In Focus: Keweko Skincare
‘In Focus’ is a new segment in which The VogueCIEL looks at emerging brands that have a focus on craftsmanship and ethics.
'Committed to creating sustainable skin care of pure origin, enjoyed by women and men alike'
Kewekō Website
Every aspect of London-based brand Kewekō Skincare's line of natural products is well-considered, from the elegant, sustainable glass packaging to the organic ingredients. You won't find landfill cluttering plastics containing the 'strictly free' products (they're sans formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and petroleum). The range consists of three products which are the bare essentials; a cleanser, a toner, and a moisturiser.
The Gentle Cleanser
Is exactly that, gentle. It removes dirt and makeup with ease whilst treating the skin; rosemary extract provides antibacterial qualities, lavender oil calms and soothes, sweet almond nourishes and rosehip oil aids regeneration.
The Refreshing Toner
Is a blend of rosa damascena flower water and aloe barbadensis leaf juice that will give your skin a hydrating boost whilst simultaneously treating it with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.
The Calming Moisturiser
Is the perfect base for makeup or finish to a clean, simple skincare regime. Once again sweet almond, lavender and rosemary oils are combined to soothe, nurture, correct and protect the skin with antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids. These are the kind of products that leave your skin supple and smooth without the aid of a wild concoction of strident chemicals. They're perfect for those who prefer an unexacting regime or if you want to give your skin a product detox, and this is a quality that makes it feel unisex (though all skincare can work for men and women even if marketed differently, but Kewekō's won't scare off men that are anti-beautifying).
Here’s what founder Kerstin Weller has to say about her homegrown brand.
When did you start Kewekō Skincare, and why?
I started Kewekō about 5 years ago. It took about 4 years to develop it and I launched a bit over a year ago in London. One of the main reasons why I wanted to do it is that I have always used organic skincare (as I grew up with very eco-conscious parents) but I always thought that the packaging is kind of boring and usually not very eco-friendly for some reason. Most hair and makeup artists love their workstation to look clean and tidy and I thought it would be great to combine an organic product with eco-friendly packaging with a beautiful design. Because what’s the point of making an organic product and then putting it in a plastic bottle with a plastic label on it!?
Why is sustainability important to you?
I know that it’s difficult to live a completely sustainable lifestyle but I think it’s important to change the things in your daily life you CAN change. It’s not a big hassle to use a refillable cup for your morning coffee, avoid vegetable packed in plastic and say no to a straw. All small steps in the right direction but it will make a big difference in the long run. Nobody is perfect but if we all start with little steps and keep adding more and more changes into our lifestyle it will really help this world to be a better place.
How did you develop the products?
I was on a job in Namibia when I came up with the idea and I knew that I’ll definitely be in London for a while after such a long job away, so I applied for a course in how to make your own skincare. After I finished the course I visited a few different labs in the U.K. and eventually found a relatively small family run business who then helped me to develop the products on a more professional level. Each batch I had tested by about 10 make up artist colleagues each time and worked with their feedback to make sure it would really work for sensitive skin after a long shoot day.
Will you launch more products in the future?
I would love to launch more products in the future and have already a few ideas lined up but unfortunately, I am still a small startup and will need to wait till it will work out financially.