Our story
I'm Joanne Reilly, the owner and founder of Kinvara Skincare. An idealist at heart, my vision with Kinvara is clear - I want to deliver the best for our customers and hope our products genuinely make a difference in their lives.
I have a robust background in science. Holding a degree in natural sciences from Trinity College Dublin, a PhD from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a postgraduate diploma from the National University of Ireland in Community Development, I've always been passionate about understanding the world around me.
THE BEGINNING of kinvara skincare
Kinvara was born out of my personal frustrations. The available skincare products were either ineffective, exceedingly expensive, or didn't align with my values—sometimes, they ticked all the wrong boxes.
My skin, once trouble-free, became reactive due to lifestyle changes, stress, and significant life events, such as returning from fieldwork in Sumatra and the birth of my first child.
I was fortunate enough to have the knowledge to seek remedies for my skin problems. My doctoral work in tropical ecology had me researching endangered species like elephants and rhinos. Fieldwork in places like Sumatra and earlier expeditions to Mauritius taught me how locals turned to nature's bounty for solutions. This insight reinforced my belief in the healing powers of plants.
With this philosophy, I began creating skincare products for myself. Now, years later, I'm not just crafting for me but also for thousands of satisfied customers worldwide.
Our Picturesque Home: Kinvara
Nestled on the west coast of Ireland, Kinvara is a quaint village located in the county of Galway. This scenic spot is perfectly positioned along the captivating Wild Atlantic Way and is adjacent to the Burren landscape.
Kinvara boasts approximately 1,500 residents. This number sees a bump during the summer months, especially during our two festivals, which celebrate the Cockoo and the iconic Galway Hooker boats. These boats once facilitated trade between neighboring islands. Kinvara's community is a diverse mix of long-standing families and 'blow-ins' – newcomers from other counties or countries. Our village is rich in character and melodious with countless musicians.
Kinvara sits strategically, 40 minutes away from Galway City in one direction and an equal distance from the majestic Cliffs of Moher in the other.
The influence of our landscape
Living on the fringes of the country, which itself is on the periphery of Europe, molds our perspective in Kinvara. It instills in us an outward-looking demeanor, a curiosity for the world beyond, and an innate tendency to question everything. The stark beauty of our surroundings, coupled with the crisp, clean air, prompts introspection. It helps discern the essential from the trivial, whether in life or while crafting a product. This environment inspires us to develop clean, green formulations, designs, and practices.
Our location is more than just a backdrop—it's integral to our ethos and shapes everything we do in Kinvara.
Good to know
Many of our customers are vegan and vegetarian and it's important to know we are vegan and cruelty free - we do not use any animal ingredients in our products and do not test on animals. We are verified by PETA.
Where we think it is important for the customer and/or product, we provide a dispensing pump. This ensures the customer gets the right amount with minimal wastage and mess.
Where possible we try to give our customers an indication of how much product to use for optimal results and by extension how long a product will last under average usage conditions. This will vary between products and individual preferences.
Where we think it is important for the customer and/or product, we provide a dispensing pump. This ensures the customer gets the right amount with minimal wastage and mess.
Where possible we try to give our customers an indication of how much product to use for optimal results and by extension how long a product will last under average usage conditions. This will vary between products and individual preferences.
We use amber glass, sugarcane and polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE) plastic in our packaging. All our components and cartons are suitable for recycling and we encourage you to reuse or recycle our packaging where possible. You can read more about our sustainable packaging proof points here.
Kinvara skincare is a 100% Irish owned business, owned by Dr Joanne Reilly. Our products are developed by Dr. Reilly with input from consultant chemists and made to our exacting specification in a fully compliant, ISO certified Irish manufacturing plant.
All Kinvara skincare products are fully compliant with EU regulations (EC) No 1223/2009 and registered on the EU’s cosmetic products notification portal.
Before you start using any product from any brand, it's recommended that you ensure it suits your skin by conducting a simple patch test. You can do this by putting a dab of product in the crook of your elbow or behind your ears. Wait to see if any redness or irritation arises within 24-48 hours. If it does, then don’t purchase or if you already have then cease using the product in question.
Our products are best used within either 6 or 12 months from the date of opening, this is indicated by a 6M or 12M inside a jar symbol as indicated on our cartons and our labels.
Store our products in cool, dark conditions and away from sunlight.
Kinvara skincare sells cosmetics only. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. We do not offer medical advice and suggest you seek qualified medical advice in the appropriate circumstances. We stand over our products with a 90 day no quibble money back guarantee.
Our products are not suitable for children under the age of 3.
Our products are tested for, and directions are for their use as topical cosmetic agents. They are not to be taken orally or internally.
If any redness or irritation occurs then cease use immediately and seek medical advice.