In a market full of new and flashy beauty brands, it’s easy to miss the classics that have stood the test of time. Weleda is one of those gems. With more than a century of experience making natural and organic skincare, Weleda was among the first to offer true natural cosmetics and now sells products in about fifty countries.
I visited their headquarters and biodynamic gardens in Derbyshire some time ago. Seeing the place in person gave me a clear sense of what Weleda is about—its roots, its values, and its products.
Weleda: a century of natural care
Weleda began in 1921, founded by Austrian thinker Rudolf Steiner together with a Dutch doctor and a German chemist. They started as a small pharmaceutical lab using medicinal plants from their own garden, believing in the body’s natural ability to heal with help from nature.
Their approach is based on anthroposophy, a belief in living in balance with nature and community. That idea shows up in everything they do—from biodynamic farming and fair treatment of staff to sustainable production of cosmetics and medicines.
Certified natural ingredients
All Weleda products are 100% certified natural and carry the NATRUE seal, which guarantees high standards. Their formulas use natural and organic ingredients only, never tested on animals, and avoid artificial additives like synthetic fragrances, silicones, mineral oils, and microplastics. Preservatives are either naturally occurring or naturally derived.
Weleda’s scientists carefully process each plant ingredient to capture its purest essence. Every active ingredient has a clear purpose, chosen to deliver real skincare benefits.
Behind the scenes in Derbyshire
At the Derbyshire site I saw firsthand how their practices match their message. Managing director Jayn Sterland talked about the issues with conventional skincare and why Weleda focuses on cleaner, more natural products. Their commitment to skincare, sustainability, and ethics is obvious.
The gardens
Weleda’s 13-acre biodynamic gardens are a real highlight. Head gardener Claire Hattersley and her team grow many of the medicinal plants used in their products. The gardens are full of life, with wild meadows and lots of biodiversity. They follow a biodynamic planting calendar, timing tasks with the earth’s rhythms—seeds are often sown just before a full moon to support better germination.
My favourite Weleda products
Over the years I’ve tried many Weleda items. These are the ones I reach for most often:
– Weleda Skin Food
This thick, deeply nourishing cream is a lifesaver for dry areas like feet, knees, elbows, and heels. It softens rough skin and helps repair it with regular use. It’s rich, so it takes a little time to absorb, but it’s worth the wait. A must-have for any beauty kit.
– Weleda Skin Food Light
The lighter, quicker-absorbing version of the original. It spreads easily, isn’t greasy, and works well on larger areas like arms and legs. It’s also handy as a regular hand cream, though for very rough hands I’d still choose the original Skin Food.
– Weleda deodorants
I’ve grown fond of their deodorants. The Citrus 24h Roll-On is fresh and reliable, while the Wild Rose Spray smells lovely and feels even more effective for me. All their deodorants are gentle, but the Wild Rose Spray contains alcohol, so avoid it right after shaving to prevent stinging.
– Weleda toothpastes
I’m a fan of their Salt toothpaste and have also tried the Calendula flavor. They don’t foam like conventional pastes, but they leave my teeth feeling clean and my mouth refreshed.
Why Weleda matters
Weleda’s long history and steady focus on natural, organic products make it a standout in the beauty world. Their ethics and sustainable approach are as important as their formulas. If you’re curious, visit their headquarters in Ilkeston, where their Wellbeing store stocks all 120 of their natural and organic cosmetics plus many herbal and homeopathic remedies. You can also buy Weleda online from retailers like Amazon and Holland & Barrett.
Thinking of switching from conventional beauty products? Weleda is a sensible place to start—their experience in natural skincare shows in their results.
Petra Nakashian
Petra Nakashian (formerly Kravos) is a natural health and beauty blogger who began researching product ingredients after losing her parents to cancer. With more than 10 years’ experience, she’s become a trusted voice on clean beauty. She founded Be Healthy Now and Green Beauty Talk and recently launched Beauty Insights Hub to widen her coverage of beauty treatments. Petra values transparency and honesty, helping readers navigate the complex world of beauty.