Jurlique uses pure and natural plant-based ingredients

Jurlique may not be as well-known as Estée Lauder or Lancôme, but this all-natural Australian beauty company has a cult-like following of fans from all over the world.

Dr. Jurgen Klein, who founded the company in Germany with his wife Ulrike in 1973, dreamed of a total skin and health care line. It came to life in 1983 when they emigrated to the hills of Australia, an area known for its unpolluted, pristine land which was better suited for growing the herbs and plants they wanted in their skincare. "Our goal was to transform herbal substances into products that would benefit customers of any age and skin condition," says Dr. Klein from his home in Adelaide, South Australia.

M lifestyle spoke to Dr. Klein about the brand and its unique philosophy.

How did you come up with Jurlique as the name?
It is actually a combination of my name, Jurgen, and my wife's name, Ulrike.

Ulrike and Dr. Jurgen Klein

Can you describe what makes Jurlique unique?
There is a big difference that you can see and feel the first time you try one of our products. We have many of the same types of products that traditional companies do-such as exfoliators, cleansers, creams, and eye gels-but we use pure and natural plantbased ingredients to achieve a line that is superior in strength and quality. And, for 30 years, my family and friends have been test-marketing our products before they go to retail-and you know how critical those closest to you can be.

With dozens of skincare brands to choose from in the market, why should someone use Jurlique?
We offer a wide range of pure natural products for every skin type. But it is the luxurious textures and exquisite aromas that set us apart. Our customers have told us they actually look forward to using our skincare and feel that they are pampering themselves-not just routine. But besides the aesthetic benefits, Jurlique products are rich in herbal anti-oxidants that protect the skin from environmental pollutants such as extreme cold, pollution and smoke. The products are so highly concentrated that some people have referred to a few stand-outs as a "facelift in a bottle."

What is it about using plants and herbs that make your skin care products so effective?
I am a homeopath also and am committed to creating products made with powerful plant and herb extracts without killing their ability to heal-otherwise you have a dead product. This philosophy stems from the Chinese and what they call Qi (pronounced chi), which means life force.

What Asian herbs do you incorporate and what are their benefits?
There are several important ones that we use. Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root) and Ashwagandha (commonly known as Winter Cherry Root) are both used to activate blood circulation. Wild yam is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and some women have found it to be a natural alternative to HRT. Gromwell extract and Sichuan peppercorn are used to relieve itching and sensitive skin conditions such as eczema, and dandelion was found earliest in Chinese literature as a calmer of skin irritations. The Chinese say it removes toxic heat which can cause swelling. So you see, these herbs and many more are integral to Jurlique. More than half of Australians go to a homeopath or Chinese doctor in Australia so it is a big part of life here.

What are your best-selling products?
Everyone loves what I call our three "hero" products: Herbal Recovery Gel, Eye Gel and Neck Serum. But it depends on where you live. Asians, for example, like the same light, anti-aging products that Texans and Southern Californians do that work well in their dry and humid climates. Those who live in New England, NYC or even Northern California prefer something richer in vegetable oils to keep the moisture in and protect their skin from extreme cold or pollution.

You've said that travelers especially like Jurlique. Why?
Jurlique is a wanted brand for the traveler. Our aromamists, for example, contain pure essential oil blends that are great for a refreshing pick-me-up in hot weather like Las Vegas, when you are feeling jet-lagged, or to hydrate skin after being in air conditioning. Since the age of 14, Dr. Klein has been studying traditional medicine and herbal medicine with the hopes of one day seeing his company become mainstream. With over 40 stores and wellness spas located around the world, he is definitely on his way to making Jurlique a household name. His newest outpost is in Tutto at Bellagio.