5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About

During the last few years, our attention has shifted to natural skincare products -made in Greece- using the purest elements that mother earth has to offer.

Whether you live in Greece or you visit the country for a holiday, embracing the “shop local” philosophy is the perfect reason to clean up your top shelf and make room for these under-the-radar Greek eco-friendly skincare brands.

Euthalia

Yiayia Euthalia learned from a very young age how to use the beneficial herbs of her island, Skopelos, and to include them in her daily routine. She created her own recipes for soap and waxes, which gave inspiration to her granddaughter (who also inherited her name) to launch Euthalia Natural Cosmetic Values in 2012. Τhe Greek word “euthalia” describes a state of flourishing or thriving.  

The key ingredient of Euthalia is the extra virgin olive oil combined with essential oils and extracts of aromatic and medicinal plants- creating beneficial compositions for the body and soul. 100% natural, Euthalia cosmetics, pay tribute to the eternal power of nature and to the traditional values and virtues of Greek culture.

  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About

MIELĒV

Marialena Baklatzi spent her childhood in the colourful, enchanting rose garden kept by her family. While the women of the house produced rose water extracts for personal use, Marialena observed, recorded, and slowly developed her love for nature and the treasures it has to offer.

She began to produce creams for her personal use and after three years of extensive research and development, in cooperation with an excellent team of internationally renowned scientists and dermatologists, MIELĒV from dream became a reality in 2020, launching her company in Athens. MIELĒV is derived from the French verb “Je m ‘élève” which means “to elevate me”. A range of natural and organic skincare lines, with ingredients that heal the skin, satisfy the senses, and offer immediate, visible results. 

  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About

Tzimas Cosmetics

In 1957, a family of chemists-cosmetologists, John, George and Lila Tzimas dedicated time to the research and production of Greek skincare, beauty and wellness products, that cover the needs of face, body, and hair. “Every skin is different and has unique needs”. With this belief, the company began producing personalized products and services.

The treatment line offers solutions for hydration, cleansing, freshening, anti-aging, regeneration, firming and sun protection for all skin types. The composition of Tzimas cosmetics consists of ingredients of natural origin, herbal extracts, mainly from the Mediterranean flora, Greek extra virgin oil and other vegetable oils, amino acids and bioactive peptides, algae extracts and other elements of marine origin, vitamins and essential oils.

  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About

Nemertes

The production of Greek cosmetic company Nemertes, is based on pure, virgin olive oil of superior quality and blends of precious oils, herbs and healing materials from the Greek land, creating personal care and wellbeing products respecting people and the environment.

Nemertes is a mythological figure mentioned in the Iliad. Daughter of Nereus and Oceanida Dorida, granddaughter of the Ocean, nymph of the sea and one of the fifty Nereids. She represents philanthropy and people who follow and achieve their goals. They combine the precious legacy of Greek tradition with the most modern scientific methods and high aesthetics- passionately creating what a contemporary person needs today; physical health, mental euphoria and a positive attitude to life! Their products are produced in small quantities to ensure excellent quality and full control capability.

  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About

Bee Naturalles

After completing their studies in science, environment, and art, George and Chara decided to leave the city and settle in Evia. They set up their workshop there in order to combine tradition with nature. They managed to “enclose nature” into their products. Bee Naturalles was founded in 2013 and their products’ 100% natural composition encloses the beneficial and healing power of nature.

Bee Naturalles products are mixtures of natural raw materials, such as organic bee products, herbal extracts and essential oils, with only natural preservatives. Their production is “dictated” by nature, according to its own rhythms and seasonal alternations.

  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Greek Skincare Brands You Should Know About

 

5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About

One step closer to nature. Many Greek companies use invaluable ingredients direct from mother earth to create pure handmade soaps that smell heavenly, come stylishly packaged and most importantly leave our face and body feeling soft and smooth.

From Tinos to Crete, these are the 5 Greek Soap Companies we suggest you should get into your bathroom.

Ena Karo

Ena Karo is a small workshop located in Tinos, Cyclades. They create handmade soaps and toiletries with the most natural ingredients. Using essential oils and natural colourants, their soaps are prepared using the cold method process to ensure that the ingredients retain their quality.

You will not know which one to choose from. ‘Miss Rose,’ is loaded with dried rose petals and full of moisturizing ingredients including Shea butter, Almond oil, Castor oil, Sunflower oil, Coconut oil and of course Greek Olive oil. ‘Poppy,’ featuring poppy seeds for mild exfoliation, ‘Mpe e,’ a luxury soap with goat’s milk, ‘Barber’s,’ an aloe vera soap for nourishing your skin, ‘Cinderella,’ a mild exfoliation soap with ash & pumpkin, ‘Herby,’ with beeswax and herbs, are some of their soaps, all wrapped in a package that allows visual contact with the product. 

If we had to choose only one: The colourful felt soap, made with sheep wool; ideal for everyday peeling, suitable for face and body use.

  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About

Sapoon

Sapoon is a natural and eco-friendly cosmetic soaps company that has developed a processing plan that essentially eliminates the negative effects on the ecosystem, contrary to large industrial processes of high-temperature saponification. 

With an emphasis on organic virgin olive oil, wisely blended with unique and precious cosmetic and essential oils- Sapoon soaps are a luxury product that only nature can guarantee. Each soap bar is packed in a unique handmade way- with outstanding aesthetic and design, similar to what you will experience when using a Sapoon soap. Featuring the ‘Mastic-Silk, with antiseptic and hydrating properties, ‘Chocolate-Goat milk,’ which is exfoliating and nourishing for the skin and ‘Saffron-black pepper,’ with beneficial action in acne cases. 

If we had to choose only one: The Pomegranate soap, suitable for facial cleansing. The pomegranate extract, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, is three times richer than red wine or green tea. It stimulates the skin’s redress mechanisms and prevents the formulation of wrinkles, while the pink clay offers an ideal treatment for sensitive skin and allergies. 

  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About

Snob Duck

Back in 2012, some furious… ducks in an olive grove made a fuzz. Behind them was Vassilis Douros, who introduced the most imaginative soaps, by taking advantage of his family olive grove. Snob aims to use traditional and modern concepts to create a leading product.

Snob Duck are 100% handmade soaps- from production through to packaging. Only the purest ingredients are used to create them: extra virgin olive oil (from Vassilis’ olive grove), Greek herbs and fruits, like fig, melon and lemon puree, Greek honey, recycled packaging paper and a lot of love! Soaps are made by the so-called “cold” method and their weight varies from “duck to duck”.

If we had to choose only one: The company’s really special product is the disposable soaps, which in fact are disposable soap peels.

  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About

Cool Soap

John Zagorianakos (chemist and artist) and Marina Koriolano Lykourezou (with years of experience in art galleries and anthropology) had nothing to do with soaps, nor did they have olive trees. But one day, they decided to move to Aegina and wanted to do something with nature. And so, soaps came into their lives. 

In addition to pure, virgin olive oil, Cool Soap also uses natural glycerin as a basic ingredient in saponification, enhancing the moisturizing character of soaps, which is completely skin-friendly.

They created three collections: Essentials, a range of 12 handmade natural extra virgin olive oil soaps made with the cold process and scented with essential oils and Elements, a range that includes 4 versions of Soap Bars, Shower Gels, Body Milks, Body Butters and Soap Flakes all-natural, made with olive oil. They also have a series of handmade objects for the home and bathroom.  

If we had to choose only one: Their third collection, Mood of The Day, a series of colorful soaps in seven colors, seven scents to put you in the mood for a beautiful day.

  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About

Olea Soaps

The inspiration for handmade soaps came to the creators of Olea Soaps when they started looking for the purest soap for their children. The final idea was to make available to others, the natural products they were using. Olea Soaps handmade with Cretan olive oil, do not harm the environment during their production. They consist of saponified oils, herbs and essential oils that are completely biodegradable after each use. 

The most important part of the production of their soaps is the search for fine raw materials from Greek producers (olive oil, herbs, essential oils, etc.). The preparation of the ingredients is based on specific recipes and the saponification process begins following the cold method. The mixture is molded until it becomes solid, then cut into bars and stored until it matures (for 2 months), then its quality is checked and packaged.

If we had to choose only one: The black detox soap with active carbon for both face and body. 

  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About
  • Insights Greece - 5 Pure Greek Soap Companies You Should Know About

 

Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!

Over the last decade, Greek cosmetics companies have seriously upped their game and are now creating products that can easily compete with some of the world’s best brands.

High-quality cosmetics made with pure, innovative, natural, and sweet-smelling ingredients make me very happy. They don’t just make me feel and look better, they help reverse problems, offer deep nurturing, and prevent future issues. As with almost everything by now, I like to shop local, not only for environmental reasons but also to support the many charismatic producers around the country. 

This summer I stocked up on sophisticated products to use on my one-month island holiday as well as the city, choosing from three of the country’s top natural/organic brands: Eolia Cosmetics, Dos Cosmetics, and BioSelect. Here are the tried and tested products that have added beauty, joy, feel-good textures, and aromas – not to mention noticeably impressive results – to my summer:

Eolia Cosmetics 

GOLD STAR!
Eolia Lip Balm with St John’s Wort Oil
The only lip balm I’ve ever used that has a light texture and immediately and ongoingly soothes my lips. The sweet smell of St John’s Wort herb with honey, propolis & beeswax reminds me of the delicious aromatic wafts that come from island fields that have been sitting under the sun. 

GOLD STAR!
Greek Sun-kissed Bronzer
This dry oil bronzer with Argan oil, vitamin E oil, and olive oil for deep moisturisation & nourishment has added daily nourishment and glamour to my arms, chest, legs, thighs and even hair. It’s perfect for adding a glow any time of day and helps to prolong your suntan while soothing the skin from sun exposure.

Pomegranate & Aloe Vera body butter
A mix of fruits and herbs from Laconia, plus St John’s wort oil, natural beeswax, and honey that smells soothingly sweet and fruity and has a rich, nutritive texture. A bedside buddy that I used regularly on my hands, legs, and feet before sleep. 

  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!
  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!
  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!

Instant Lift Serum
Lifting active pearls combine hyaluronic acid molecules with natural bio-saccharides that form a three-dimensional grid of instant tightening and are proven to provide deep and lasting hydration, improve skin appearance, reduce blemishes, smoothen wrinkles and give a bright, youthful, restful look. This gel dries quickly and revives the skin, making it perfect for application before makeup on evenings when I’m heading out.

GOLD STAR!
After Sun
This incredibly cooling cream-gel with aloe, Greek yogurt, cucumber, and vitamin E instantly soothes away any kind of redness, dryness, or irritation that can result from overexposure to the sun (guilty as charged!). Even better when kept in the refrigerator.

  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!
  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!

DOS Cosmetics 
A 100% natural glitter oil was my other secret weapon in creating post-beach glow!

GOLD STAR!
Tanning Oil
This tanning oil only has a 3SPF, with oils that accelerate the natural tan while protecting the skin from premature aging. It contains antioxidants that bind free radicals while maintaining the elasticity and moisture of the skin. The best part is the delightfully exotic aroma that Dos describes as a Californian-Caribbean-Greek blend!

GOLD STAR!
Sunscreen 50+ SPF | UVA UVB Light Serum
This face sunscreen was my daily face serum, which I applied pre-sun and again at the beach after several hours. With 50SPF it protects from UVA / UVB rays while preventing dark spots and hyperpigmentation through its powerful antioxidant action. 

  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!
  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!

 

BIOSELECT Naturals 

Face Tonic Lotion
This gentle skin toner with dictamelia, hibiscus, aloe (which soothes, softens and revitalizes) and green tea, which protects from oxidative damage was part of my morning skincare routine. It helped wipe away any greasiness from the night and tighten my pores.

Nourishing Body Butter
A rich, natural buttery cream, which provides intensive hydration to your skin also has dictamelia, which protects from oxidative damage as well as shea butter, which is rich in vitamin E and aloe, so it offered my sun-kissed body a deep nourishing action.

 

  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!
  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!


GOLD STAR!
Hair & Body Fragrance Mist Piña Colada
Several people asked me what fragranced I was wearing whenever I liberally spritzed this cheering stuff on myself. With exotic coconut and monoi de tiare oils and a light hint of pineapple, it both revived and soothed me. 


Body Sugar Scrub – Exfoliate & Polish – Piña Colada
I used this delicious organic sugar scrub with coconut oil, organic olive oil, orange essential oil & monoi de tiare oil in the shower every four to five days to scrub off dead cells and enjoy a smooth, silky result.

  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!
  • Insights Greece - Greek Organic Cosmetics That Made my Summer!

Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin

Golden, tanned and glowing are some of the adjectives thrown around when contemplating the appearance of Greeks in summer. 

With endless days that turn into nights spent at idyllic beaches in great company, savouring delicious cuisine and enjoying the best cocktails, make like the Greeks and be sure you have the following Greek beauty products and tools to get you through your summer days in the sun.

Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin

Carroten 

Carroten, the word that has become synonymous with Greek summer as the cult beach product for over 30 years. Using carrot for its exceptional antioxidant properties and the ability to amplify tanning as a source of its inspiration, it went on to expand its range with products to satisfy the needs of every skin type. Choose from a selection of 42 unique safe, dermatologically tested products. IG’s pick? The original, timeless Carroten oil for intense tanning, with the unique combination of rich tanning oils. This will give a fast and wonderful natural tan while nourishing and moisturising your skin.  

  • Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin
  • Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin

SPF 

Don’t be fooled by the shades of bronze on the sun-kissed bodies strewn on those sun loungers, SPF is always a must, and the one that Greeks turn to for is Carroten Wet Skin, the transparent sunscreen spray boasting SPF30 ease of application on wet or dry skin, and offering enhanced protection thanks to the advanced AQUASKIN technology. It also leaves no white residue. SPF is not just for your skin – don’t forget your tresses!  Protect your hair against the sun’s rays by spritzing it with Apivita Sunscreen Hair Oil for Protection and Hydration. Featuring a cocktail of oils (organic olive oil, abyssal oil, grape and jojoba oil) and carrot extract, it will protect and maintain the shine, colour and health of your hair under the sun. The intoxicating summery aroma will have you turning heads. 

  • Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin
  • Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin

After-sun care 

Give your thirsty skin and hair a cool drink after your day in the sun with refreshing after-sun products. Slather your body with Carroten’s After Sun Cool Gel, with organic Aloe, which helps soothe the skin and the process of cell regeneration. It is enriched with Panthenol and is deeply hydrating for up to 24 hours. Just as important is the non-stick texture and immediate absorption. Then apply an Express Beauty Apivita Face Mask with prickly pear to soothe and hydrate your face.  Prickly pear is a favourite summer fruit of the rural areas of the Mediterranean and immediately moisturizes and soothes the skin – perfect for use after sun exposure. 

  • Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin
  • Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin

A mini beauty fridge filled with Apivita masks 

Apivita needs no introduction as a brand that has innovated skincare for decades, and when it ran a competition to win a mini beauty fridge filled with its collection of face masks on its Instagram feed fans and followers went wild. The perfect way to store all your skincare and cosmetics on your travels, this cute, portable storage solution will keep your products cool, extend their shelf life, and add some pizzazz to your hotel bathroom.

 

Insights Greece - Best Greek Summer Beauty Products for Glowing Skin

How New Cosmetic Company DOS is A Glowing Example of Greek Innovation

In only two years since they set up DOS Cosmetics, Chrysanthi and Vasiliki put their heads together to create a line of top-quality cosmetic products.

Stylish and hip, modern and minimal, their line has already received several awards and many accolades. They grow their own organic ingredients, mostly indigenous herbs, flowers and plants and combine their expertise. Impressed by the quality, sophistication and branding excellence of their range, IN+SIGHTS GREECE sought to find out more about the dynamic duo and their plans.

How did you join forces and decide to create DOS Cosmetics?

Chrysanthi: As a teenager I had a bad case of acne. My father, who had trained in Houston, Texas at the PPCA in Pharmaceutical Compounding Specialized for Pharmacists, created some products to treat acne, making elixirs with herbs from Olympus. The combination of various products he created and the order in which I used them managed to resolve the problem. I was deeply inspired and wanted to share this level of expertise in cosmetic-creation and the philosophy behind it with the wider public, which is what led me to create DOS Cosmetics!

Vasiliki:  What brought us together was our shared philosophy. The skin is our largest organ and plays a vital role in keeping our immune system balanced and strong. People’s needs are affected by the seasons as well as a way of life. The combination of products used as part of one’s daily self-care routine is unique to everyone, but of equal importance to all!

Insights Greece - How New Cosmetic Company DOS is A Glowing Example of Greek Innovation

What was the main inspiration & what were the main challenges – if any – of setting up Dos? 

We love seeing beautiful people with glowing skin that brings them confidence. Our greatest challenge came from getting people to understand our inventive philosophy, which is different from what people are used to. Our philosophy is this: “Choose skin care products based on your personal needs, soothe and balance your skin, combine ingredients basing yourself on your individual requirements during different times of the year, create different combinations, familiarise yourself with the power of nature!”

What exactly is the process that goes into making your products?

We cultivate herbs that we need for creating our elixirs. In the spring and summer months we gather and process the herbs to extract the part of each plant that we use for our formulas. During the production process we create fresh elixirs based on different recipes. The fact that our products are so fresh and have such active ingredients is what makes them so innovative and effective.

Who are your products for?

Our products are created for all kinds of people– from teenagers with acne problems to adults seeking products with moisturisation, protection, firming, anti-ageing and antioxidant action. Personalised skin care is a novel conceptand is vital if you want direct results. We were the first to create a Diagnostic Skin Test that’s based on a data input algorithm and was awarded in 2019 as Best Innovation by the globally known Pure Beauty Global Awards. Consumers can take the test for free and discover the exact products they need for their skin type and needs.

  • Insights Greece - How New Cosmetic Company DOS is A Glowing Example of Greek Innovation
  • Insights Greece - How New Cosmetic Company DOS is A Glowing Example of Greek Innovation

 In a short time of being on the market you have already received awards!

We’re thrilled that despite only existing for two years, DOS Cosmetics has already gained a stead local and international fan-base. Last year we were awarded Beauty Stars by Greece’s most important cosmetics panel, Madame Figaro and Dubai’s Pure Beauty Global Awards for our Diagnostic Skin Test. Several of our products have received accolades too, such as our Collagen Face & Eyes Cleanser, our Whitening Night Cream and our Collagen Day Cream, while our Mandelicum Night Solution was awarded two years in a row.

  • Insights Greece - How New Cosmetic Company DOS is A Glowing Example of Greek Innovation
  • Insights Greece - How New Cosmetic Company DOS is A Glowing Example of Greek Innovation

What are your future plans for your range?

In a few months we will be launching a new skincare line designed especially for men! Meanwhile we’re launching a Skincare Premium Line Amenities range for top hotels, including the Four Seasons Astir Hotel Athens which already has our products as travel size, in-room amenities. We’re also very close to presenting our latest two-year project, which is the result of the Diagnostic Skin Test. It’ll come in the form of an app with several tools that will offer consumers personalised advice for their daily skincare routine and more. We want to offer every kind of youth and adult, both male and female, the ideal solutions for their skin and hopefully introduce them to healthier, intelligent self-care habits too.

About DOS’s Creators:

Chrysanthi is a pharmacist and certified acupuncturist who grew up in a family of pharmacists and started experimenting with chemical formulas and herbal properties since an early age. She was always drawn to holistic and natural philosophies and practises, which is what drove her to start creating her own range of products made along those lines, under the guidance of her father Vaios Papadopoulos. Vasiliki, her partner in DOS, is a make-up artist and skin expert who has a long experience working in TV and magazines. She followed a series of workshops in cosmetology by Italian beauty expert Pascal de Firenze and at ‘Paris-Berlin’ in Paris. Having worked with so many kinds of skin throughout her career has offered her a profound understanding of the different needs people have.

Follow DOS on Instagram