One of the things I love about blogging is getting to try things you’ve never heard of. Kalléis is an Italian brand sold at Canadian shop Como Chic Boutique. Kallèis innovative product formulas are at the forefront of modern beauty science. Carefully engineered with natural active ingredients selected for their vitamin rich and antioxidant properties, each product harnesses the therapeutic power of botanicals to nourish, heal and protect your skin. As Kalléis is such an unknown brand in the US go read about it HERE if you want to learn more.
I was sent four things to play with. I’ll start with the Cleansing Milk & Toner. The Toning Lotion is alcohol free which is my preference. Details per Cosmo Chic Boutique:
One of the keys to amazing looking skin is using toning products that create a smooth, blemish-free complexion that lasts. Skin that is dehydrated and tired can often look dull, aging the overall appearance of the complexion. With daily use, Kallèis’ Alcohol Free Toning lotion can take tired looking skin from dehydrated to dazzling, by removing dead cells and purifying the skin.
The natural ingredients from selected plant and herb extracts, vitamins and vegetable biostimoline, soothe, nourish and hydrate your skin during the cleansing process. Removes impurities from environmental factors (pollutants, makeup residue and sebum), balances the skin’s natural pH level, strengthens, stimulates and regulates skin hydration for a fresh, radiant complexion.
Active Principles:
Horse tail extract Extracts of horse chestnut, rich in saponins, stimulate the circulation and steady the capillaries. Proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and tannins have astringent, antioxidant and decongestant, they regulate the circulation of fluids, stimulate the dissolution of edema. Aescin reduces the activity of the enzyme elastase, hyaluronidase and two enzymes that attack the endothelium of vessels and our heritage elastinico.
Echinacea extract Rich in essential oils from Echinacoside, (a herbaceous flowering plant in the daisy family), bitter substances, flavonoids and polysaccharides. It is used for its anti-inflammatory, redness and soothing properties. Strengthens the body’s natural defences, possesses antiseptic. Restores the skins metabolism and hydro-lipid film. Has restorative, firming, regenerating and elasticizing properties. Stimulates healing processes at the level of the DermIS and epidermis, which improves surface hydration.
Hamamelis water Possesses astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and invigorating and soothing properties. It’s components (tannins, essential oil, phytosterols, saponins, Gallic acid) make it active on late scarring and atopic dermatitis.
Extract from Helichrysum (a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean). Has a protective and soothing effect due to its content of elicrisina, a complex of various flavonoids and several triterpenoids (among them the ursolic acid).
Abstract of Herpagophytum Procumbens (Devil’s claw root extract). A herbaceous plant from southern Africa, its root extract helps protect and soothe the skin. It is also a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory.
Extract of Pinus Maritima From the bark you get a rich Pycnogenol extract, a special class of water-soluble antioxidant flavonoids which are excellent free radical scavengers.
Oak extract From meristematic oak roots, an extract containing polichinoniche substances that have lenitive and anti-reddening properties.
Extract of Ruscus A perennial shrub of the Liliaceae family, its most outstanding characteristic is its inflammation inhibiting effect. It provides a natural astringent as well as strengthening properties. When used in cosmetics, it creates a pleasant skin sensation and keeps the skin in good condition.
Zea Mays A natural, biodegradable, sustainable and non-irritating carrier for cosmetic actives, it is shown to possess anti-inflammatory benefits that soothe and calm the skin. Also, known to draw impurities from the skin.
The Detox Cleansing Milk is a really creamy milk cleanser. Details per Cosmo Chic Boutique:
Polish away dead skin cells, makeup and environmental build up for a complexion that’s bright, even and effortlessly clear.
Crafted with natural ingredients and high active botanicals, Detox Cleaning Milk with silkening action offers the perfect formula to gently detoxify and deep-clean your skin while respecting the natural pH-balance of the skin’s hydrolipidic layer.
Enriched with soothing moisturizing properties from Vitamin E, Soy Protein Hydrolysate and Ivy Extract to preserve the skin’s softness and leave your skin fresh, toned and better prepared for other beauty treatments and the application of makeup.
Active Principles:
Ivy Extract Stimulates cell standardization thanks to triterpenoid saponins content (Ederina, ederacoside).
Anti-pollution Factor Through biological properties of oligosaccharide obtained from the depolymerization of Brown Seaweed, provides a filming effect by forming a protective barrier that prevents contact with toxic environment substances.
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) Set of substances whose presence determines the hydration or dryness of the skin. Consists of various natural substances able to retain a lot of water “tying” in the structures of the skin.
Vitamin E Maintains the structural integrity of membranes due to its protection against free radicals. Penetrates into the skin where it exerts a balanced action in synergy with panthenol. Promotes an effective utilization of oxygen to the tissues. Has soothing properties, protects against damage caused by radiation U.V.B., thereby reducing erythema.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Maintains skin elasticity as it inhibits elastase, enzyme responsible for the degradation of collagen.
Jojoba Oil Not oil, only the naturally occurring liquid wax whose composition is very similar to sebum. Native Americans discovered the importance and versatility of jojoba in the early 18th century. Rich in fatty acids such as oleic erucic and gardoico, it easily penetrates the skin, increasing the repair capabilities of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The botanical name is Simmondoia Chinensis.
Sodium PCA Extracted from nature, it is a naturally occurring Amino Acid known as Proline that is found in proteins. An important component of intracellular matrix, it binds moisture to our skin cells as it can hold several times its weight in water, preventing skin cells from losing water and drying out.
Lactic Acid Belongs to the category of AHA (alpha hydroxy acids), it is used to increase cell turnover, lighten the skin and reduce dark spots
The Toning Lotion has a nice red hue. I found it hit all the great categories for a toner. It’s soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory, plus it has antioxidants and an astringent quality (can help make pores smaller). I love the herbal inci list-Horse tail, echinacea, witch hazel & immortelle. Plus it’s got a few things I have never heard of like Devil’s claw. The packaging is sturdy and is has a slightly vintage feel. I loved this toner, the only downside to it is the perfumed fragrance added. Now I love essential oils and those type of added scents don’t bother me at all. This is a more perfume fragrance. Think like French skincare. So if you love French skincare you should be fine with the scent.
The Detox Cleansing Milk has a divine texture. It’s a medium textured cleansing milk. It’s not super fluid but it’s not thick and heavy either. It’s got a nice rich feel to it. Some cleansing milks are light and less milky some have that really rich white color. It’s like full heavy cream compared to milk if you think of it that way. This one is like heavy cream. Creamy cleansers are nice for a morning or second cleanse. They’re gentle and non-drying. This cleanser also has a bit of lactic acid to help exfoliate and brighten. They also added brown seaweed for some anti-pollution protection. This is scented with a perfume fragrance as well but it’s less heavy than the toner. I liked this creamy cleanser it was quite nice and well rounded.
The Lift Serum was the first serum of two I dived into. Details per Cosmo Chic Boutique:
A luxurious high concentrated serum with ingredients that work together to give a burst of vitality and energy to the skin. The firming, lifting, reshaping and nourishing actions are excellent for mature or fatigued skin and for fighting the premature signs of aging caused by excessive sun exposure. Multi-functional and easy to use, it makes the perfect Hydration Booster Serum.
With extremely active antiaging POLYPEPTIDES that provide a safer and natural alternative to Botox, this serum efficiently opposes the formation of expression and deep wrinkles, fine lines, loss of skin firmness, loss of tonicity, sagging features, dull complexion, uneven complexion and signs of fatigue.
COLLAGEN and HYALURONIC ACID, give vital components to the skin for elasticity, firmness and smoothness. The AE COMPLEX (currant, red grape and passion flower) and ROYAL JELLY nourish and re-balance the skins barrier. This serum’s formula is also enriched by EQUISETUM, GINSENG, NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTOR NMF, HAMAMELIDIS WATER, VITAMINS and AMINOACIDS.
Benefits Corrective actions against the signs of aging. Light texture and quickly absorbed. Peptides keep skin intensely hydrated and elastic. Skin more luminous and compact. Skin visibly replumped. Face contour more defined. Face features more relaxed. Smoother, softer and revitalized skin. Nourishing and fortifying properties. Anti-redness action.
Active Principles:
Polypetide-Plant Botulinum Safe and effective cosmetic ingredient “similar to botulinum”. A combination of 6 amino acids that act in reducing the contraction of facial muscles responsible for the appearance of expression wrinkles. It is a patented molecule that replicates the N-terminal portion of SNAP-25 competing with it to form the SNARE complex. The SNARE complex is destabilized and the vesicles can no longer release neurotransmitters that stimulate muscle contraction in the motor neuron. Reduced muscle contraction decreases the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Jaluronic Acid (with different molecular weight) A molecule capable of binding many water molecules to secure prolonged hydration. Essential for the well-being of the skin, it keeps the hydro-lipid surface film unaltered, preventing excessive evaporation of water and ensuring the correct humidity. Jaluronic acid gives the skin a healthy and bright colour, keeps it soft and elastic.
Matrixyl Also called “procollagen”, it stimulates the production of collagen. It contains two peptides, the Pal-GHK and the Pal-GQPR, “messengers” of the skin’s restoration. The latter contains information about skin regeneration. The product has a specific sequence of amino acids which makes it very active and effective. It works on the skin support scaffold, favouring a greater production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. It performs a global action against the signs of time, it gives the tissues elasticity and tone, reduces wrinkles and expression lines.
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) It consists of amino acids, sugars, urea, alpha-hydroxy acids and mineral salts: a mix of ingredients that can bind a large amount of water to the skin’s structures. The mixture of alpha-hydroxy acids extracted from fruits (grapes, apples and citrus fruits), contained in N.M.F. increases skin cell turn-over, favouring the dead cells to release and letting new ones emerge.
AE Complex (Black Currant Extract, Passiflora, Red Screw) A mixture of plant extracts that improves and allows the hydrolipid barrier to return to its correct balance.
Black Ribes Rich in essential fatty acids that restore and maintain the functionality of the hydrolipidic film of the skin. The flavonoids contained within protect the microcirculation and prevent telangiectasia (dilated superficial blood vessels that occur with rosacea).
Red Screw High content of procyanidins, “radical scavenger” molecules that capture free radicals, neutralizing and eliminating the damage.
Passiflor Maintains skin elasticity by protecting elastin from the destructive action of elastase (protease that breaks elastin).
Water of Amamelide Extracted from this same named plant, it provides soothing and decongestant properties and improves microcirculation.
Phytotherapeutic Complex A mixture of the following plant extracts with trophic action on skin issues.
Ginseng Obtained from the roots of Panax Ginseng, has revitalizing and re-activating properties on epidermal cells, protects and enhances surface microcirculation.
Equisition Its mineral salts and flavonoids evoke re-mineralizing, healing, elasticizing and anti-inflammatory action.
Hops At a topical level, it has been used since the Middle Ages for its healing and repopulating properties on the skin.
Royal Jelly The secretion of the pituitary and maxillary glands of the working bees. It contains essential amino acids, vitamins A, C and D, inositol calcium, copper, iron phosphorus, potassium, silicon and sulfur. It has strong nutritious and anti-wrinkle properties.
Vitamin E A vitamin with recognized antioxidant activity, it acts as a protective action against damage caused by free radicals while maintaining the structural integrity of the skin’s membranes.
The Lift Serum has a light hydrating liquid gel texture. This is essentially your peptide, anti-aging, firming serum. It’s got hydrators like low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea and sodium PCA. This serum has nutrient rich royal jelly, antioxidant powerhouse Panax ginseng & vitamin E. Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 or Argireline is a neuropeptide that works by limiting the neurotransmitters that tell your facial muscles to move so the effect is kind of like Botox. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 or Matrixyl is quite the popular peptide. Note is was originally named Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3 but has been renamed with a 4. This peptide stimulates collagen and elastin production. It will have an effect on your wrinkles similar to retinol.
I like both of these peptides they’re nice ones. Overall I found this serum did reduce the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles. It wasn’t quite as effective as some other recent peptide packed formulas I’ve tried, but it was good. It has a nice well rounded inci list. It does have that same perfume fragranced scent though not as strong as the toner.
I just finished using the Oxi Serum. Details per Cosmo Chic Boutique:
This super potent serum is packed with powerful antioxidant complexes, essential nutrients and fruit extracts to visibly diminish the appearance of dry and dull skin, uneven texture and loss of firmness and elasticity. It protects your skin, as if it were a shield, from free radicals by boosting the skins antioxidant defenses.
Contains the powerful new patented anti-oxidant ingredient OXISOL®, formulated by the Kalleis Laboratory. This serums outstanding anti-oxidant force in comparison to most other commonly used cosmetic ingredients, show laboratory tests at 3 times higher than Vitamin C, 20 times higher than Vitamin E and 40 times higher than Resveratrol.
Enriched with VITAMIN E, another well-known antioxidant ingredient with preventative properties against photo-aging, preventing dark spot formations and soothing sensitive skin.
RED GRAPES and RASPBERRY EXTRACTS, rich in Vitamin C and anthocyanins, protect microcirculation, reduce redness and maintain the integrity of the skin’s barrier giving you a natural looking radiance.
Benefits Light texture and quickly absorbed. Natural solar defence booster. Dark Spot Corrector and future pigmentation preventative. Anti-oxidant protection against free radicals and pollution. Brightens and evens skin tone. Action against all signs of aging. Anti-redness corrector with calming properties. Nourishing and hydrating.
Active Principles:
OXISOL® Oxisol is an innovative cosmetic ingredient with high antioxidant and antipollution power. Laboratory tests show that Oxisol has antioxidant properties superior to the most commonly used ingredients in cosmetics: 3 times higher than Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), 10 times higher than Tocopherol Acetate and 20 times higher than alpha-Tocopherol, 40 times higher than Resveratrol. Oxisol can therefore considerably reduce skin-related damage and act with a more intense and rapid antioxidant effect than the most commonly used antioxidants in cosmetics.
Oxisol has a strong protection against pollution damage: In vitro tests have shown a 30% reduction in pollution damage over 24 hours. also … it is capable of enhancing the protection provided by solar filters against ultraviolet (A and B) and infrared (IR) beams. Applying Oxi Serum before a sunscreen increases the UVB and UVA UV protection spectrum compared to sunscreen used alone. The use of Oxisol also protects against IR, which undermines the integrity of mitochondria by penetrating the dermis and decreasing the production of collagen and causing inflammation. Protection from free radicals, pollution, UV and IR ensures a bright, homogeneous and spotless face, younger, cooler face and slows down the appearance of photo-aging signs.
Vitamin E Vitamin E has a high antioxidant activity that can neutralize the reactivity of free radicals and the cascade of events that determine oxidative stress responsible for cell damage. Applying after sun exposure can reduce erythema and sun-induced edema due to the soothing properties and the ability to retain water.
Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) It consists of amino acids, sugars, urea, alpha-hydroxy acids and mineral salts: a mix of ingredients that can bind a large amount of water to the skin’s structures. The mixture of alpha-hydroxy acids extracted from fruits (grapes, apples and citrus fruits), contained in N.M.F. increases skin cell turn-over, allowing the dead cells to release and letting new ones emerge.
Equation Extracts Vegetable extracts rich in mineral salts, among which is an abundant silicon concentration, and flavonoids that perform re-mineralizing, action against scarring and anti-inflammatory properties. Mineral salts stimulate the production of collagen, producing anti-wrinkle and anti-relaxation action by the elasticizing and toning properties.
Red Screw and Ribes Extracts Plant extracts that improve and restore the hydrolipid barrier to the correct equilibrium. RED SCREW: High content of procyanidines, “radical scavenger” molecules that capture free radicals, neutralizing and eliminating the damage. BLACK RIBES: rich in essential fatty acids that restore and maintain the functionality of the hydrolipidic film of the skin and flavonoids to protect the microcirculation and prevent telangiectasia (dilated superficial blood vessels that occur with rosacea).
The Oxi Serum is an interesting serum. It’s loaded with antioxidants, has anti-pollution benefits combined with some hydrating, anti-inflammatory and collagen producing ingredients. The serum has a milky appearance and a basic liquid serum texture. It’s mildly hydrating. Oxisol (DiHydroxyPhenyl-Benzimidazole-Carboxylic Acid) is the patented main focus of this serum. Oxisol is a powerful antioxidant, offers anti-pollution & IR (Infrared) protection and it’s supposed to help boost SPF and UV-A Protection Factors. It does this as it has it helps keep the sunscreen filters from photo-oxidizing (breaking down). In vivo-The UV boosting action of Oxisol is related to the process of energy transfer or electron transfer between the excited state of the filters and Oxisol; this event may work in the protection of filter from photo-oxidation thus improving their performances. You can check out the the brands lab study HERE. This has the same perfume fragrance but it’s milder than the Lift Serum.
It’s always hard to tell how well an antioxidant serum works as it’s not a big effect kind of serum. Oxisol is an interesting ingredient. There’s pretty much no research I found beyond the linked to one above. It’s an interesting ingredient and it will be nice to see if it gets more research in the future. My picks for the brand are the Oxi Serum & Detox Cleansing Milk. I wish Kalléis would ditch the fragrance, I just have a hard time with it. Luckily the Oxi Serum scent dissipates pretty fast when layered over with other products. I think if you sign up for emails on the Cosmo Chic Boutique website you get 20% off a first order (I thought I saw that but now I can’t pull it up again).
Ingredients Toning Lotion
AQUA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PANTHENOL, AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM SEED EXTRACT, ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA ROOT EXTRACT, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF WATER, HARPAGOPHYTUM PROCUMBENS ROOT EXTRACT, HELICHRYSUM ITALICUM EXTRACT, HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN, PINUS PINASTER BARK EXTRACT, QUERCUS ROBUR BARK EXTRACT, QUERCUS ROBUR ROOT EXTRACT, RUSCUS ACULEATUS ROOT EXTRACT, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, GLYCERIN, TROXERUTIN, ZINC PCA, TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE, LACTIC ACID, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM NITRATE, DISODIUM EDTA, ALPHA-METHYL IONONE, AMYL CINNAMAL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CI 16255, CI 19140, CITRONELLOL, DICHLOROBENZYL ALCOHOL, GERANIOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, HYDROXYCITRONELLAL, HYDROXYISOHEXYL 3-CYCLOHEXENE CARBOXALDEHYDE, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, PARFUM, PHENOXYETHANOL
Ingredients Detox Cleansing Milk
AQUA, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM, OLIVOYL HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERYL OLEATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, CETYL ALCOHOL, FRUCTOSE, GLUCOSE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, HELICHRYSUM ITALICUM EXTRACT, PINUS PINASTER BARK EXTRACT, QUERCUS ROBUR BARK EXTRACT, QUERCUS ROBUR ROOT EXTRACT, RUSCUS ACULEATUS ROOT EXTRACT, SODIUM GLUTAMATE, SODIUM PCA, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, UREA, HYDROGENATED STARCH HYDROLYSATE, LYSINE, BHT, CITRIC ACID, DISODIUM EDTA, GLYCERYL STEARATE, GLYCINE, GLYCOLIC ACID, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, LACTIC ACID, MALIC ACID, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TARTARIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CITRONELLOL, COUMARIN, DICHLOROBENZYL ALCOHOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, PARFUM, PHENOXYETHANOL
Ingredients Lift Serum
AQUA, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, PANTHENOL, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, XANTHAN GUM, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA LEAF WATER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, VITIS VINIFERA LEAF EXTRACT, FRUCTOSE, GLUCOSE, GLYCINE, HYDROGENATED STARCH HYDROLYSATE, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, SODIUM PCA, LYSINE, PALMITOYL-PENTAPEPTIDE-3, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, RIBES NIGRUM LEAF EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY, SODIUM GLUTAMATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, PASSIFLORA INCARNATA EXTRACT, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-3, UREA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES, CARBOMER, CITRIC ACID, EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, MALIC ACID, PEG-40 SORBITAN PEROLEATE, PEG-40 SORBITOL HEXAOLEATE, POLYSORBATE 20, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TARTARIC ACID, TETRASODIUM GLUTAMATE DIACETATE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, CITRONELLOL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, COUMARIN, DICHLOROBENZYL ALCOHOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM
Ingredients Oxi Serum
AQUA, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES, CITRIC ACID, DIHYDROXYPHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE CARBOXYLIC ACID, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, FRUCTOSE, GLUCOSE, GLYCINE, LYSINE, SODIUM GLUTAMATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM PCA, HYDROGENATED STARCH HYDROLYSATE, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS LEAF EXTRACT, VITIS VINIFERA LEAF EXTRACT, LACTIC ACID, MALIC ACID, PEG-40 SORBITAN PEROLEATE, PEG-40 SORBITOL HEXAOLEATE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TARTARIC ACID, TRIETHYL CITRATE, UREA, XANTHAN GUM, GLYCOLIC ACID, BENZYL ALCOHOL, BUTYLPHENYL METHYLPROPIONAL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, COUMARIN, DICHLOROBENZYL ALCOHOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM