1970s

In 1970, a Finnish pharmaceutical company Orion-yhtymä Oy introduced LUMENE, a beauty brand inspired by Nordic nature. The brand was named after Lake Lummenne, located in Kuhmoinen, Central Finland. Lumen is also a Latin word for light.

In 1971, CUTRIN haircare brand was established, specialising in fine Nordic hair needs. The name comes from the Latin words Cutis (skin/scalp) and Crisnis (hair).

By 1973, LUMENE had become the market leader in Finland. The brand still holds this position.

1980s-1990s

In the 1980s, LUMENE increased its exports, especially to neighbouring countries Sweden and Russia. The LUMENE green range started to gain popularity in beauty salons. The ingredients used in the range included rose water and extracts of jojoba and marigold.

The 1990s saw the launch of LUMENE’s first comprehensive body care range, Body Aktiva.

2000s

Collaboration with the food industry kicked off. The LUMENE Vitamin+ range, infused with cloudberry seed oil and vitamin C, was launched in the spring of 2001. The Vitamin+ cream was selected as “the best European anti-aging cream” in a Europe-wide consumer magazine study. This recognition boosted LUMENE’s international brand awareness.

The new cosmetics plant was inaugurated in Kauklahti, Espoo in 2002. LUMENE’s skincare and face makeup products are still manufactured in this factory.

In 2003, Orion-yhtymä Oyj sold Noiro, a business unit specializing in cosmetics and hygiene products, to funds managed by the private equity company CapMan, the private equity company Langholm Capital LLP and the company’s executive management.

Noiro Oy changed its name to Lumene Oy in 2005. The Lumene Group was taken into use to describe the group’s subsidiaries.

2010s

The Lumene Group WaterSmart programme was launched with the aim of reducing water consumption and raising awareness for more sustainable production. LUMENE also started to cooperate with the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation.

In 2016, LUMENE carried out an extensive rebranding project which included new product concepts and formulas, packaging and a new visual brand identity.

In 2019, the Lumene Group published its first sustainability report.

2020s

In 2020, LUMENE indtroduced its sustainability strategy based on circularity. At the same time, the factory emissions were cut by 92%.

In 2021 Lumene Oy was acquired by the Scandinavian-based private equity company Verdane, a growth partner for ambitious companies that aim to thrive in a sustainable world.

LUMENE invests in e-commerce development and a redefined international growth plan. The company withdrew from the Russian, Ukrainian and Belarussian markets and launched operations in Germany and Denmark. LUMENE has offices in Sweden, the UK, the USA and Finland and a distribution network spanning over 15 countries. To support international growth, LUMENE takes active steps to offer- a variety of products that reflect the diversity in society.

Towards the end of the year 2023, the Lumene Group is looking to begin its journey as a B-Corp-certified group.