5 Under-the-Radar Swedish Beauty Labels to Know

Today marks the beginning of the Spring 2018 shows in Stockholm, and with it, a parade of editors, stylists, and models on the runways in elaborate ensembles. But before turning a blind eye to anything but the clothes, which, if anything like last season, will be minimal with a bit more funk and a bit more street, take a moment to consider that the Scandinavian city is already very well-established on the proverbial beauty map.

Following in the footsteps of industry titans like Byredo's glossy black-capped scents and Sachajuan's minimalist shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, there is a school of lesser-known labels who are also helping to establish Sweden as a bona fide purveyor of all things beauty. Just look to Verso, whose retinol-based Super Facial Serum is already beloved by in-the-know Americans, or Estelle & Thild, an organic skin-care line now sold on Net-a-Porter. From a stimulating seaweed bath treatment to a salt scrub containing flowers plucked from a garden in northern Sweden, here is a look at five Swedish beauty lines to buy now.

L:A Bruket
Born in the rugged seaside town of Varberg, where the wind whips and the waves lash, L:A Bruket's line of all-natural spa and body products are formulated to counteract even the harshest of elements. Take the jumbo-sized lip balm made of beeswax, almond, and coconut oils, or the wild rose hand cream that's as moisturizing as it is intoxicating. Also not to be missed is the dried seaweed. Fished by hand off the western coast of Sweden, the bath treatment stimulates blood circulation, relieves overworked muscles, and alleviates sunburnt skin.

Verso
Swedes like Elin Kling flock to Verso, a Stockholm-based label known for its high usage of rejuvenating Retinol 8. While the healing and strengthening Super Facial Serum is a fan favorite, come September, a new Lip Serum, which softens and simultaneously plumps, will surely be filling the bags of the fashion set the world around.

Björk & Berries
What began as a small project deep in the forests of northern Sweden has become one of the country's most beloved beauty lines. With a commitment to sustainability, Björk & Berries uses handpicked, natural ingredients for its skin care, body, bath, hair, hand, and perfume ranges. Local picks include the Botanical Firming Cream (also known as "botanical botox") and the From the Garden Bath Salt, which, true to its name, contains detoxifying birch leaves and soothing lavender and chamomile flowers plucked straight from the label's plot.

Estelle & Thild
When Pernilla Rönnberg discovered the shockingly high number of chemicals in her face products, she sought to create a skin-care range free from pesticides and toxic residue, and thus, Estelle & Thild (named after her two young daughters) was born. This past May, the 10-year-old, Ecocert-approved organic label expanded its range to include makeup, such as a sheer foundation packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and a weightless Sun Powder that will deliver a healthy, believable glow well into winter.

Maria Akerberg
With more than 400 products (and 1400 variations)—all made from organic vegetable oils—Maria Akerberg's line is like the Holy Grail of skin care for Swedes. While a line that extensive (there's everything from strengthening eyebrow oil and deodorant salt to a softening scalp spray) makes it hard to pick favorites, there is something for everyone.