Cosmetics in Hamburg: Offerings, Trends, Products, and Treatments
We'll tell you how to find the perfect cosmetic experience in the Hanseatic city!
Hamburg: City of Cosmetics
Whether for the daily look or for special occasions, diligently promoted by influencers on TikTok and Instagram, or recommended by your best friend: cosmetic products, cosmetic treatments, and meticulous skincare are in demand across the country like never before. And yet, it almost seems as if the ladies (and increasingly also the gentlemen!) in and around Hamburg have a special faible for the magic of cosmetics. A look into Hamburg's cosmetic history, its diverse offerings, current trends, and the city's best treatments!
History Lesson: Hamburg Not Only Has Its "Own" Drugstore Chain...
Where cosmetics are in demand in Hamburg, drugstores are a must. Moreover, our beautiful Hanseatic city on the Elbe stands out here too, with its own drugstore chain! Most branches of the company, founded in Hamburg in 1912, are located in the city's metropolitan area, but stores can now be found even in Berlin, Mannheim, and Sylt. Nationwide, we're talking about almost 200 branches offering customers various daily necessities and diverse cosmetic products.
... But Also Its "Own" Perfumery Chain!
An internationally renowned perfumery chain also has its origins in Hamburg. Founded in 1910, it now sells a wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare products in 2,400 branches across Europe. The first branch – located on Neuer Wall in Hamburg's city center – still exists today.
Cosmetics in Hamburg: Production Site of a Global Company
Cosmetics from Hamburg are world-renowned. After all, a world-famous company has its origin and headquarters here, producing cosmetic and skincare products for the mass market – primarily with its two top brands. You know them: the round blue skin cream tin with the large white letters on it and a blue lip balm. Whether you're a fan of it is up to each individual ;)
Making Waves: Cosmetics in Education and Study
Already in the seventies, a cosmetology school was founded in Hamburg, which today is a state-recognized vocational school for cosmetology. And, attention – the city even makes its own university degree in cosmetics possible! As a teaching degree and a master's program at the University of Hamburg, cosmetic science is part of the Chemistry department and deals with the medical, pharmaceutical, and chemical aspects of cosmetics and their effectiveness.
Medical Cosmetics in Hamburg
As one would expect for a major city, Hamburg is home to a whole host of beauty clinics, practices, and institutes where one can undergo treatments, injections, or even surgery for medical or aesthetic reasons. In many cases, however, such a step is a last resort – and sometimes not even necessary: often, for non-imperative procedures, it is worthwhile to first try a good beauty salon. The experts there usually have a lot of experience with different skin types, conditions, and changes, and know which methods can sustainably conceal an unsightly spot, or how to make it appear permanently flawless. This can be done through cosmetic devices or selected cosmetic products.
End of topic block "History/Offerings"
Sustainable, Vegan, and Fair Cosmetics:
A Trend in Hamburg, Germany, and the World
If we want to maintain our current standard of living to the fullest, we would actually need 1.8 Earths. But since we can't conjure up another Earth, we – all of us together – must do everything we can to reduce our ecological footprint. The good news is that such a rethink is already taking place, here in Hamburg and all over the world: More and more people are questioning their consumption habits, the ethical conditions under which consumer goods like cosmetic products are produced, and the impact on climate change. An overview of the trends:
Cosmetic Trend No. 1 in Hamburg: Natural Cosmetics
Natural cosmetics avoid environmentally harmful ingredients such as petroleum oils and microplastics. Sales of natural cosmetics alone are continuously increasing in Germany, from 600 million euros in 2007 to almost 1.5 billion euros in 2020! This means that many people are now consciously avoiding conventional cosmetics. Good for skin and nature.
Cosmetic Trend No. 2 in Hamburg: Vegan Cosmetics
Vegan cosmetics are free from ingredients of animal origin. This means they even exclude components such as honey, beeswax, milk, or lanolin (a wax derived from wool), which can be found in natural cosmetics.
Cosmetic Trend No. 3 in Hamburg: Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
Animal testing was banned by the EU in 2013. Unfortunately, cosmetic manufacturers can somewhat circumvent this ban. This is because it only applies to new products appearing on the market since 2013 (not to long-established favorites). Furthermore, it does not apply to ingredients that are used in products other than cosmetics. Consciously choosing vegan cosmetics and natural cosmetics is therefore a good step towards permanently eliminating animal testing from cosmetics.
Cosmetic Trend No. 4 in Hamburg: Sustainable Cosmetics
Does it always have to be an aluminum tube, packaged in cardboard pressed from rainforest cellulose, wrapped in plastic film? We say: No! Cosmetic products in sustainable packaging, such as glass bottles, are trending more than ever – and that's a good thing.
Cosmetic Trend No. 5 in Hamburg: Ethical Cosmetics
Resource-conserving and sustainable production of natural cosmetics often goes hand in hand with fair conditions for employees. This way, each of us contributes to improving the living conditions of local people – be it health-wise or financially.
Finding Beauty Salons and Studios in Hamburg: 5 Tips!
If you ask Google how many beauty salons there are in Hamburg, the directory shows over 400 entries. Wow! How can you possibly find the right one for you with such a selection? We have compiled five tips for you:
Tip 1: There are trained beauticians
For all cosmetic procedures, skin health should be the top priority. Therefore, it is essential that trained beauticians work in the beauty salon who have important basic dermatological knowledge and safely master the techniques of cosmetic treatment.
Tip 2: The range of treatments is extensive
Just as diverse as client wishes for cosmetic treatment are, so too should the treatment forms be. Because age, skin type, skin condition, and desired goal determine which method is the most sensible. A beauty salon with a wide selection of treatment forms can therefore cater much more precisely to your wishes.
Tip 3: High-quality devices and products are used
Especially in very inexpensive beauty salons, it often happens that the staff uses equipment and products of questionable quality. This can even be really dangerous, for example, if the laser used from the Far East is far too strong or if the skin cream contains allergic or toxic substances. So it's best to choose beauty salons that rely on tested devices and certified natural cosmetics.
Tip 4: The beauty salon is committed to sustainability
More and more people want to know exactly what creams and ointments are being applied to their skin. Were ecological and sustainable raw materials used? Are chemical or allergic substances included? Is there a risk that animal testing was conducted during development? And what about the working conditions that prevail during the production of the cosmetics and, last but not least, in the beauty salon itself? Are fair wages paid? Does the beauty salon itself offer training? Because one thing is clear: The days when expensive cosmetic treatments and products were "indulged" at the expense of the environment, wildlife, or other people are definitely over!
Tip 5: There is a pleasant atmosphere
Even the most effective treatment method is useless if you, as a customer, don't feel comfortable in the beauty salon. Cold drafts, unpleasantly loud music, or a completely unpleasant atmosphere in a dark and lovelessly designed room – relaxation is immediately gone. If the employees then become uncomprehending or even rude, frustration is inevitable and the day is ruined. Tip: First get a precise impression of the beauty salon's online presence. The website's layout, the pictures and information provided, the online reviews, and the exchange on social media with other users often give a surprisingly good idea of what to expect on your first visit. Of course, you'll only know if you'll remain loyal to your chosen beauty salon in the long term once you've actually tried it out!
Our Recommendation: Cosmetic Treatments at urban spa in Hamburg
For many Hamburg residents, urban spa is the first choice among beauty salons: Founder Patrizia opened the first urban spa Beauty Lounge in 2007. From the beginning, she focused on a pleasant atmosphere, warm interaction with customers, and consistently vegan, cruelty-free natural cosmetics. Since 2017, with RE SKIN, there has even been its own vegan cosmetic line.
The Urban Spa Offering
Whether microdermabrasion, hydrofacials, or microblading, whether radiofrequency, microneedling, or a combination of both: The selection of cosmetic treatments and device-based anti-aging applications at urban spa is extensive. At our Hamburg locations, we offer classic facial treatments, skin tightening, manicures and pedicures, lash lifting and lash extensions, as well as hair removal. All device-based treatments can also be optimally combined with selected natural cosmetics. You can book an appointment directly online. Our team looks forward to your visit!