What is it?
Karess is a Los Angeles-based skin care brand founded in 1978. The brand was exclusive for many years among pharmacies in Europe and private clients in the US. The manufacturer also formulated prescriptions for Lancome, Chanel and L'Oreal, but is now raising its own profile. Karess aims to repair skin damage and revitalise the complexion and says it's an alternative to cosmetic surgery if used continuously.
What's the concept?
The brand uses vitamins and medicines and focuses its research on Asian skin, with products created for yellow undertone skin. The products target skin problems caused by natural and premature ageing due to stress and pollution.
What about the products?
Free of hydroquinone, mercury, steroids and other bleaching substances, they're suitable for 'men and women of all ages who are not satisfied with their skin condition', and boast a delivery system designed for immediate penetration and repair. The RealSkin cream (HK$1,110/15ml) contains African shea butter, vitamin E, organic walnut extract, butcher's broom and hyaluronic acid, which enhances the skin's appearance with antioxidants and hydrates by binding up 98 per cent of its own volume in water beneath the surface of the skin. The anti-ageing and hydrating Oxy-Regenerate Serum (HK$1,110/15ml) is said to convert resting adult stem cells to new-born skin cells for younger looking skin, and to boost blood circulation to allow even oxygenation and delivery of nutrients to the skin and enhance collagen synthesis for smoother, firmer skin. Carrageenan is also used to capture moisture in the air and increase the skin's collagen density and elasticity. The hydrating micro-exfoliation cream cleanser (HK$290/30ml), which contains silica, geranium, witch hazel, camellia sinensis leaf extract and horse-chestnut, uses nano-cleansing technology and promotes cell renewal while removing dirt, oil and makeup. It's good for prematurely aged and pigmented skin.
