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Event in Stockholm - What is Sustainable Beauty?

Welcome to a different kind of beauty event at Nordiska Kompaniet!   Date: June 12Time: 16:00 – 18:00Location: Nordiska Kompaniet, Le Magasin (lower level, right by the exit towards Sergelgången)RSVP here before June 6   Panel Discussion:Sustainability in the Beauty Industry – What does it really mean?   We have gathered Sweden's top experts to discuss a question that has long been overlooked: What does sustainability in the beauty industry really mean? Vegan, organic, and ecological – what do these terms actually entail? How can we become better at identifying greenwashing? What is good for my health and what is good for the environment?   Meet the experts and panel participants:Agneta Elmegård – Award-winning journalist at Aftonbladet, founder of Skönhetsredaktörerna and Beauty Oscar.Emma Bergqvist – Chairman of Natural & Organic Cosmetics Sweden and founder of Tree of Brands.Jennifer Carlsson – Beauty Brand Expert with 30,000 followers on LinkedIn, founder of Mintoro and Beauty Packaging Design Awards and The Doing Good Seal   Join a fascinating discussion and gain insights into how we can create a more sustainable future for the beauty industry together. At the end of the panel discussion, we will open up for questions from the audience, so make sure to have your question ready!   Bonus - 30% off the entire Oquist range on-site   Schedule   16:00 – 17:00 Receive an individual analysis and program for your specific facial structure from Dana Nel, an expert in facial massage with a focus on holistic and preventive skincare. Test Oquist Cosmetics products and learn about water-free skincare. Mingle with a Skin Mocktail from the dry bar. 17:00 – 17:40 Panel discussion with experts. 17:40 – 18:00 Questions from the audience. 18:00 – 19:00 After mingling, Dana Nel will be available for further facial analysis. We look forward to welcoming you to an evening filled with inspiration and knowledge.   Warm welcome from Olga & Pavel!

Oquist at Nordiska Kompaniet

We are thrilled to share that as of April 1st, 2024, Oquist Cosmetics will be gracing the shelves of Le Magasin at Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm. Oquist's exquisite range of products will be showcased alongside other esteemed niche lifestyle brands, all sharing a commitment to sustainability and design excellence. To celebrate this milestone, we have lined up special launch offers exclusively for our valued customers in Stockholm. It's an opportunity not to be missed if you're eager to experience the magic of Oquist firsthand!  You can locate Le Magasin and Oquist Cosmetics on the "Nedre Plan", right next to the kitchenware department. We can't wait to welcome you to our corner of elegance and sustainability at Nordiska Kompaniet! Hope to see you there! /Olga Ringquist, founder  

Does Waterless Mean No Hydration?

We choose to make our formulas waterless for several reasons. Firstly, it impacts our carbon footprint as a skincare brand quite significantly. There is no unnecessary weight and volume in the value chain and you as a consumer can enjoy a concentrated product that lasts much longer.   Secondly, excluding water allows us to skip preservatives which is better for your skin barrier and microbiome. How preservatives affect our planet in their after life is still not fully understood and luckily not something we have to worry about.   But how will it hydrate my skin if there’s no water in the moisturizer, you may ask. First of all, hydration comes from water and moisture comes from oils, and there is a common misconception that hydration of the skin comes from the water in creams and lotions. True hydration comes from the water molecules in the air and from the water we drink/eat. Our skin barrier (if fully functioning) takes these molecules and hydrates all the skin layers from the inside out. An optimal hydration and moisturizing level comes from within through something called the water-oil balance. While topical application does give a temporary mechanic hydration of the outer skin layer, it doesn’t hydrate the deeper skin layers. So instead of keeping the skin barrier busy with trying to stop irritants from topical products penetrating the skin, we believe it’s best to let it do

The History of Cosmetics is Waterless

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, it's crucial to explore the roots of cosmetics to understand how they have transformed over time. While the cosmetic industry has seen remarkable innovations, it's essential to acknowledge the sustainable practices of the past. Join us on a journey through the history of cosmetics, unveiling a time when waterless formulations were the norm and how we are reclaiming that tradition for a healthier planet and more radiant skin. 2000 B.C., Egypt: The first documented evidence of cosmetics emerges as the Egyptians explore the beauty-enhancing properties of oils, fats, milk, herbs, and scrubs. These early cosmetic formulations highlight a connection to nature, a theme that would echo through centuries. 0 – 1700s: The beauty practices of subsequent eras continue to embrace the simplicity of nature. Animal fats, oils, honey, herbs, and essential oils become staples in cosmetic preparations, reflecting an era where purity and simplicity defined beauty regimens. 1800s: The dawn of commercialization marks a shift in cosmetic production. Vaselin, baby powder, and cerat-like products become popular, introducing the notion of convenience and standardized beauty products. However, the core ingredients still echo the essence of nature. 1900s: A significant turning point unfolds as preservatives are invented initially for the food industry, soon finding their way into cosmetics. This innovation ushers in an era of mass production, making cosmetics more affordable and extending their shelf life. However, this convenience comes at a cost, introducing various synthetic chemicals that may not be ideal for our skin's health and the environment. 2000s: In response to the chemical influx impacting our microbiome and the environment, the 21st century witnesses a resurgence of waterless skincare. The Clean Beauty movement gains momentum, advocating for cosmetics that are free from unnecessary chemicals. Waterless skincare products, embracing oils, herbs, and natural ingredients, become a beacon of sustainability, harking back to the origins of cosmetic traditions. The Environmental Impact: While the industrialization of cosmetics brought accessibility and affordability, it also ushered in concerns about the environmental impact. Water-dependent formulations often necessitated the use of preservatives, stabilizers, and synthetic chemicals, contributing to pollution and posing potential harm to the skin and the planet.   Benefits of Waterless Skincare: Reduced Environmental Footprint: Waterless formulations significantly decrease the carbon footprint associated with production, transportation, and disposal of cosmetic products. Preservative-Free Formulations: Without water, there's no need for harsh preservatives, reducing the risk of skin irritation and promoting a healthier complexion. Concentrated Actives: By excluding water, we can focus on potent botanicals and minerals, delivering maximum benefits to your skin with every application. Long-Lasting Products: Waterless formulations often boast a longer shelf life without compromising the integrity of the ingredients, reducing product wastage. Embracing a Sustainable Future: As we revisit the historical roots of cosmetics, it becomes evident that the waterless revolution is not just a return to tradition but a commitment to a sustainable future. By opting for waterless skincare, you join a movement that values the planet and prioritizes the well-being of your skin. Conclusion: The history of cosmetics is a tale of evolution, from waterless simplicity to industrial complexity and back to mindful, sustainable practices. Embracing the waterless skincare revolution is not just a nod to tradition; it's a conscious choice to protect our skin, our planet, and the legacy of beauty that transcends time. Join us in redefining beauty by looking to the past for a more sustainable future.Sincerely yours, Olga Ringquist 

Why We're Leaving the Offline

Dear Oquist Cosmetics Community, As we embark on this exciting journey with Oquist Cosmetics, we want to share a pivotal decision that we've made to better align with our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. After careful consideration, we have decided to transition away from offline sales in mainstream stores, embracing the online realm as the primary avenue for connecting with our valued customers. This decision reflects our dedication to waterless and sustainable skincare, embodied in our innovative terracotta sculptures packaging. The Price of Sustainability: At Oquist, we've always believed that true beauty should not come at the expense of the planet. Crafting waterless cosmetics involves a meticulous process that is, admittedly, more costly compared to traditional water-based alternatives. Waterless formulations eliminate the need for preservatives and contribute to a reduction in carbon footprint. However, this commitment to sustainability comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of production costs. Our choice of terracotta packaging, while aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly, also incurs higher production costs compared to conventional materials. Terracotta not only embodies our commitment to sustainability but also serves as a beautiful keepsake long after the product has been used. Navigating the Distribution Landscape: Traditional cosmetic distribution models often demand a high Gross Margin, typically around 90%. This stringent requirement is a hurdle for brands like ours that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. The inherent costliness of waterless formulations and terracotta packaging makes fitting into the standard distribution model challenging, pushing prices to levels that we believe are not in line with our commitment to accessibility.  In the end, we were faced with two options: either raise our prices by 50% to align with industry standards or opt to forego that route and concentrate on our own online community. This is why you can't find Oquist and other similar niche beauty brands in big retail chains. It breaks my heart when I hear people say that if a brand has managed to enter a big chain it equal success. In reality it only means that the product that you purchase at €50 took about €2 to produce (which in our opinion can't be sustainable).  Empowering Our Community: By choosing to focus on online sales, we can maintain our dedication to sustainability without compromising the accessibility of our products. This decision allows us to bypass the traditional retail markup and offer our community the best possible prices for our waterless skincare in pieces of art. A Vision for a Sustainable Future: Our decision to shift away from mainstream offline sales is a bold step towards a future where beauty is synonymous with sustainability. Embracing the online realm empowers us to directly engage with our community, share our values, and make a positive impact on the planet without sacrificing the quality and beauty that defines Oquist Cosmetics. Nurturing Niche Relationships: While we bid farewell to the conventional distribution model, we remain committed to working with niche stores, boutique hotels, and those outside the standard distribution channels. This strategic approach ensures that our products reach individuals who share our values without the involvement of excessive intermediaries. We value the authenticity and unique charm that niche partnerships bring to Oquist Cosmetics. Stepping Away from Fairs and Distributors: In our pursuit of sustainability, we have also chosen not to participate in fairs and spend time negotiating with distributors. This allows us to direct our energy and resources towards what matters most – crafting exceptional, eco-friendly products and fostering genuine connections with our community. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey towards a more sustainable and beautiful world. With love and terracotta elegance, Olga Ringquist Co-Founder, Oquist Cosmetics

Meet The Founder - Olga Ringquist

Below is an excerpt from Olga's Interview with Because Magazine, read the full article here.   "Who here has had to force themselves to finish one serum before starting another?! Sure, recyclable and compostable packaging, and refills have helped to assuage our worries but to some degree, these processes still involve tossing the product in the bin or sending it off. But what if we had a product that we could keep forever? Even once we’ve finished the benefit-boasting formula? That’s exactly what the father-daughter duo Olga and Pavel Babneev have created with Oquist cosmetics. “Working in the beauty field, I started to question the way we produce and consume conventional beauty today. So dad and I decided to unite our expertise and views on the future of beauty, and created Oquist Cosmetics,” said Olga. And Oquist is anything but conventional, just look at how beautifully their waterless formulas are housed in terracotta sculptures – the first skincare brand to do so. We had to ask, “Why go waterless?” Most often known to be a good thing for our health and ‘natural’, we wondered if we had missed something. Olga explains, “We found that one of the most efficient ways to reduce a beauty company's carbon footprint is by having waterless formulas, since water is usually added in skincare as a so-called 'filler', creating unnecessary volumes for packaging and shipment. Another perk with waterless skincare is that one doesn't need to add preservatives, known to irritate the skin and harm aquatic life and ecosystems.” Continuing the conversation with Olga, we asked our 8Qs to learn more about her entrepreneurial lifestyle. What is a book that you always come back to and why?"The Theory of Everything" by Stephen W. Hawking. I'm a huge consumer of popular science about space and Hawking's book amazes me every time. After a bad day my go-to is a bottle of weissbier and some space content.What is your morning ritual like?After getting my son to preschool at around 8 am I get back home to my ceremonial tea space and have at least three bowls of tea, which is a sort of meditation. This helps me ground and start the day in a peaceful mind (unlike what it's like before getting to that preschool). Since I prefer lunch as my biggest meal of the day, I tend to have a smaller breakfast usually containing some sort of sandwich. Then I put on a podcast and walk to the gym where I spend most of my time working while taking breaks in the hamam, the pool and gym restaurant. Compared to my corporate career this is heaven! What's your party trick?Haha, I have this recurring pantomime ritual with an invisible wall that I break with an invisible electric saw and then crawl out on the other side of the wall through the invisible hole. This usually happens on the dance floor for no apparent reason.If you could travel anywhere right now, where would it be?Probably to dad and the production in Riga. Since the pandemic we only saw each other once during the two years since starting Oquist. Name something that you're grateful for.So hard to only name one thing, there's so much! If only one thing it would be the fact that mum and I emigrated to Sweden when I was 6 years old. I'd imagine my life would be quite different if we didn't.Name three things that you can't live without.My family, tea and Sicilian green olives.