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The skinmade GmbH, founded in 2018 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) by Viktor Balzer and Dr. Lars Rüther, is revolutionizing skincare through personalized products. Based on over ten years of research at the Fraunhofer Institute and in collaboration with Dermatest, skinmade develops individual care concepts grounded in precise skin analyses. Core products include customized cleansers like the Clean & Care Oil and Foam, serums as problem solvers for dryness, wrinkles, or redness, as well as sun protection like the Protect & Care Sun Fluid. These vegan, cruelty-free formulas utilize highly effective ingredients with high bioavailability to strengthen the skin barrier and address specific needs. With a focus on sustainability and science, fresh, Germany-produced skincare products emerge that deliver visible results such as smoother skin and reduced wrinkles.
The skinmade GmbH stands for innovative, personalized skincare based on scientific foundations and individual needs. Founded in 2018 by Viktor Balzer and Dr. Lars Rüther as a spin-off from the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) in Stuttgart, the company marks a milestone in the cosmetics industry. The idea stemmed from years of research: Viktor Balzer, responsible for business development, worked for six years at Fraunhofer IPA and developed concepts for automated, personalized production processes. Dr. Lars Rüther, a molecular biologist and head of research at Dermatest GmbH, brings his expertise in dermatology and ingredient research. Together, they created a system that views skincare not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a tailored approach – comparable to a fingerprint, unique to each person.
The company history is rooted in the vision of producing cosmetics fresh and individually to achieve maximum effectiveness. At Fraunhofer IPA, the technology of the "Beauty Mini-Factory" was developed, enabling creams and serums to be produced in small batches based on real-time analyses. This spin-off was supported by partnerships such as with Douglas, where skinmade products are offered in selected stores. Today, skinmade produces in-house in Germany, with a focus on sustainability: All products are vegan, cruelty-free, and available in eco-friendly packaging. The company's mission is to work with the skin – not against it – by strengthening barriers and supporting natural processes.
At the center of the offerings are products divided into two levels: Level 1 focuses on the basic skin barrier, while Level 2 provides targeted problem solvers. Starting with the cleansers: The Clean & Care Oil (approx. €35) is a personalized cleansing oil that doesn't feel sticky and absorbs quickly. It gently removes makeup and impurities while nourishing the skin with oils, leading to a natural glow. Customers report noticeably softer skin after use. Similarly, the Clean & Care Foam (also approx. €35) is a mild foam cleanser suitable for sensitive skin types, preserving the natural moisture balance.
Particularly noteworthy are the serums as problem solvers. The serum for dry skin (approx. €75) targets moisture deficiency and reduces crow's feet and wrinkles with consistent use – often visible after 4-5 months. It contains highly bioavailable ingredients that penetrate deeply into the skin and repair the barrier. Other variants address redness, acne, or signs of aging, always adapted to the individual skin analysis. This analysis, performed in under two minutes in partner studios, measures parameters like moisture, oil content, and elasticity to create a precise formula.
Another highlight is the Protect & Care Sun Fluid (approx. €45), a lightweight sunscreen that blends seamlessly with other products, such as the Sun Oil for complementary effects. With at least SPF 30 and broad UVA/UVB protection, it guards against DNA damage and premature aging, as explained in blog posts by Dr. Rüther. The blog "Cosmetic Leaks" is a valuable addition: Here, the team shares scientific insights, such as the influence of the microbiome on skin health. A balanced microbiome promotes radiant skin, and skinmade products support this through prebiotic ingredients.
Delving deeper, the blog illuminates ingredients like Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production, fights free radicals, and helps against pigmentation spots. Dr. Rüther emphasizes that stable forms of Vitamin C in cosmetics are the most effective. Similarly, Astaxanthin, derived from red algae and considered the strongest antioxidant – it reduces oxidative stress far better than Vitamin E or Beta-Carotene. Integrated into skinmade products, it helps against environmental influences like pollution or UV radiation.
UV protection is a central theme: Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can damage the skin, as the article "The Consequences of UV Radiation" warns. Regular application of products with UVA seal is essential to avoid cell changes. Tips from Dr. Rüther include: Use at least SPF 15, apply sufficiently (e.g., a hazelnut-sized amount for face and neck), and reapply every two hours. Skinmade's sunscreen products meet these criteria and are water-resistant.
Seasonal influences are addressed in another post: In winter, skin dries out due to heating air; in summer, it becomes oilier from sweat. Skinmade recommends adapted routines, such as richer creams in winter with ceramides for barrier strengthening. These scientific foundations flow directly into product development, based on high bioavailability – ingredients are formulated to be optimally absorbed.
Customer feedback underscores the effectiveness: Nine out of ten users report smoother skin, reduced wrinkles, and less redness. Bundles, starting at approx. €105, combine cleanser, serum, and cream for a complete routine. Production is done fresh, ensuring shelf life and freshness. Skinmade also offers free shipping from €50, a 30-day return policy, and secure payment methods.
Overall, skinmade embodies a bridge between science and everyday skincare. Through collaboration with Fraunhofer and Dermatest, the company remains at the forefront of innovation, for example with the Smart Mirror that analyzes contactlessly. Future developments could include expanded analyses or new ingredients. For consumers, this means: No compromises in care, but solutions that truly fit. With a strong focus on Clean Beauty – free from parabens, silicones, and synthetic fragrances – skinmade sets standards for sustainable cosmetics. The company history from Fraunhofer research to an established brand shows how application-oriented science solves real needs and drives the industry forward.
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