Natural Greek beauty products that are hidden gems
The most well-known natural greek beauty products are probably the Korres products.
A brand established in 1996 by a pharmacist with in-depth knowledge of natural ingredients and their application. Since then, they have become a well-established brand worldwide.
However, the greek natural beauty market has grown massively in the last 10 years. It is difficult to miss the opportunity to bring some gems back to London.
Picking up the best ones can be quite overwhelming. That’s because there are simply too many options. They all combine the region’s natural resources in the most effective way.
The following are some of my favorite products plus an expert’s review by Desire Uba*.
Aloeplus
If you are a big fan of Aloe Vera products this collection does not disappoint.
The Aloe plus team comes across as very passionate and full of creative ideas. I would definitely say that they are an emerging power in the Greek natural beauty market.
They have six main fragrances distinguished by six different colors.
Favourites
Face serum: Hyaluronic acid (low molecular weight), mastic extract, and green tea extract.
Face wash: Provitamin B5, organic aloe, propolis and chamomile
Purple hair and body mist: Aloe vera mist with bitter almond and caramel fragrance.
Blue body butter: Natural freshness fragrance, aloe vera, avocado oil, olive oil, plum oil, cocoa, and shea butter.
Expert’s review
Face Serum: Hyaluronic acid is fantastic and essential for healthy skin. Our skin naturally has this but it decreases with time, so replenishing it with this serum would be a good choice. Always apply on damp (not dry) skin.
Face Wash: Aloe and Propolis are soothing ingredients which the skin loves to remain healthy and keep glowing. The addition of Vitamin B5 will keep the skin hydrated.
Blue Body butter: This contains glycerin and aloe vera juice as part of the top 3 ingredients so this butter would be great to hydrate your skin and keep it plump. I’d recommend this.
Apivita
Quite an exquisite range of natural beauty products. Their key ingredients are derived from ”value-added bee products and medicinal plants.” All the products are ”enhanced by cutting edge green cosmetology.” They can be found in several locations in Europe, the US, and Asia.
Favourites
Tonic mountain tea Shower Gel with Essential Oils: Saponaria, mild cleansing agents, Malhotra, aloe, propolis, olive, arginine, bergamot essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, infusion of 3 Sideritis species.
Tonic mountain tea body milk: Malotira, aloe, propolis, olive, arginine, bergamot essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, almond oil, vitamin E, oilShea butter, infusion of a 3 sideritis species.
Daily shampoo chamomile and honey: Calendula, chamomile extracts, honey, panthenol, APISHIELD HS, Saponaria, rosemary infusion, lavender, and geranium essential oils.
Expert review
Tonic Mountain Shower Gel: This is best suited for normal to oily skin. It contains lots of plant extracts and skin hydrating ingredients. However, remember it is only a body wash without actives – it will not cure skin diseases/ issues.
Tonic Mountain Tea Body Milk: This is my favourite product from the range because it is chock full of antioxidants and soothing ingredients that will keep your skin plump, slow down aging and rejuvenate your skin.
Avgerinos
This company was established in 2013. Avgerinos cosmetics has known great success since then. Their collections are divided into 8 fragrances (avra, baby talc, coco dream, hammam, my musk, Perla, queen, stars).
Favourites
Hands and Body oil: Macadamia, Argan oil, olive oil, vanilla, and exotic fruits fragrance.
Body scrub: Sugar, Shea butter, avocado oil, Argan oil, vanilla, and exotic fruits fragrance.
Expert review
These products have a simple ingredient list, which is usually a good thing. The hand and body oil is water-free and would be a good way to seal in moisture but you should use it on damp skin or after a lightweight moisturizing lotion.
The body scrub would help to gently remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, newer skin. Should be used 1-2 times weekly, but never on the face. It also has Vitamin E which is an underrated antioxidant in skincare.
agPharm
This brand was an unexpected discovery last summer while visiting Greece. The after-sun care line was the first product I was introduced to. Their non-greasy formulations are what won me over. They are also particularly popular for their serum ampoules and caviar products.
Favourites
After sun and tatoo: Aloe vera, propolis, calamine, vitamin A and calcium.
Caviar day cream: Caviar extract and Macadamia oil, a rich combination of vitamins. Aloe vera, Hyaluronic acid, and Riboxyl.
Micellaire for Face and Eyes: Panthenol, allantoin and Cucumber extract.
Expert review
After sun and tattoo: This is a water-free formula that can have multiple functions. It can serve as a daily moisturizer, after-sun lotion, calming lotion for people with skin conditions like eczema. You can always have this in your bag in case of flare-ups or a sunburn. Highly recommend this one.
Caviar Day Cream: This moisturizer has lots of emollients that will smoothen and hydrate your skin and provide long-term benefits. It does contain fragrance, so if you have sensitive skin on your face, you may want to skip out on this one. If not, go for it!
Micellaire: This is micellar water with mild cleansing and soothing agents for your skin. You should have micellar water in your routine, especially if you wear makeup/ sunscreen or live in a humid area.
Histoplastin
This cream is patented and exclusively produced by one company. It consists 100% of natural ingredients. The actual colour of the cream is red and it comes in three different forms.
Favourites
Patented formula
It contains Alkannins-Shikonins that act as the active ingredients for regeneration and repair. Ideal for discoloration, scars, stretch marks, and skins that are prone to acne.
Panthenol extra
Arguably, the basis of skincare is a good face wash. The Panthenol Extra skincare line was first introduced to me when I was looking for a good quality/affordable face wash that could use daily. The core ingredient for this line is of course panthenol.
Favourites
Face cleansing gel: Panthenol, allantoin and chamomile,
Expert review
Face Cleansing Gel: Gel washes are the best texture for cleansers, in my opinion. They are usually suitable for all skin types and feel so good. Panthenol is a multi-purpose ingredient. It soothes, repairs, moisturizes, and hydrates the skin. Allantoin helps to soothe inflammation. This would make a perfect day-to-day cleanser. A gem!
Frezyderm
This is a brand new discovery for me. They must be doing something good though because everyone I know in Athens uses them for face skin hydration as they are paraben-free. Their products focus on moisturizing and restoring care for adults as well as other products for children.
Favourites
Moisturising Plus Oil-Free Face Cream: A complex blend of three types of hyaluronic acids, active fig ingredients, and herbal extracts.
Expert review
Moisturizing Plus Oil-Free Face Cream: The active ingredients include hyaluronic acid, tetrapeptides, Vitamin E which when used in the right formulation, condition, protect and hydrate the skin to keep it smooth and young.
Messinian spa
The Messinian Spa line was introduced in 2014. They have a large variety of Greek natural beauty products that are hidden gems. Ranging from shower gels, and shampoos to body lotions, oils, serums, and others. A product line ideal for those looking for natural ingredients, paraben-free that smell amazing.
Favourites
Orange & Vanilla Orchid & Blueberry shower gel: Shea butter, orange essential oil, vanilla extract, berry extract, panthenol, and extra virgin PDO olive oil,
Watermelon shower gel: Shea butter, watermelon juice, panthenol, aloe, orange essential oil, goji berry extract, and extra virgin PDO olive oil.
Expert review
Shower gels are usually a lot milder on the skin, and still do a good job, when compared to bar soaps. These are pretty standard formulations that should not strip your skin and can be used daily, but preferably not on your face.
Special thanks to the Corner Pharmacy team at Nea Makri, Athens. For always going above and beyond with their knowledge and service.
You can find directions here and on Facebook
*Desire Uba is a Pharmacist, Cosmetic Science Student, Writer, and Book lover.
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