Chronicle.lu recently spoke with one of the co-founders of Dandy Craft, a cosmetics company based in Esch-sur-Alzette, which offers a range of unisex eco-friendly products for the Luxembourg market.
The company, founded by Solène Whiskin and Michel-Ange Rodriguez, is described as being “united by a shared vision of authentic and sustainable beauty”. It was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, as an alternative to conventional cosmetics.
The entire formulation and manufacturing process is reported to take place in-house, to ensure quality, ethics and durability in every product. The brand has earned the “Made in Luxembourg” label and Ecocert COSMOS certification. The COSMOS certification is granted for environmentally friendly production and processing processes that also respect human health.
Three brands from the Dandy Craft Skincare range have been nominated for the European Natural Beauty Awards 2025 (ENBA) which will take place in Paris in September 2025.
The ENBA is described as the leading European reference in natural cosmetics, celebrating excellence and innovation in a fast-evolving industry. Dandy Craft facial cleansing gel, soothing cream for sensitive skin and youth cream are all shortlisted and automatically considered for both Excellence and Innovation awards. To qualify for the Excellence Awards, a product must be formulated with at least 99% natural ingredients and undergo twelve weeks of testing by different consumer-focused juries. The Excellence Award can be given to multiple brands meeting the criteria. The Innovation Award is granted to a single brand that demonstrates the most advancement in sustainability, formulation, packaging and collaboration.
Chronicle.lu spoke with Solène Whiskin, Co-Founder of Dandy Craft, to learn more about the company.
Chronicle.lu: Please tell us about Dandy Craft and the inspiration behind its creation.
Solène Whiskin: Dandy Craft was born from a passion for high-quality, natural skincare that is both effective and accessible. We believe that everyone should have access to premium, eco-friendly cosmetics without compromising on performance or affordability. Beyond offering natural skincare, our mission is also to promote transparency and best practices, in a market where many conventional brands engage in misleading claims and greenwashing. Consumers deserve to know exactly what they are putting on their skin and we are committed to providing honest formulations with real benefits. In addition, we offer our products in generous formats, allowing consumers to enjoy them for longer, without doubling the price. Our products are unisex, designed for the entire family, ensuring that everyone can benefit from natural skincare that meets the highest standards.
Chronicle.lu: Dandy Craft is marketed as offering “high-end, natural, eco-friendly cosmetics”. Please tell us about the ingredients used in the products and from where they are sourced.
Solène Whiskin: Our formulas are based on carefully selected natural ingredients known for their effectiveness and sustainability. We use botanical extracts such as Black Elderberry Butter or Dragon’s Blood Extract, sourced from ethical suppliers worldwide. Dandy Craft is proud to be certified by Ecocert COSMOS, the reference label that guarantees the integrity of our formulations. This certification not only applies to our finished products but also ensures that our raw materials come from producers who adhere to strict sustainability and eco-responsibility standards. By working with such partners, we contribute to a supply chain that prioritises both environmental and ethical values.
Chronicle.lu: Who is your target audience and where in Luxembourg can your products be purchased?
Solène Whiskin: Dandy Craft is designed for individuals (both men and women) who seek high-quality, natural skincare with a focus on sustainability. Our customers value transparency, clean formulations and effective results without unnecessary chemicals. Our products are primarily available on our official website, but we have also partnered with various retailers across Luxembourg to make them easily accessible. They can be found in major shops, like E.Leclerc, as well as smaller independent shops that champion local brands, such as Kaf Local in Esch-sur-Alzette and soon Alavita. Additionally, our products are available through online retailers like LuxCaddy or Letzshop. Our goal is to make premium, natural skincare accessible throughout the Grand Duchy and nearby.
Chronicle.lu: Three of your brands have been shortlisted for the European Natural Beauty (ENBA) awards. Please describe the significance of being nominated, both on a personal and professional level.
Solène Whiskin: Being shortlisted for the ENBA Awards is a significant recognition of our hard work and dedication. On a professional level, it validates the quality and innovation behind our products, reinforcing our commitment to natural and sustainable skincare. On a personal level, this nomination is a source of pride and motivation. We are especially proud to be the very first to represent Luxembourg in this competition. While the country is often associated with banking and finance, it is also home to many talented and courageous entrepreneurs across various fields. This recognition allows us to highlight the value of "Made in Luxembourg" craftsmanship and innovation, which deserve greater attention and support.
Chronicle.lu: What entrepreneurial / startup support have you received (if any) in Luxembourg? What is your main source of funding?
Solène Whiskin: We launched the brand through a crowdfunding campaign, gathering a community of like-minded individuals who supported our vision. This allowed us to develop our first range of products and officially start commercialising them in 2023. But apart from this first turning point, Dandy Craft has been entirely self-funded, as opposed to many tech-driven startups that more easily qualify for funding. Unfortunately, we have not received financial support from state programmes, as our field of activity does not fit within the existing funding criteria (and [because] cosmetics are not considered “innovative”). That being said, we appreciate the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Luxembourg, which provides valuable networking opportunities. We continue to navigate our growth as an independent and family-run company, committed to maintaining our core values without external financial pressures.
Chronicle.lu: What are the future plans for the skincare brand?
Solène Whiskin: We are currently working on new unisex skincare formulas to expand our range, including a hand cream and hair care products. Additionally, we are developing eco-refill solutions to further our commitment to sustainability. However, this requires time and investment and as an independent and family-owned business, we are taking a careful and sustainable approach to growth. Our priority remains delivering high-quality, natural and eco-conscious skincare that aligns with our values and those of our customers. Additionally, we aim to strengthen our presence in the European market through strategic partnerships and increased retail availability. Ultimately, we want Dandy Craft to be recognised as a key player in premium, accessible and eco-friendly skincare, proving that high-quality natural beauty can be available to everyone.
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