The most frequently asked question we get at KLEOS+KLEA is:
"Why are your cleanser and serum in powder form?"

It’s a good question, and one that reveals an important truth about modern skincare. Once people understand it, they often find it difficult to go back to the conventional liquid products they’ve used for years.

The answer is simple: we don’t use preservatives.

The Preservative Problem

In most conventional skincare, water is one of the main ingredients. And whenever you mix water with solids (like botanical extracts, oils, or active compounds), you’re creating the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and yeast to grow.

To keep these products shelf-stable, and safe, companies add preservatives. That includes parabens, phenoxyethanol, and even newer “clean-label” synthetic preservatives. While they do protect the product from microbial growth, many of these compounds can irritate the skin, disrupt its natural microbiome, and over time, even accelerate aging through chronic low-grade inflammation (also known as "inflammaging").

A 2021 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences noted that some common preservatives “can impair skin barrier function and contribute to allergic or inflammatory skin reactions” especially with long-term use.

At KLEOS+KLEA, we believe skincare should nourish, not compromise your skin's health. That’s why we took water out of the equation, quite literally.

Why Powder?

By removing water, we eliminate the need for preservatives entirely. Our powders are stable, safe, and potent in their purest form, made from whole plant botanicals that retain their nutrients until the moment you activate them.

When you mix a small amount of water into our powder cleanser or serum, you’re essentially “bringing the plant back to life,” activating its vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and phytonutrients right before it touches your skin.

It’s not just fresher. It’s smarter skincare.

“Waterless formulations often have a higher concentration of active ingredients and can be more effective,” explains Dr. Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist and researcher. “When reconstituted properly, they may even outperform traditional formulations that rely on preservatives and fillers.”

How to Activate Powder Skincare: A Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE

Pour a nickel-sized amount of powder into your hand.

STEP TWO

Add a few drops of water, just enough to create a creamy consistency (not too runny).

STEP THREE

Apply the mixture directly to your skin and gently massage it in.

STEP FOUR

Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry with a soft cloth.

A Return to Purity

The skincare industry has conditioned us to favor convenience over purity. But at KLEOS+KLEA, we believe your skin deserves better,  formulas that are clean, potent, and alive with nutrients the moment you use them.

By choosing powder-based skincare, you’re not just avoiding preservatives, you’re supporting a philosophy of minimalism, freshness, and skin-aligned health.

Your skin knows the difference.