In this interview, founder Ken Hoellmann shares his passion and vision for his brand MÄNN Skincare. Defining a new era in men’s grooming, MÄNN offers luxury, efficacy and a deep-rooted commitment to self-care that is more than skin deep.
Q. How did you get into skincare?
My passion for skincare was born from personal experience. During my teens, I battled the typical skin issues, which not only had an impact on how I felt about my appearance, but also hammered my confidence.
My early career in the travel sector took me across the globe. I began to see that it was taking its toll. Long-haul flights crossing time zones to face various climates on arrival were affecting both my skin and my health.
These experiences confirmed my belief in the power of skincare - not just as a tool for improving my appearance, but also as essential to my wellbeing.
Later on, while working as a business consultant for an international cosmetic science school, I gained invaluable insights into product development, cosmetic ingredients, and the importance of fostering a professional network and building community. It was then that my ideas for MÄNN Skincare began to crystallise and get fleshed out.
Q. Why MÄNN and why now?
The men’s skincare market has long been dominated by all-in-one products that promise convenience. But they often fall short in addressing specific skin concerns
I recognised the need for skincare to outgrow these generic solutions with their platitudes and promises - mostly based on cheap filler ingredients. I realised that as men, we deserve a brand that caters to our unique needs and, importantly, delivers results.
With more of us now integrating skincare into our daily routines, the timing for MÄNN could not be better. But rather than taking the easy route of putting a brand on the market to replicate what was already there, I knew I had to move the dial on men’s skincare.
MÄNN Skincare is set to step in as a leader, not a follower of other men’s skincare brands. MÄNN is a sophisticated, intelligent brand that talks to us men on our own terms, offering science-backed solutions and an elevated, tailored skincare experience.
Q. What sets MÄNN Skincare apart?
Our biggest point of difference is MÄNN Skincare’s revolution which lies in our innovative formulations, use of advanced natural ingredients, and commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Our products include cutting-edge, natural ingredients like Cactus Kefir PHA, NovoRetin™, and Solastemis™, each backed by scientific research to address specific skin concerns men face, such as signs of ageing and environmental damage.
What differentiates MÄNN is our use of verified, cosmetically-active concentrations that ensure the beneficial ingredients are included in amounts that are clinically proven to be effective. This approach guarantees that MÄNN products deliver real, visible results.
Q. Talk us through MÄNN’s core product line
I knew it was critical to offer a comprehensive, yet straightforward routine that addressed all aspects of men’s daily skincare needs. So, I designed the MÄNN product line with simplicity and synergy in mind. I’ll give you a brief low-down on what this means in practice.
Daily Detox Cleanser: This hydrating cleanser uses cactus water and aloe vera leaf extract to gently remove impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture. It preps the skin for better absorption of active ingredients included in the line’s other products to enhance the effectiveness of the MÄNN skincare routine.
Age Defense Light Day Cream: Formulated with niacinamide, Solastemis™, and hyaluronic acid, this cream provides daily protection against environmental stressors and ageing, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected throughout the day.
Regenerating Night Moisture Cream: Enriched with melatonin liposome and desert date seed oil, this night cream supports your skin’s natural repair processes, promoting a rejuvenated appearance by morning.
Resurfacing Peel: Featuring AHA fruit acids and Willow Bark Extract, this peel gently exfoliates to refine skin texture and enhance the receptivity of the skin to other products.
Each product is crafted to work in synergy with the others, creating a holistic skincare regimen that covers every aspect of a man’s skin needs from morning to night.
Q. What do you mean by MÄNN redefining men’s grooming?
Through my brand, I am challenging the outdated belief among the majority of men that our skin can endure without specific care. My team and I understood at the outset that men’s skin, though thicker and oilier, faces unique challenges due to lifestyle and environmental factors.
MÄNN’s formulations are designed to address these challenges that were often not identified by the traditional cosmetics industry, let alone addressed by most skincare targeting men.
The brand’s mission is to empower us to take control of our skincare. By breaking the stigma around men’s skincare and promoting it as an integral part of selfcare, I see the brand as helping men embrace a more comprehensive approach to their personal wellness.
MÄNN provides the tools we need to not only look our best, but feel our best. With my personal commitment to driving innovation and ethical practices in all we do as a brand, and using the skincare platform to empower men through education, my aim is for MÄNN Skincare to become a trusted name in the world of men's grooming.
Through MÄNN, you can celebrate yourself and take a moment to enjoy the sensory pleasure of caring for your skin with the finest ingredients nature has to offer. Rest assured that applying MÄNN Skincare in a simple daily skincare routine adds up to more than the sum of its parts.
