Natural Products Scandinavia - the Nordic region’s biggest trade show for natural beauty, health, and eco-living - revealed the industry personalities to make the first ‘Who’s Who in Green Beauty Scandinavia’, in partnership with NOC Sweden.

The results which were presented by Natural Beauty News editor Rosie Greenaway and Henrik Olténg, founder of NOC Sweden, took place in the Natural Beauty Theatre, at Natural Products Scandinavia, in Malmö on 14 November. Voted for by the natural and organic beauty industry, the initiative provides an essential snapshot of the leading personalities helping to shape the way the public perceive organic, cruelty-free and eco-friendly green beauty products in Scandinavia and beyond.

Emma Bergqvist, founder of Tree of Brands, landed the top spot; Swedish skincare guru and founder of Skincity Maria Åkerberg came second; and Finnish author, blogger and influencer Katja Kokko came third in the coveted list.

With 17 years’ experience as a product manager, marketing manager and spokesperson for Weleda in the Nordics (and a licensed organic skin-therapist), Emma Bergqvist is one of the most well-known eco-beauty profiles in Sweden. Olténg has described her as: “An inspiration to women and women’s health, she is a teacher, entrepreneur and a speaker, who with her warmth, energy and uncompromised commitment, is a true ambassador for green beauty.

I am very honoured and surprised. There are so many amazing people working in the green beauty industry that do an amazing job, so I think all of us deserve to be seen as number one!” says Emma Bergqvist. “To be voted was a sign for me that I have, in one or another way, succeeded with my goal to make a difference in people’s everyday lives when it comes to healthier lifestyles and to contribute to a more sustainable beauty industry. I am convinced that everyone working in this business would continue to do their best to support green beauty without any kind of awards, but I think it’s really important to appreciate, confirm and focus on all the great work going on around us.

I see this segment as the only sustainable way forward, both when it comes to health and the environment, but also for the outstanding results it provides. I hope that one day, not so far away, the green beauty industry will be accepted as ‘the beauty industry’ and to make that day come soon I think it is important to highlight green beauty as much and often as possible,” she adds.

The 2018 Who’s Who in Green Beauty Scandinavia (as voted for by the industry) are:

 Emma Bergqvist (Tree of Brands)
 Maria Åkerberg (Skincity)
 Katja Kokko (blogger, author and influencer)
 Hannah Sjöström (Naturligtsnygg)
 Virpi Raipala-Cormier (Frantsila)
 Linda Öhrström (organic beauty and makeup artist)
 Anni Linnavirta (Naviter Oy)
 Susanne Hovenäs (Hälsa beauty editor)
 Johanna Bjurström (blogger and skin specialist)
 Marina Engervik (Marina Miracle)