Junglück founder Benedikt Klarmann
Photo: Junglück

Junglück: Sustainable Natural Cosmetics

The natural cosmetics startup Junglück wants to combine natural cosmetics with sustainable and eco-minded packaging. Founder Benedikt Klarmann tells us more in our interview.

Munich Startup: Who are you and what do you do? Please introduce yourselves!

Benedikt Klarmann: I’m Benedikt Klarmann, founder of the clean beauty brand Junglück. I’ve been active as an entrepreneur since I was 18 years old. The idea behind Junglück emerged after listening to my mom and girlfriend talk about how unhappy they were with their cosmetic products. That’s why I started thinking about what could be done about it. With Junglück, I wanted to develop a line of cosmetic products that makes people happy. With pure, natural products and a fundamental awareness of sustainability.

Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?

Benedikt Klarmann: When Junglück was founded, the cosmetics market was lacking the consistent and holistic implementation of sustainability, environmental protection and transparency as well as effective yet non-irritating ingredients in a comprehensive concept. That’s why we’re forging ahead as pioneers and setting a good example to close that gap in the cosmetics market and encourage other companies to do the same – that’s the only way we can do well by our skin and nature – on a long-term basis.

Munich Startup: But that’s nothing out of the box!

Benedikt Klarmann: Unfortunately, it is.  Even though the pollution caused by plastic has now become a topic of public discussion, 98 percent of the products on the cosmetics market are not offered in sustainable packaging. And the majority of cosmetics that have eco-friendly packaging are not mindful of using biodegradable ingredients that are healthy for people and are proven to improve the complexion. This means that at the moment, there is no cosmetics brand that combines the consistent implementation of sustainable and eco-minded packaging with sustainable, effective and skin-friendly ingredients like Junglück.

Munich Startup: Was there a point when you nearly failed?

Benedikt Klarmann: Failed no, but as a small startup, we’ve often struggled with different challenges like supply shortages, which is due to growth that always changes unpredictably.

“Healthy balance between risk and security”

Munich Startup: How is business going?

Benedikt Klarmann: Business is going very well! Our range now includes 32 natural products and we produce a comprehensive and coordinated line of cosmetics for the skin, hair and body. A baby product line has complemented our portfolio since October 2020.

Munich Startup: What do you think about Munich as a startup location?

Benedikt Klarmann: Munich is an excellent city due to the recreational options it offers employees, but otherwise for a startup, Munich is very expensive and it’s often difficult to compete with the big DAX companies (office rent, recruiting employees, etc.).

Munich Startup: Risk or security?

Benedikt Klarmann: You can’t found a startup without risk, but risk also provides opportunity, which is why I find a healthy balance between risk and security very important, and that also applies to starting a company.