Originally from Berlin, Germany, Caterina Schiffers moved to New Zealand in 2005, to work in visual effects. An artist by trade, Caterina became interested in the science of skincare which has taken her on a holistic journey of discovery. Following her passion, she created her boutique company, Wunderbalm, and its unique signature products. She tells Verve more.
Tell us how your journey began
After using a wide range of cosmetics, I realised ingredients in these products were being absorbed into my bloodstream so began investigating them: parabens, sodium laurel sulphate, plastic beads – the list goes on!
For many years, I made my own skincare products, the first of which was whipped body butter, which I gave to friends as gifts. They loved it so much and encouraged me to make more products. Just moisturising the skin wasn’t enough, and I wanted to learn about herbalism and the properties of medicinal herbs.
In 2017 I studied herbalism at Cottage Hill Herb Farm in Wellington and gained a Materia Medica Diploma. One thing I’ve come to understand is just how important herbs are to our wellbeing. From the herbs we ingest to the ones we use topically, choosing natural and nutritious ingredients is what keeps us operating at optimum vitality.
Signy Gudlaugsdottir | @signyphotography
How do you make your products?
I use traditional methods to extract all the properties each plant has to offer. I create hydrosols with my copper still, double and triple infuse oils, and make tinctures. A lot of preparation goes into that, as it takes between two days and eight weeks for some of the extracts to be ready for use. All products are carefully handcrafted, using high quality ingredients, and I only produce very small batches. By using those extracts, I can create products that have many layers and really nourish the skin in a gentle but powerful way.
Why do you love making these products?
It’s really satisfying and rewarding to produce something that gives people confidence and makes them feel good in their skin – I love helping people feel good about themselves. It’s inspiring when I hear positive feedback about how my products improve my customers’ skin, and that’s what keeps me going. After all, your skin is your largest organ, by providing it with the nourishing benefits of herbs you can protect it from modern-day chemicals.
One thing I’ve come to understand is just how important herbs are to our wellbeing. From the herbs we ingest inside our bodies to the ones we use topically on the outside, choosing natural and nutritious ingredients is what keeps us operating at our optimum vitality.
What is your favourite product?
One of my favourites is Hibiscus Face Cream. Hibiscus is the Botox of the plant world, not only does it speed up cell regeneration, it increases moisture and improves elasticity of the skin.
I’m continually researching herbal properties and their benefits to skincare and health in general, and am passionate about the difference they can make. We’re surrounded by these powerful herbs and by learning how to identify them and delicately blend them together, we can treat ourselves to their wonderful properties.
