ABOUT KOSMATOLOGY

Pharmacist-Created, Plant-Based Skincare for Sensitive Skin

Cameron 3 months old

Cameron at 3 months old — the inspiration behind Kosmatology

Kosmatology was born from a very personal experience and my desire to create gentle, thoughtfully formulated skincare for sensitive skin.

I'm Dr. Janis Kosma-Covey, a Doctor of Pharmacy and compounding pharmacist with over 20 years of experience. In 2014, I founded Kosmatology to combine my pharmaceutical knowledge with plant-based ingredients and a commitment to creating skincare that families can feel good about using.

When my youngest daughter, Cameron, was just a few months old, she developed eczema. If you've ever cared for a baby with eczema, you know how uncomfortable it can be. She went from being a happy, easygoing infant to a fussy baby who was clearly uncomfortable in her own skin.

We tried everything we were told to try—changing detergents, adjusting routines, and visiting the pediatrician multiple times. Eventually, corticosteroid creams were prescribed. As a pharmacist, I understood the important role these medications can play in managing eczema, but I also wanted to explore ways to support Cameron's skin barrier through gentle, everyday skincare.

So I started researching.

From Compounding Pharmacist to Skincare Formulator

Drawing on my experience in compounding pharmacy, I began studying eczema, skin barrier health, and the ingredients commonly used in lotions and creams. I learned that even products marketed as natural or gentle weren't necessarily the right fit for Cameron's sensitive skin. My goal was to develop a simple, thoughtfully formulated moisturizer that would help reduce moisture loss and support her skin barrier.

I decided to create something different.

I began formulating a solid moisturizer that would:

  • Provide deep, lasting moisture

  • Help support the skin barrier

  • Avoid unnecessary irritants

  • Be simple, gentle, and effective

That process led to the creation of what is now our Goody-Goody Grapefruit Lotion Bar, one of our most loved products for dry and sensitive skin.

Unlike traditional lotions, lotion bars don’t contain water, which means they don’t require the same types of preservatives. Instead, I used nourishing, plant-based ingredients like:

  • Shea butter and olive oil to moisturize and soften

  • Candelilla wax to create a protective barrier

  • Carefully selected essential oils for a light, natural scent

After just a few uses, Cameron’s skin began to improve. Seeing her comfortable again was the moment I realized this could help other families too.

Dr. Janis Covey - Founder

Dr. Janis Kosma-Covey - Founder

The Beginning of Kosmatology

Friends and family began asking for lotion bars of their own. Then came requests for lip balms, bug balm, and other everyday skincare products made with the same philosophy: gentle ingredients, thoughtfully chosen.

Around that time, my brother jokingly started calling what I was doing “Kosmatology”—a play on my maiden name, Kosma—and suggested I should turn it into a real skincare line.

And that’s exactly what happened.

Today, Kosmatology creates plant-based skincare designed especially for:

  • Sensitive skin

  • Dry and eczema-prone skin

  • Families seeking ingredient-conscious skincare

  • People who prefer fragrance-free or low-fragrance products

Our Philosophy: Skincare That Supports the Skin

I believe skincare should support the skin not overwhelm it.

As a pharmacist and skincare formulator, I know that choosing the right ingredients is just as important as knowing which ones to leave out. That's why I focus on thoughtfully formulated products that are gentle enough for everyday skincare routines.

My approach to formulation emphasizes:

  • Gentle cleansing formulas

  • Nourishing plant-based oils and butters

  • Thoughtfully selected ingredients

  • Products designed for everyday use and sensitive skin

Why Ingredient Safety Matters to Us

Many of Kosmatology products are MADE SAFE® Certified, meaning their ingredients have been screened according to the program's standards for substances known or suspected to harm human health or the environment.

Our products are also cruelty-free and formulated without:

  • Parabens

  • Phthalates

  • Triclosan

  • Harsh sulfates

  • Synthetic fragrances

For me, ingredient safety and transparency aren't simply marketing claims. They're the foundation of how I formulate every Kosmatology product.

Thoughtful Skincare, Less Waste

I believe that caring for our skin and being mindful of the environment should go hand in hand. That's why sustainability has become an important part of how I formulate, package, and manufacture Kosmatology products.

Whenever possible, I look for ways to reduce unnecessary packaging and waste without compromising the quality of our products.

Some of the ways we're making a difference include:

  • Waterless Skincare: Our lotion bars, lip balms, and other solid skincare products are formulated without water, reducing the need for certain preservatives and allowing for more compact packaging.

  • Less Plastic Packaging: Our Mint Your Feet Balm, Bug Repellent and Bright Balm come in paperboard tubes rather than traditional plastic lotion bottles and I hope to continue to switch to compostable paperboard tubes whenever possible.

  • Refillable Options: Our foaming hand soaps are available in larger refill sizes, and we offer reusable glass bottles to help reduce single-use packaging.

  • Solar-Powered Manufacturing: Solar panels provide approximately 50% of the electricity used in our Connecticut manufacturing facility.

I know that no skincare brand can eliminate its environmental impact entirely, but I believe small, thoughtful choices can make a meaningful difference over time.

For me, creating better skincare isn't just about what's inside the bottle. It's also about being responsible for how we make and package the products our families use every day.

Designed for Real Life

I create Kosmatology products to fit naturally into everyday routines; whether it's washing hands at the kitchen sink, moisturizing after a shower, or keeping lip balm in your bag during the day.

I believe gentle skincare shouldn't feel complicated. It should simply work.

Kind Words From Our Customers

One of the most rewarding parts of building Kosmatology has been connecting with people who share my appreciation for gentle, thoughtfully formulated skincare.

Over the years, I've been fortunate to hear from customers who have made Kosmatology part of their everyday routines. Their kind words remind me why I started this journey and inspire me to keep creating products I'm proud to share.

★★★★★

I absolutely love these soaps! I have eczema and these are the only soaps that are good for my skin. They always come packaged nicely with a nice little thank you note as well. Will continue to order from them. :)

Monica M.

★★★★★

Love this hand soap!! Soo glad I found this brand. I have eczema and psoriasis so the type of soap I put in my skin matters. And I wash my hands often so it must be gentle yet effective and Kosmatology checks all the boxes. A must try!!

Paige G.

★★★★★

I love the lotion bars! I am using for my baby on her cheeks which have been dry from the winter weather. I always feel confident using Kosmatology products with my baby because of the natural and organic ingredients.

Laura F.

Why I Do What I Do

At the heart of Kosmatology is still the same motivation that started it all: caring for the people I love.

Every formula begins with one simple question:

Would I use this on my own family?

If the answer isn't yes, I keep working until it is.

Founder, Kosmatology

Lotion bar and lip balm with towel and travel bag
Woman washing her hands with Kosmatology foaming hand soap