The DACH region, encompassing Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH), is renowned for its dynamic and diverse beauty and skincare market. It combines international giants with respected local favorites.
This market thrives not only in traditional retail but has also seen exponential growth in e-commerce, especially in Germany. According to Statista, the total value of the German skincare market is around 5.8 billion euros. Here, around 1.7 billion euros came from online sales, propelled by advancements in technology and the role of social media and influencers in promoting global beauty trends.
Face products lead in online revenue. In 2024, they are about to reach 1.22 billion euros. However, the total revenue of the skincare e-commerce market in Germany is forecasted to hit 1.58 billion euros.
And this is not the end of the story, as this revenue is expected to grow in future years.
So, without prolonging, check out our list of some of the best beauty and skincare brands, including retail chains like DM, Rossmann, Weleda, and Artdeco, which are well-known for their wide range of beauty products.
DM
A leading drugstore chain in the DACH region, DM (Drogerie Markt), shows an extensive selection of skincare, beauty, and personal care goods, including their own brand, Balea, which is popular for its affordability and quality. DM prides itself on being a one-stop destination for health and beauty, as it provides customers with various articles that cater to individual needs and preferences. With its customer-centric approach, DM has become a favorite among consumers in the DACH region for everyday beauty and personal care essentials.
Bilou
Bilou is a vibrant beauty German brand known for its unique and innovative body care products. With a focus on delightful scents and playful packaging, Bilou presents a portfolio of shower foams, body sprays, and creams that not only nourish the skin but also provide a sensory experience. The brand prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and providing solutions that are vegan and cruelty-free. Bilou’s commitment to creating joyous and caring beauty routines has made it a favorite among younger consumers looking for offerings that are both effective and enjoyable to use.
Nivea
A flagship brand of the German company Beiersdorf, Nivea is globally recognized for its skincare supplies, particularly the classic Nivea Creme in its iconic blue tin. The brand has many skincare articles designed for various skin types and concerns, emphasizing moisturization and protection. Nivea’s extensive collection includes body lotions, face creams, sunscreens, and more, making it a household name in skincare.
Douglas
Douglas is a premium beauty retailer with a wide presence in the DACH region. It sells a selection of high-end skincare, makeup, and fragrances from the most prestigious brands. Known for its luxurious shopping environment and personalized customer service, Douglas meets the needs of those looking for an elevated beauty experience. The retailer is committed to providing the latest cosmetic trends and innovations, and does so effectively because it carries items from world-renowned brands as well as niche boutique labels. In 2023, their website was the most visited in Germany, with almost eight million visits in December alone!
Rituals
Although Rituals was originally founded in the Netherlands, it has gained popularity in the DACH region for its vast array of luxury bath, body, and home products inspired by Eastern traditions. The brand emphasizes the importance of turning daily routines into more meaningful rituals – thus, it distributes goods that encourage relaxation and well-being. From aromatic candles and fragrances to skincare and tea, this company aims to enrich the lives of its customers through high-quality, thoughtfully designed solutions. The brand’s philosophy of finding joy in the small things and creating a sense of tranquility at home resonates with many and brings success.
Rossmann
Another major drugstore chain, Rossmann, provides a rich diversity of beauty and skincare offerings. It is famous for its own brands, like Isana, which deliver excellent quality at competitive prices. Rossmann’s extensive product list includes everything from hair care items to cosmetics and hygiene goods. The brand is committed to guaranteeing value for money and making high-quality beauty and personal care supplies accessible to a wider audience. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and innovation, Rossmann continues to expand its portfolio and ensure a comprehensive shopping experience for beauty enthusiasts.
Flaconi
Flaconi is a leading online beauty retailer founded in 2011, operating primarily in Germany and Austria. It is known for its extensive portfolio of over 850 international beauty brands and 55,000 products. It carries a diverse selection of articles, from perfumes to skincare remedies. Its popularity can be attributed to its comprehensive inventory, competitive pricing, and strong focus on customer service. The brand has also been expanding its internationalization strategy and further enhancing its reach and appeal in the market.
Weleda
Weleda is a Swiss brand known for its natural and organic skincare inventory. Founded on anthroposophic principles, Weleda’s offerings are designed to harmonize the body and soul by using biodynamic farming methods as a source of its ingredients. The brand is highly respected for its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices – for facial care, body lotions, and baby care essentials too. Weleda’s skincare solutions are crafted to support the skin’s natural balance, repair processes, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
La Prairie
La Prairie is a luxury Swiss skincare brand renowned for its high-performance, science-driven products. Known for harnessing cutting-edge technologies and rare ingredients like caviar extract and platinum, La Prairie focuses on anti-aging and skin renewal. The brand’s commitment to Swiss precision and quality, alongside luxurious formulations, has earned it a loyal following in the DACH region, especially in Switzerland. The brand appeals to those seeking not just skincare but a luxurious experience that reflects their sophisticated tastes and desire for high-quality, scientifically-backed solutions.
Dr. Hauschka
Dr. Hauschka is a German brand that offers organic and biodynamic skin care merchandise. It’s well-regarded for its holistic approach to beauty and wellness. The brand’s philosophy centers on supporting the skin’s natural processes of renewal and balance. It shows a range of assets from facial care to makeup and uses medicinal plants and natural ingredients to emphasize the importance of rhythmical processing to preserve their vitality. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality has garnered a loyal following among those seeking effective, natural skin care equipment.
NYX
NYX is a globally recognized beauty brand known for its affordable yet high-quality makeup products. The brand features numerous cosmetics, from lipsticks to eyeshadows, with vibrant colors and professional-grade formulas. NYX focuses on inclusivity and creativity and is very popular among younger, trend-conscious consumers. In the DACH region, particularly Austria, NYX has gained a strong following for selling on-trend articles accessible in both price and availability.
Dr. Brbara Sturm
In the DACH region, specifically Germany and Austria, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s offerings have become highly popular due to the brand’s roots in German science and precision. Known for her personalized skincare routines and celebrity clientele, Dr. Sturm has garnered a loyal following. The brand’s focus on minimalism and clean beauty, combined with luxury formulations, resonates well with the DACH market, where consumers often seek high-quality, result-oriented skincare. Additionally, her emphasis on anti-aging and wellness aligns with the region’s preference for holistic and scientifically advanced beauty solutions.
Babor
Babor is a luxury professional skincare brand from Germany, renowned for its innovative, high-performance items and treatments often found in spas and salons. This family-run company utilizes cutting-edge science and precision formulas to deliver visible results and luxurious skincare experiences. The brand boasts diverse goods, including serums, creams, facial cleansers, and masks, all tailored to address various skin concerns and types. With a commitment to excellence and quality, Babor continues to set the standard for professional skincare, combining the best of nature and science to achieve optimal skin health and beauty.
Essence
Essence is a popular German cosmetics brand that provides high-quality makeup products at affordable prices. The brand is recognized for its cruelty-free stance and innovative approach to beauty. It caters to a younger demographic that values fun, creativity, and accessibility. Essence’s inventory line includes everything from vibrant eyeshadows and mascaras to trendy lipsticks and nail polishes, allowing users to experiment with makeup without breaking the bank. German consumers appreciate the brand’s transparency, ethical practices, and the way it blends fun with quality.
Eucerin
Eucerin, another brand under the Beiersdorf umbrella, is famous for its medical skincare merchandise. Developed with dermatologists, Eucerin’s products offer solutions that combine cosmetic care with medical science and are designed to address specific skin concerns such as dryness, aging, and acne. The brand is really famous for its advanced formulas that target sensitive skin. Eucerin’s extensive articles include moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, and targeted treatments, all formulated to support the health and integrity of the skin barrier.
Artdeco
Artdeco is a leading German cosmetics brand, celebrated for its high-quality makeup goods that guarantee luxury at an accessible price point. The brand provides a range of makeup items, from foundations and eyeshadows to lipsticks and nail polishes. It addresses professional makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. Customers love Artdeco’s customizable beauty boxes, which let them make their own makeup palettes.
EXITO BEAUTY CLINIC
Exito Beauty Clinic is a high-end beauty and wellness brand known for its personalized skincare treatments and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Specializing in advanced aesthetic services, the clinic offers various treatments, like anti-aging therapies, skin rejuvenation, and body contouring. The clinic is known for blending cutting-edge technology with a holistic approach to beauty, ensuring customized care tailored to individual client needs. Especially in Switzerland, EXITO BEAUTY CLINIC is popular due to its focus on luxury and precision.
Eblouir
Éblouir is a luxury skincare brand that combines innovative ingredients with premium formulations. Its commodities are crafted with precision so that their formulations meet the highest standards in skincare. Swiss consumers, who are known for appreciating premium quality and eco-friendly objects, are drawn to the brand’s focus on both efficacy and natural beauty. Additionally, Switzerland’s culture of health-consciousness and desire for advanced skin care aligns perfectly with Éblouir’s ethos of blending science with nature.
Schwarzkopf Professional
Schwarzkopf Professional, acquired by Henkel Corporation, based in Düsseldorf, is a globally recognized brand in the hair care industry. It features a broad line of goods designed for professional use. Recognized for its innovative hair color, styling, and care assets, Schwarzkopf Professional caters to the needs of hairdressers and clients alike, providing high-quality solutions that deliver exceptional results. The brand’s commitment to education and excellence in the hairdressing community has made it a leader in the professional hair care market.
Cien
Cien is a private-label skincare and cosmetics brand owned by Lidl, the popular German supermarket chain. Known for its affordable yet effective products, Cien offers many skincare, haircare, and beauty items that rival higher-end brands. The brand delivers quality ingredients and results-driven solutions while maintaining budget-friendly prices. In Germany, Cien has gained popularity due to its strong presence in Lidl supermarkets. As a result, the brand is easily accessible to a broad audience. German consumers are known for valuing both quality and affordability, and Cien’s goods meet this demand.
Valmont
Valmont is a luxury Swiss skincare brand renowned for its anti-aging and high-performance formulas. The brand combines advanced scientific research with natural ingredients, primarily leveraging the purity of Swiss Alpine ingredients like glacier water and botanical extracts. Valmont’s wares focus on cellular regeneration and hydration and include many solutions – from moisturizers to serums – that target the visible signs of aging. The brand’s inventory is favored by those seeking effective, high-quality cosmetics.
MAC
MAC (Makeup Art Cosmetics) is a globally recognized cosmetics brand known for its professional-quality makeup commodities, bold colors, and a diverse mix of shades catering to all skin tones. The brand is known for its high-pigment resources, especially its lipsticks and foundations, making it a go-to choice for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts. Its presence in the DACH region, notably in Austria, is bolstered by partnerships with local beauty stores and its availability in high-end department stores, making it easily accessible to the Austrian market.
Sephora
Sephora is a global beauty retail brand that sells skincare, makeup, fragrance, and beauty accessories. It became popular in Germany and the DACH region due to its diverse selection of international and local beauty brands, along with its customer-centric shopping experience. Sephora’s popularity in Germany is driven by its innovative approach to beauty retail, including in-store experiences like beauty consultations, product trials, and exclusive offers. The brand’s emphasis on beauty education, through tutorials and workshops, resonates with consumers looking for expert guidance.
Lederhaas
Lederhaas is an innovative brand from Austria that specializes in organic cosmetic products. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and natural beauty, it provides many skincare and body care articles crafted from high-quality, organic ingredients. The brand emphasizes minimalism and efficacy, with formulations designed to nurture and protect the skin while respecting the environment. Lederhaas takes pride in its eco-friendly processes, packaging, and ethical sourcing practices, and ensures that each item not only benefits the user but also contributes positively to the planet.
Catrice
Based in Germany, Catrice sells a large assortment of cosmetics, including foundation, eyeshadow, lipsticks, and more. It caters to beauty enthusiasts seeking trend-driven, innovative offers without the high price tag. One of the reasons for Catrice’s popularity in the DACH region is its commitment to cruelty-free beauty, which aligns with the values of many consumers. Catrice frequently updates its merchandise lines, introducing limited editions and staying on top of current beauty trends, which appeals to younger consumers and makeup lovers.
Conclusion
The beauty and skincare landscape in the DACH region is remarkably diverse – it encompasses an array of brands and retailers that target a myriad of consumer preferences and skincare needs.
This comprehensive assortment includes luxury skincare lines renowned for their pioneering anti-aging technologies, professional hair care brands favored by industry experts, and innovative cosmetic companies that combine trend-setting colors with cruelty-free practices. Also, the region is home to a variety of natural and organic brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Consumers in the DACH region and beyond are increasingly seeking products that not only deliver exceptional results but also align with their personal values, whether those involve environmental stewardship, animal welfare, or the pursuit of wellness through natural remedies.
So, whether you’re looking for high-end skincare, natural beauty goods, or affordable personal care items, the DACH region has a wealth of options to explore.
