are five brands that have caught our attention for pushing skincare into exciting new territory.

Relevant
: Danish Science Meets Arctic Botanicals

This Copenhagen-based brand channels Scandinavian minimalism into its streamlined approach to skincare. Their Reviving Body Scrub combines volcanic lava stones with Nordic botanicals, reflecting the brand's commitment to working with nature rather than against it.
We're intrigued by how Relevant approaches product development – each formula emerges from extensive research into both traditional Nordic ingredients and modern dermatological science. The brand's Danish manufacturing facilities operate under some of Europe's strictest quality control standards, though what really grabbed our attention is their transparency about ingredient sourcing. Rather than making vague claims about "clean beauty," they provide detailed documentation about their supply chain and testing processes.

Why we like Relevant

  • 1

    Nordic Innovation

    Unique combination of Arctic botanicals and volcanic minerals

  • 2

    Quality Control

    Stringent Danish manufacturing standards

  • 3

    Supply Chain Transparency

    Detailed documentation of ingredient sourcing

  • 4

    Scientific Approach

    Research-backed blend of traditional and modern ingredients

Browse this vibe

Ursa Major
: Vermont's Answer to Overcomplicated Skincare

Founded by former Manhattan urbanites who traded skyscrapers for mountain views, Ursa Major brings a refreshing dose of practicality to luxury skincare. Their Essential Face Wipes exemplify this no-nonsense philosophy – they're effective enough for post-workout cleansing but gentle enough for sensitive skin.
The brand's Vermont headquarters isn't just a marketing angle – it influences everything from their ingredient selection to their product testing. Their formulation philosophy centers on maximum effectiveness with minimal ingredients, an approach that's surprisingly rare in high-end skincare. While many brands chase trends, Ursa Major focuses on creating products that solve actual problems, backed by a satisfaction guarantee that suggests genuine confidence in their formulations.

Why we like Ursa Major

  • 1

    Practical Luxury

    No-nonsense approach to high-end skincare

  • 2

    Vermont-Inspired

    Local influence on ingredient selection

  • 3

    Minimalist Formulation

    Maximum effectiveness with fewer ingredients

  • 4

    Customer Confidence

    Backed by satisfaction guarantee

carla

carla

06/04/24

The most luxurious face wipe of them all. These are my special occasion face wipes- that’s how amazing they are.

Browse this vibe

Herbivore
: Seattle's Crystal-Clear Revolutionaries

Herbivore has managed to do something remarkable: create natural skincare that performs like high-tech formulations. Their PINK CLOUD Rosewater + Tremella Creamy Jelly Cleanser represents this marriage of nature and science, incorporating traditional ingredients in innovative ways.
The brand's journey from Etsy shop to skincare powerhouse hasn't compromised their original vision. Each product still adheres to their strict "no fillers" policy, using only ingredients that serve a specific purpose. Their glass packaging isn't just Instagram-worthy – it's part of a broader commitment to sustainability that extends to their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes.

Why we like Herbivore

  • 1

    Natural Performance

    Natural ingredients that rival synthetic formulations

  • 2

    No-Filler Philosophy

    Every ingredient serves a purpose

  • 3

    Sustainable Packaging

    Commitment to glass packaging

  • 4

    Brand Integrity

    Maintained original vision despite growth

Browse this vibe

OSEA
: Malibu's Seaweed Scientists

Drawing inspiration from marine biology, OSEA has developed a unique niche in ocean-based skincare. Their Total Body Glow Trio showcases how seaweed can be transformed into sophisticated skincare, challenging conventional wisdom about natural ingredients.
The brand's Malibu location serves as more than just a prestigious address – it's a living laboratory for studying how marine ingredients interact with skin. We're particularly impressed by their rigorous approach to sustainability, which includes partnerships with seaweed farmers who use regenerative harvesting practices. This scientific approach to natural ingredients offers a compelling alternative to synthetic-heavy formulations.

Why we like OSEA

  • 1

    Marine Innovation

    Unique focus on seaweed-based formulations

  • 2

    Scientific Approach

    Research-driven marine ingredient development

  • 3

    Sustainable Harvesting

    Partnerships with regenerative seaweed farmers

  • 4

    Location Advantage

    Malibu-based marine research facility

Browse this vibe

Maapilim
: Tel Aviv's Ancient-Modern Fusion

From Israel's bustling tech hub comes Maapilim, a brand that bridges ancient Mediterranean wellness traditions with contemporary skincare science. Their Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid demonstrates how centuries-old ingredients can be enhanced by modern technology.
The brand draws from the rich botanical heritage of the Mediterranean basin, incorporating ingredients that have been used in the region's traditional medicine for generations. Their product development process involves studying historical texts about traditional preparations while conducting modern efficacy testing. The result is a line that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary.

Why we like Maapilim

  • 1

    Heritage Fusion

    Blend of Mediterranean tradition and modern science

  • 2

    Historical Research

    Study of traditional medicinal texts

  • 3

    Modern Enhancement

    Contemporary technology improving classic ingredients

  • 4

    Regional Authenticity

    True to Mediterranean wellness principles

Browse this vibe

The Future of Skincare Is Here

These brands represent more than just alternatives to Biotherm – they're glimpses into skincare's evolution. Whether through Relevant's Nordic precision, Ursa Major's mountain-inspired simplicity, Herbivore's crystal-clear formulations, OSEA's oceanic innovation, or Maapilim's Mediterranean wisdom, each offers a distinct vision of what modern skincare can achieve. While they may not have Biotherm's massive marketing budget or lengthy heritage, their fresh approaches to formulation and sustainability might just represent the future of skincare.