OUR FOUNDER
Meet Joanne: The Scientist-Turned-Skincare Pioneer Who Started Kinvara with Just €1,000 and a Dream.
"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."
WHY I FOUNDED KINVARA
“I couldn't find products to look after my skin that worked, that I could afford, that aligned with my values or that made me feel good about my purchase, my skin or myself. There was always something missing. There was always some dissatisfaction. So I started out making these products for myself. I am the customer I serve. Thankfully I’ve since discovered that I am not alone in wanting more from my skincare and we now serve thousands of women in countries all over the world.
I started my own skincare brand because I wanted to change women’s skincare experience. I want them to be able to enjoy the whole experience, every little bit, from head to toe, day to night, purchase to application. Making a difference to my customers skin to make a difference in their lives is what motivates and drives me. Being a part of our customers daily lives is a privilege and one that everyone in Kinvara is deeply grateful for."
Dr Joanne Reilly
THE PLACE & INSPIRATION
Behind our name
This little coastal down on the wild atlantic way was our home and is our inspiration. The wild beauty of the Burren and the west of Ireland, with the sea, rolling landscapes, sea cliffs and farmland is a reminder that nature supports us and feeds us literally and metaphorically. This appreciation and understanding of our place inspires us to keep Kinvara Skincare real, pure and honest.
Our Values
PEOPLE
Real connection and real people is at the heart of why we do what we do. From selling handmade products to people at farmers markets to meeting people at events and shows, Joanne has always enjoyed chatting with people about their needs and how she could help solve their skincare problems and maybe adda little feelgood along the way. As Kinvara has grown Joanne has maintained that customer connection across social media, newsletters and in-person events. We are so grateful for our customers’ support, and your positive referrals, reviews and heartwarming stories - they really propel our business to do good. Passing on positivity is something we love to do and has resulted in Kinvara being involved in some wonderful charity events and initiatives.
Our Values
PLANTS
Kinvara's journey started in a humble home workshop, where Joanne would macerate herbs, infuse oils in large vats, and blend and mix products for friends and family. Though our setting has evolved, our commitment remains the same. Kinvara is committed to celebrating plant-based, natural skincare. With her background as a natural scientist, Joanne understands the profound power and efficacy of plants. This expertise allows us to harness plant extracts to their full potential, giving Kinvara products their signature vibrant colours and captivating scents. Click here to learn more about our certifications that support our commitment to being 100% organic, vegan and plant powered.
READ MOREOur Values
PLANET
Caring for the planet is not a unique value, but at Kinvara we take it seriously. Rooted in our ethos as a natural skincare company, is a promise to protect our shared planet. At Kinvara we’re mindful of the UNDP sustainability goals and how we can support them through our actions. We use organically grown plant oils bought from approved suppliers, we use glass, recycled plastic and sugarcane plastic in our packaging and have just introduced a refillable packaging option. We use measured pumps and applicators to avoid product wastage and continue to look for green and sustainable solutions. We championed the Beat The MicroBead campaign to raise awareness on microplastics in skincare and through our partnership with Greenspark have helped plant thousands and thousands of trees and rescued thousands and thousands of plastic bottles from the ocean *(exact figures available as thai activity is always on and updating daily). Our financial support through Greenspark aids the work of 3 projects all with a planet and people focus.