Symre Hudkrem: Pure, handmade skincare from farm to face

Tucked away in the rugged mountains of Voss in Western Norway, two sisters are breathing new life into old traditions, combining time-honoured farming practices with modern skincare needs. Silje Een de Amoriza and Tonje Een Danielsen run Symre Hudkrem from the family’s organic farm, where they are reviving the use of tallow and creating products that are as natural as the surrounding landscape.

The Een family farm is no ordinary operation. Situated in Voss, several generations live and work together here to raise the ancient, local Vestlandsk fjordfe cattle. At the farm, the family places animal welfare, as well as ecological and regenerative farming principles high on the list, hence using no pesticides and the cattle roam freely most of the year.

In addition to cattle breeding, the two Een sisters run Symre, a natural skincare business using organic and locally sourced products. “When our cows are slaughtered, we ensure that every part of the animal is taken care of, in respect to the life that was given,” says Danielsen. “Living on a farm, we’re deeply connected to the land and the seasons,” Amoriza adds. “It feels natural to use what the farm provides. In our case, that includes tallow, a sustainable and nutrient-rich fat that’s been used on Norwegian farms for centuries.”

Tallow, the key ingredient in Symre’s products, is naturally rich in beneficial fats and vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. This makes it exceptionally nourishing for the skin, especially during the harsh Norwegian winters. “Tallow’s fatty acid profile is remarkably similar to the skin’s own, which makes it effective in protecting and moisturizing the skin,” Amoriza says.

The birth of Symre

Working and living on a farm, Amoriza explains that her hands were always dry, so much so that they would get cracks and scars after a lot of outdoor labour. “For years, I searched for a cream that was both effective and free from unnecessary chemicals, but I couldn’t find anything that truly worked,” she says. “So, I started experimenting with making my own creams.”

Drawing from traditional knowledge that tallow had long been used in soap and skincare on farms, the sisters crafted their first product: a hand cream made from tallow and pine needle oil. Soon, they expanded the range, adding more locally sourced ingredients like yarrow, red clover, dandelion, and nettle – plants known for their healing and protective properties – in order to share their solutions with other people who might struggle too.

Clean and minimal ingredients

What sets Symre apart in the crowded skincare market is its purity and simplicity. “More people are learning about the importance of clean products, many choosing to avoid ultra-processed foods. Yet, people forget that this also applies to our skin,” says Danielsen.

Symre’s entire skincare line is handmade, organic, and crafted without synthetic additives or preservatives. This minimalist approach ensures that the skin receives only the best that nature has to offer, without any unnecessary fillers. “Our goal is to make people more aware of the importance of using clean products on their skin,” Amoriza adds. “The skin is our body’s largest organ, and it absorbs everything we apply on it.”

With the colder weather approaching, now is a good time to try the face cream with calendula and lavender, perfect for dry skin during the autumn and winter months. “We want to provide people with natural products that nourish and protect without harming their bodies or the environment,” adds Danielsen.

Thinking of someone special who might appreciate a skin-friendly Christmas present? Symre also offers beautifully packaged, non-plastic gift sets, such as the popular combination of red clover and rosehip oil face cream paired with a gentle makeup remover and eye balm made with nettle and ylang-ylang – perfect for Christmas gifting.

Web: www.symrehudkrem.no
Facebook: Symre Hudkrem
Instagram: @symre_hudkrem