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Topical Care Backed by Years of Expertise! Birkenstock Kicks Off a Beauty Revolution Starting with Your Feet
With a shoemaking tradition spanning over 250 years and a long-standing commitment to "foot health," the renowned German footwear brand Birkenstock has now ventured into the world of beauty. Fusing its years of orthopedic expertise with naturally derived ingredients, the brand's new care line, 'Care Essentials,' delivers a holistic experience that nurtures your entire body, starting from your feet.
We spoke with Quentin Ojeda, Director of Birkenstock Cosmetics, to learn more about the inspiration and unique features behind these products.
PROFILE
QUENTIN OJEDA
Director of Birkenstock Cosmetics
With over 12 years of experience in the beauty industry, he oversees new product development, formulation, packaging, and communication strategies for the 'Care Essentials' line.
It goes without saying that the health of our feet, which carry us through our daily lives, is incredibly important.
"Our feet support us through life, yet they are often neglected in our daily care routines. At Birkenstock, we believe that foot health and overall well-being are interconnected. Taking care of your feet means caring for your body's foundation," says Ojeda.
In fact, Birkenstock has a history of offering foot care products dating back to the 1930s. Ojeda explains that the creation of 'Care Essentials' was a natural evolution rooted in the brand's DNA.
"We've always developed footwear based on orthopedic expertise with the philosophy of supporting a 'natural gait.' This new collection allows us to offer a more holistic approach, where care that starts at the feet extends to the entire body."

This care line is designed to be the perfect complement to Birkenstock's iconic, flexible "footbed" insole.
"Just as the footbed supports your every move, the 'Care Essentials' line brings nourishment and vitality to your feet. The two work together to provide comprehensive care for your foot health," says Ojeda.
Guiding You to Healthy Feet from Every Angle
With the exception of the "Smoothing Pumice Stone," all products feature a 100% vegan formula derived from natural ingredients and are certified COSMOS Natural (an international certification for natural and organic cosmetics), ensuring they meet high standards for safety and environmental consideration. The "Comforting Dry Oil" goes a step further, having earned the even more stringent COSMOS Organic certification."We wanted to create an experience that nurtures both body and mind, engaging the senses as well as the skin. That's why all our fragrances are made exclusively from 100% naturally derived essential oils."
The 'Care Essentials' foot care series features a lineup of six products that cover everything from moisturizing and exfoliation to cooling and relaxation.
The star of the series is the "Nourishing Foot Balm." Murumuru butter, sourced from the Amazon, locks in moisture, while pomegranate enzyme and white willow bark extract soften and smooth the often-hardened soles of the feet. It's a fan favorite with many repeat customers, thanks to the instantly moisturizing feel it provides. "This is an item I hope people will use every day, just like a facial moisturizer," Ojeda enthusiastically recommends.

For exfoliation, the line offers the "Exfoliating Foot Scrub" and the "Smoothing Pumice Stone." The scrub combines the refreshing scent of peppermint hydrolat and rosemary oil with natural pumice particles to gently remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smooth.
"Instead of using natural materials with an uneven structure, we intentionally chose 100% recycled glass for our pumice stone. Its rounded shape is designed to be gentle and not scratch the skin. Another benefit is its natural antibacterial property, which is unique to inorganic materials," explains Ojeda.

The "Relief Lotion Tired Leg & Foot" is designed to tackle daytime fatigue and that overheated feeling. Formulated with menthol, arnica, and eucalyptus oil, it delivers a pleasant cooling sensation to soothe heavy, tired legs and leave them feeling completely refreshed. It's a popular choice for recovery after a long day of walking or a strenuous workout, making it the perfect way to unwind and treat your legs at the end of the day.
For an in-bath treat, the "Relaxing Bath Salt" blends cedarwood, juniper, thyme, and rosemary essential oils with sea salt. The warmth of the bath helps boost circulation and soften skin, while the aromatic blend offers a deeply relaxing experience.

To complete your care routine, try the "Comforting Dry Oil." Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture sinks quickly into the skin, making it perfect for a massage to boost circulation.

"Foot care is accessible to everyone—you don't need any specialized knowledge or a complicated routine. Taking the time to focus on your feet, even if it's just for a few minutes, can gradually bring not only your feet but your entire body and mind into better alignment. We believe that caring for your feet is the very foundation of self-care. So, we encourage you to take that first step."

When your feet are properly cared for, your gait and posture naturally improve. This enhances your body's overall balance, leading to better daily performance and greater peace of mind. "Care Essentials" is more than just a line of beauty products; it’s a self-care philosophy from Birkenstock, a brand that has always been genuinely dedicated to foot health through its footwear.
On September 12, 2025, the brand will expand its care offerings beyond the feet with the launch of a new body care line.

Caring for your feet goes beyond aesthetics—it’s intrinsically linked to your posture and peace of mind. These small daily care rituals are the first step toward bringing your entire body into balance. The Birkenstock approach to wellness, long rooted in supporting health, is now expanding in new directions. This new vision of beauty, which starts from the ground up, just might transform your everyday life.
Text by Junko Hayashida




