Skin Issues: A Sign From Your Insides? A Pharmaceutical Company Champions Skin's Natural Power and a New Skincare Approach

Born in Germany in 1967, the organic cosmetics brand Dr. Hauschka has won over many fans since its arrival in Japan, becoming a beloved brand among enthusiasts of natural and organic cosmetics.

However, a lesser-known fact is that Dr. Hauschka was founded by a pharmaceutical company. In this article, we'll delve into why a pharmaceutical manufacturer decided to branch out into organic cosmetics, exploring the brand's health and beauty philosophy and its dedicated approach to crafting products.

Dr. Hauschka is the brainchild of the German pharmaceutical company WALA. Founded in 1935 by chemist Dr. Rudolf Hauschka, WALA continues to develop medicines using only naturally derived ingredients, guided by the philosophy that "human health depends on coexisting with nature."

After establishing WALA, Dr. Hauschka began producing herbal medicines based on Anthroposophy, a discipline applied to fields like medicine, education, art, and agriculture.

Confronted by the mysteries of life, Dr. Hauschka once sought advice from Dr. Rudolf Steiner, who told him, "Life has rhythm. Study rhythm." This advice prompted him to research the rhythms of life and plants, which ultimately led to his creation of a unique "rhythmic process."

This method is founded on the Anthroposophical idea that "nature and life have polarity." It applies the rhythms of duality—such as the human pulse (activity) and breath (rest), the seasons (warmth and cold), and the day (light and darkness)—to the production of plant-based ingredients.

Here’s how the process works. First, plants, hand-picked at the optimal time, are steeped in freshly drawn spring water and stored in a quiet, warm room (rest, warmth, darkness). Next, only at sunrise and sunset, they are moved outside into the sunlight (activity, cold, light). After repeating this for seven days, the plants are filtered from the liquid, burned to ash, and that ash is then returned to the original liquid, symbolizing the integration of life and death.

This process makes it possible to stably extract and preserve the plants' natural potency without using synthetic preservatives or alcohol, allowing the extracts to mature for a full year.

In Eckwälden, southern Germany, WALA maintains a sprawling 4.5-hectare herb garden—roughly the size of the Tokyo Dome. Here, over 150 types of plants thrive in a balanced ecosystem where both pests and beneficial insects coexist.

The key to this is the biodynamic farming method championed by Steiner. This approach completely avoids pesticides and chemical fertilizers. It also aligns planting and harvesting schedules with celestial cycles to meticulously nurture the health of the soil.

WALA's holistic approach, which extends from cultivating ingredients to extracting their essences via the unique 'rhythmic process,' is why its pharmaceuticals continue to have a dedicated following, especially across Europe.

Dr. Hauschka took a holistic view of the human body, believing that "the skin is part of the body, and keeping it healthy is essential for overall well-being."

For instance, poor circulation can lead to a dull complexion, and if moisture doesn't reach every part of the skin, it can become dry or rough. Skin issues like breakouts, dryness, and dullness can also be signs reflecting nutritional balance or the condition of internal organs. Therefore, paying close attention to your skin is a meaningful part of maintaining your health. Drawing on WALA's expertise in pharmaceutical development, Dr. Hauschka was confident that "the power of nature could be harnessed for skincare as well."

It was then that Dr. Hauschka met Elisabeth Sigmund, a Vienna-born esthetician. The two shared the belief that "to achieve health, we must work in harmony with nature, trusting and supporting the skin's innate strengths and functions," which led them to develop a line of cosmetics.

By combining their knowledge and conducting extensive research, they developed stable creams without synthetic or artificial emulsifiers and fragrances using natural essential oils, all derived from plants grown using biodynamic farming methods and their unique rhythmic process. Over time, their product lineup expanded to cater to various skin conditions.

The "Rose Day Cream," launched with the brand in 1967 and beloved by people worldwide ever since, remains a best-selling item and an essential for many today.

Dr. Hauschka cosmetics are manufactured by WALA. All products are made with 100% natural ingredients and are consistently free from synthetic or artificial components (like fragrances, colorants, preservatives, and surfactants). Even the plant extraction process avoids synthetic alcohols and chemicals, and every product is certified by NATRUE, an international standard for organic and natural cosmetics. The brand does not test on animals, bases its raw material procurement on fair trade principles, and supports agricultural projects in some regions.

Dr. Hauschka's philosophy is rooted in the understanding that "the skin's condition is constantly changing and susceptible to fluctuations for various reasons." Therefore, the foundation of their skincare is to carefully observe your own skin's condition. They offer an extensive lineup of items to choose from based on your skin's needs at any given moment.

Believing that "the skin inherently has the power to moisturize, balance, and maintain its own health" is central to the Dr. Hauschka approach, and their skincare method is remarkably simple. In the morning, the routine involves cleansing and preparing the skin, helping to protect it throughout the day. At night, the focus shifts to allowing the skin to breathe and regenerate, bringing out its natural beauty. The brand does not recommend products designed for deep penetration of specific ingredients or complex routines that involve layering multiple serums.

To unlock the skin's natural beauty, the most crucial steps are cleansing and washing. This is because a proper cleansing process removes impurities without stripping the skin's moisture, which in turn nurtures its ability to hydrate itself and leads to improved skin quality.

I attended the "Dr. Hauschka Premium Seminar," an event for organic cosmetics experts, where I learned the proper face-washing technique. Here again, the brand's philosophy of "trusting and supporting the skin's innate powers and functions" was emphasized. Over-washing and overly complicated skincare routines can actually weaken the skin's natural abilities.

During the cleansing step, which is the most crucial part of the routine, it was recommended to use "クレンジングミルク" to remove makeup while protecting the skin's barrier, and "ポイントメイクリムーバー" for the eye area, which also offers anti-aging benefits. For heavier makeup, "クレンジングバーム" was the go-to suggestion. Trying them myself, I found that after rinsing, my skin felt moisturized, with none of the tightness that usually has me rushing for toner.

After removing makeup, if you're concerned about rough texture or clogged pores, the next step is the "クレンズクリーム," a surfactant-free, non-lathering paste cleanser. You take the cream, mix it with water in your palms to form a paste, spread it on your face, and then gently press and release with your hands in a repeated motion. The fine almond meal feels pleasant, and you can cleanse your skin thoroughly as you hear a faint, satisfying sound with the pressing motion.

After rinsing, my skin felt refreshed but also protected by a layer of moisture—so hydrated, in fact, that it felt like I didn't need to apply anything else.

After cleansing, you simply follow up with a toner and cream tailored to your skin's condition. Although the routine is simple, you can feel it working with your skin, not against it, allowing its own moisturizing abilities to shine. If you've tried various skincare routines but haven't achieved the results you want, I highly recommend trying the simple, trust-based approach of Dr. Hauschka.

WALA, the holistic pharmaceutical company founded by chemist Dr. Hauschka, continues to spread its message through the Dr. Hauschka skincare brand: "human health depends on living in harmony with nature," and paying close attention to your skin is a vital part of maintaining that health.