HOLOS SKINCARE

Welcome to the world of Holos Skincare, where the fusion of nature and science brings you unparalleled skincare solutions. Founded by Niamh Hogan, Holos Skincare was born from a passion for well-being and natural health. With over a decade of expertise, we blend the wisdom of essential oils and plant-based ingredients with cutting-edge active elements to create products that not only nurture your skin but also deliver real, visible results.

We sat have a chat with Niamh to get the inside scoop on what inspired her to start Holos Skincare, the innovative products that have become fan favourites, and how the brand is paving the way in sustainability. Dive in to discover the journey behind Holos Skincare and get ready to transform your skincare routine.

Why on earth and what inspired you to set up your own skincare brand?

And when, well, we launched in 2014. So, we're 10 years on the go. Originally, I was a natural health therapist, really focused on well-being and natural health rather than skincare. I used essential oils and plant oils in my clinic for massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and all that. I saw the subtle benefits people were getting from essential oils, and they loved the oils and products I was using.

People started wanting to take these oils home, so I thought, "OK, maybe there's something in this." My original products were body oils for massage. I was literally making them up, writing the names of the products and the ingredients on the labels. My husband, a designer, suggested designing proper labels and boxes. When I saw the finished products, I thought, "Maybe there's something in this."

During the recession, I had time to experiment in the kitchen, making creams. I took courses for almost two years, learning to formulate products from scratch and understanding all the legislation and safety around skincare. In 2014, I launched Holos Skincare like a mad woman.

When you were going to launch, was there a key product you really wanted to solve a problem with?

Honestly, back in the beginning, it was more about feeling good. I was still on that well-being journey. But, at the last minute before I sent away our first products, I decided to create our "Love Your Skin Anti-Ageing Facial Oil." I had used argan oil before and was amazed by its texture and absorption. I decided to make a facial oil with argan oil and a blend of other oils. That product became our hero product straight away. The results were amazing—helping with pigmentation, reducing wrinkles, plumping the skin. It informed everything else we did because it was clear people wanted products that truly worked.

How do you approach sustainability in your brand?

Sustainability is a big topic for us at Holos Skincare. It's a multi-faceted issue. For instance, we initially chose PET plastic for some products because it was lighter than glass, considering the carbon footprint. Now, most of our products are in glass or aluminum, with aluminum being super lightweight and the most recycled element in the world. We're now using recycled aluminum for our bottles.

We minimize packaging waste, like using tags instead of boxes where possible. For smaller products that require more information, we use boxes. We source ingredients sustainably, working with suppliers who have strong green credentials and certifications like B Corp. In our everyday operations, we make everything ourselves with minimal industrialization and are meticulous about recycling and reducing waste.

Can you tell us about your pre and probiotic spritz and how you come up with your ingredients?

Our pre and probiotic spritz is about maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin. Just like the gut, the skin has good and bad bacteria. The spritz feeds the good bacteria, keeping the skin healthy and strong, protecting it from irritation and breakouts. It's especially great for inflammation and healing.

When it comes to choosing ingredients, we blend beautiful plant-based ingredients with active ones. I trained as an aromatherapist, so I love using essential oils like frankincense, lavender, and sweet orange. Frankincense is a powerful antioxidant with medical research backing its benefits, while orange is uplifting, and lavender is healing. We combine these with active ingredients to create products that are both effective and enjoyable to use.

How does Holos Skincare cater to sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin can mean different things to different people. I take a holistic approach, asking lots of questions to understand someone's specific sensitivities. We have many customers with sensitive skin who use Holos Skincare because they can't tolerate harsher ingredients or synthetics. However, if someone has a severe reaction to everything, there's often something deeper going on. We recommend patch testing and contacting us directly for personalized advice.

Have you noticed any trends in skincare since you launched Holos in 2014?

When we started, it was all about natural ingredients and well-being. Over time, we've seen a strong demand for active ingredients that deliver results. Irish people, in particular, love their active ingredients and want skincare that works. At Holos Skincare, we blend effective, active ingredients with ethical practices and nutritious, plant-based ingredients. We aim to meet the need for results while also being conscious of sustainability and ethical practices.

Ready to experience the magic of Holos Skincare for yourself? Dive into our range of products designed to make you look and feel your best.