Founded in Athens, Greece, in 1996, KORRES is a skincare company with roots in the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Athens. Their products claim to balance nature with science, harnessing powerful natural ingredients and developing them into effective formulas. Their collections span across skincare, bath and body, haircare and a men’s line.
The brand’s unique philosophy revolves around the use of naturally-derived, top-quality active ingredients. They argue that natural ingredients are more effective and beneficial than synthetic ones. KORRES maintains that they are devoted to creating formulas that are not only friendly to the skin but also environmentally-friendly.
In recent years, the brand has made claims about being a ‘clean’ brand, asserting that their products are cruelty-free and, in some cases, vegan. However, the veracity of these claims has been a point of discussion among consumers and industry experts alike.
What Does Being a Clean Brand Mean?
Being a ‘clean’ brand in the beauty industry is often associated with three main principles: being cruelty-free, using safe ingredients and having environmentally-friendly practices. A cruelty-free brand does not test its products or ingredients on animals at any stage of product development.
The use of safe ingredients often means avoiding chemicals that have been linked to harmful health effects. This includes, but is not limited to, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. An environmentally-friendly brand strives to minimize its carbon footprint and employs practices such as sustainable sourcing of ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
To be deemed a clean brand, these three principles usually need to be backed up by certifications from recognized bodies, such as Leaping Bunny for cruelty-free products, or USDA Organic, for organic ingredients.
KORRES’ Claim to Cruelty-Free Products
KORRES has openly stated that they are a cruelty-free brand. They assert that neither their products nor their ingredients are tested on animals. This is a significant claim, given the ongoing debate and controversy over animal testing within the cosmetics industry.
The brand’s commitment to cruelty-free practices is noteworthy, and they have been awarded the Leaping Bunny Certification. The Leaping Bunny is an internationally recognized certification that assures consumers that no new animal testing is used in any phase of product development by the company, its laboratories, or suppliers.
However, it’s important to remember that while a Leaping Bunny Certification is a strong indication of a brand’s commitment to cruelty-free practices, it does not necessarily cover other elements of a clean brand, such as ingredient safety or environmental impact.
Analyzing KORRES’ Vegan Product Claims
While KORRES claims to be cruelty-free, they do not claim to be an entirely vegan brand. Some of their products are marked as vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. However, not all KORRES products meet this definition.
For instance, the brand’s signature Wild Rose line includes products that contain lanolin, a wax secreted by wool-bearing animals. Additionally, some of their lip products contain beeswax, which is also not considered vegan.
In this regard, consumers looking for entirely vegan options might need to scrutinize individual product ingredients or look for the vegan label on KORRES products.
Understanding the Ingredients in KORRES’ Products
KORRES prides itself on using naturally-derived, top-quality ingredients. Their ingredient philosophy is based on the use of natural or certified organic ingredients where possible. They claim to avoid synthetic compounds associated with harmful health effects or harsh environmental impact.
In a random selection of 10 KORRES products, ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Seed Oil were commonly found.
However, it’s important to note that ‘natural’ doesn’t necessarily equate to ‘safe’, and consumers should always check for potential allergens or irritants, even in natural ingredients.
Are KORRES Products Really Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
Based on their Leaping Bunny Certification, KORRES does appear to be a cruelty-free brand. They have made clear statements that they do not test their products or ingredients on animals.
As for their vegan claims, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. While some of their products are indeed vegan, others contain animal-derived ingredients. Consumers seeking entirely vegan products should carefully check product labels and ingredients.
Consumer Reviews on KORRES’ Clean Brand Claims
Many consumers appreciate and trust KORRES’ clean brand claims. The brand has generally positive reviews, with many users praising the effectiveness of the products and their gentle natural ingredients.
However, there is some criticism concerning the brand’s transparency on their vegan claims. Some customers expressed disappointment upon finding animal-derived ingredients in products that were not explicitly labeled as non-vegan.
Overall, consumer sentiment towards KORRES is largely positive, but the confusion surrounding their vegan claims points to the need for greater clarity and transparency.
Conclusion: Is KORRES Truly a Clean Brand?
In conclusion, while KORRES appears to be a cruelty-free brand and uses a significant amount of naturally-derived and safe ingredients, their vegan claims are somewhat inconsistent. This may not be a concern for consumers who are not strictly vegan, but those seeking completely vegan products will need to carefully scrutinize product labels and ingredients.
Overall, KORRES does meet many of the standards expected from a ‘clean’ brand, particularly in their commitment to cruelty-free practices and the use of safe, natural ingredients. However, a more transparent and consistent approach to their vegan claims would enhance their credentials as a truly clean brand.
As always, consumers are encouraged to do their own research and determine what factors are most important to them when choosing skincare products.
