Fragrance house

Charlotte Meentzen

Charlotte Meentzen was founded in Dresden in 1930 by sisters Charlotte Meentzen and Gertrud Seltmann-Meentzen as the Charlotte Meentzen Heilkräuter Kosmetik company. The founders established an Institute for Natural Cosmetics and, in 1931, a School for Natural Cosmetics, combining plant-based care with training and treatment methods associated with Charlotte Meentzen. After Charlotte Meentzen died unexpectedly at 35 in 1940, Gertrud continued the company, promoted publication of Charlotte’s book, and rebuilt the Dresden business after its destruction in the 1945 bombing raids. In 1972, the family business was dispossessed and transferred into public ownership of the GDR; the Charlotte Meentzen trademark was forbidden, and the operation was renamed VEB Kräutervital-Kosmetik Dresden. After German reunification, the founders’ descendants reprivatized and newly founded Charlotte Meentzen Kräutervital Kosmetik GmbH, restoring the registered trademark. The brand’s identity centers on natural cosmetics, plant-based ingredients, holistic care, and a return-to-nature philosophy, alongside scientific testing and modern treatment concepts. In 2018, Charlotte Meentzen received the German Brand Award for its packaging relaunch and brand management.