The Power of Cork Oak: 5 Reasons to Try Birkenstock's New Skin-Care Line by Belinda Lichty Clarke

Stop the presses! Beloved shoe company Birkenstock has moved into skin care – naturally. The key ingredient in this eco-friendly, non-chemically enhanced line is, fittingly, cork oak extract, just like the famed cork shoe foot bed we've come to know and love. 

Birkenstock.com states: "For over 240 years, cork has been an indispensable material in the original BIRKENSTOCK insole. However, its beauty benefits were only discovered recently by scientists in the cosmetics industry: This natural extract, obtained from the outer layers of cork oak, possesses highly effective anti-aging properties."

Photo: Cork oak tree (Bigstock)

Here's why you need to try this new and natural line:

1. Suberin

Suberin, lipophilic macromolecule found in specialized plant cell walls, gives the cork distinct elasticity and has a clear lifting effect in the skin-care products. The result: the skin is lastingly and visibly smoothed with regular use. The multi-active cork oak complex that was developed as a result reduces skin redness, stimulates collagen formation and is effective against free radicals.

2. Results

In a scientific study, according to the company, with regular application, the product may:

• Protect against environmental influences.
• Stimulate long-term collagen production.
• Reduce skin redness.
• Moisturize intensively.
• Visibly smooth and nurture skin.

3. Curated Natural Ingredients

The formula contains a variety of carefully selected natural ingredients such as arctic moss, aloe vera, argan oil, avocado, baobab, calendula, cranberry, ginkgo, green coffee, moringa, ginger, jojoba, macadamia, mint, elderberry, grape and botanical hyaluron, along with the cork oak extract containing suberin.

4. Ecological Importance

Studies suggest that cork oak has existed for around 60 million years. Mediterranean cork oak forests are not only of immeasurable value for humans due to their renewable natural resources; they also represent a special ecosystem that offers a preferred habitat for many species of animals. What's more, they also act as an essential lung for the earth. The forests have a huge capacity to take in CO2 and help in the fight against global warming. For Birkenstock Natural Skin Care, the responsible cultivation and sustainable protection of cork oak forests is a top priority.

5. Recycling and Resources

Birkenstock Natural Skin Care protects the earth’s natural resources by using renewable materials such as natural cork, recyclable packaging and an innovative refill system.

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