Vegan, all-natural skincare has long moved beyond trend status – and for good reason. What we put on our skin (the body’s largest organ) is finally getting as much attention as what we eat, and Hong Kong shoppers are choosing clean, additive-free formulas for real, visible results. Plant-powered formulas can be transformative. Botanical extracts deliver multitasking benefits that help rebalance the complexion while drenching it in lasting hydration and comfort. Their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties calm redness and itching, support a stronger barrier, and help reduce dryness-related irritation – great news for sensitive or breakout-prone skin. They’re also gentle enough that many expecting mothers feel confident reaching for them.
Enter Schnique, a vegan skincare line built to German quality standards. The brief is clear: put plant science to work on skin. Each botanical is chosen for a purpose and paired with nutrient-rich actives. Developed to meet stringent regulations, the formulas skip unnecessary additives – and most are suitable for use during pregnancy. Founded by Hong Kong entrepreneur Katrina Chan, Schnique marries rigorous formulation with high-performing botanicals to prove you can get results without heavy synthetics. Even better, you can experience it right here in Hong Kong – in person or online – whenever you’re ready to refresh your routine the plant-first way. (Psst: there’s a 5% reader perk – details below.)
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Our Essential Picks
True to its ‘forest rain’ name, this silky, milky cleanser lifts away impurities with plant extracts – never stripping. It calms dryness-induced tightness, redness, and itch while supporting the barrier, leaving skin soft, balanced, and comfortably clean.
Don’t let the petite jar fool you – this eye gel is a heavy hitter for brightening and firming the delicate eye area. It’s packed with a unique triple-peptide complex designed to boost collagen production and smooth out fine lines, all while botanical extracts hydrate and soothe tired eyes. This formula was specially developed at the founder’s request, and it has quickly become the brand’s #1 best-seller.
A lightweight daily moisturiser that delivers a burst of ‘forest breeze’ freshness to your complexion. Formulated with nourishing plant oils like jojoba and Moroccan argan, this gel-cream locks in moisture and boosts skin’s water content without any heaviness. The texture is fast-absorbing and featherlight, yet it effectively plumps and softens the skin, improving overall texture and glow. Suitable for all skin types, it helps even out oily spots and relieve dryness at the same time. Plus, its additive-free, pH-balanced formula is vegan and pregnancy-friendly – so everyone can enjoy the soothing comfort and dewy finish it provides.
Glow-Boosting Add-Ons
For an at-home facial that leaves you lit from within, this creamy mud masque is a must. Enriched with a complex of plant extracts, the mask gently draws out impurities and excess oil while feeding the skin with nutrients. Unlike harsh clay masks that can dry you out, Schnique’s formula purifies pores and refines skin texture without stripping moisture. After just 10 minutes, you can rinse off to reveal a clearer, smoother, more radiant complexion – think of it as a reset button for dull or congested skin.
Exactly as the name promises, this gel mask hydrates and calms in one step, making it the ideal soothing treat for stressed or sensitive skin. Key ingredients like oat and dandelion extracts work to deeply hydrate, reduce inflammation, and fortify your skin’s natural barrier, helping to keep redness and irritation at bay. The refreshing jelly texture cools on contact, and in just 10-15 minutes, it leaves your skin plump, dewy, and deeply comforted. For an enhanced effect, pop it in the fridge beforehand to create an intensely cooling spa experience.
Behind The Brand
Schnique, the in-house line of SLU Beauty, was born from a moment of awakening in Germany when founder Katrina Chan discovered that even everyday essentials could conceal ingredients she didn’t want on her skin. What began in 2016 as a personal blog exploring cleaner beauty soon grew into a community of like-minded readers in Hong Kong and eventually a small online shop. By 2020, Katrina had brought her vision home with a K11 Art Mall pop-up, introducing German clean beauty to local hands. After two years of collaboration with German chemists, Schnique officially launched in 2024. Its name, a play on ‘Sch is unique,’ points to what sets it apart: celebrating the purity of each ingredient and letting nature speak for itself.
The Ingredients
Schnique’s formulas align with rigorous EU cosmetic standards. You won’t find parabens, harsh preservatives, synthetic fragrance, or other questionable extras – just plant actives selected for specific benefits. The range is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and most products are gentle enough for pregnancy. Hero examples include chamomile to soothe; oat and dandelion for quenching hydration and relief; and jojoba with argan to nourish and fortify the barrier. In short, Schnique makes a strong case for plant-first skincare guided by German precision – a welcome addition to Hong Kong’s beauty shelves for anyone seeking healthy skin with a lighter touch.
Friday Club. Promo : Enjoy 5% off all Schnique with code SCHFC5 online – or show this article in-store – one use per person, valid until 1 April 2026.
SLU Beauty (Windsor House Kiosk), Booth 1B, 1/F, Windsor House, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
SLU Beauty・SPA, Shop 120, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 9017 5776, Instagram: @shelookup_slu, slubeauty.com
This post is in partnership with SLU Beauty.
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
