When most people think of bug repellent, they picture a spray.

But when I began formulating a natural mosquito repellent for Kosmatology, I quickly realized that sprays weren’t the best option—especially for families with young children.

As a pharmacist and formulator, safety was my first priority. One concern that kept coming up was inhalation. Even if a bug repellent is safe to apply to the skin, that doesn’t necessarily mean it should be inhaled into the lungs.

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and serves as the first line of defense against the outside world. But beyond being a physical barrier, the skin is home to a complex ecosystem known as the skin microbiome.

The skin microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that naturally live on the surface of the skin. Scientists estimate that the skin microbiome may include over 1,000 different species of bacteria and dozens of types of fungi.

These microorganisms are not harmful—in fact, many of them are essential for healthy skin.

Understanding how the skin microbiome works can help explain why gentle skincare, balanced routines, and barrier-supporting ingredients are so important for maintaining comfortable, resilient skin.

The quality of your hand soap is not only determined by what it has, but also by what it lacks. Choose wisely, because what you wash your hands with can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing.

Discover the ingredients that we never use in our hand soap and learn why it's important for your health and safety.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. These bumps usually appear on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks and are often described as looking like “chicken skin.”

Keratosis pilaris develops when keratin, a natural protein found in skin, hair, and nails, builds up around hair follicles. Instead of shedding normally, the keratin plugs the follicle opening and forms small bumps.

Washing your face seems simple, but doing it correctly can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your skin. Daily facial cleansing removes dirt, excess oil, sweat, pollution, and dead skin cells that accumulate throughout the day. When these impurities remain on the skin, pores can become clogged, which may contribute to breakouts, irritation, or dull-looking skin.

With sandal season approaching, many people start paying closer attention to their feet. Dry skin, rough patches, and dead skin buildup on the feet are very common—and they can make even the most comfortable pair of sandals feel less appealing.

The good news is that most cases of dry feet and dead skin buildup can be managed at home with a simple routine that focuses on softening, exfoliating, and moisturizing the skin.

Understanding what causes dry feet can help you prevent the problem before it starts.

If you have eczema, dermatitis, or sensitive skin, choosing the right skincare products can make a significant difference in daily comfort. Many cleansers contain ingredients that can strip natural oils or irritate already sensitive skin, which is why many people search for the best body wash for eczema, dermatitis, sensitive or dry skin.

Many dermatologists recommend gentle cleansers designed for sensitive skin because harsh detergents and synthetic fragrance can weaken the skin barrier and worsen irritation. Understanding how cleansers affect the skin barrier and what ingredients to look for can help you make better choices and support healthier skin over time.

With social media and beauty influencers everywhere, teens and tweens are constantly exposed to complicated skincare routines and trending products. But when it comes to skincare for teens and tweens, more products are not always better.

In fact, dermatologists often recommend keeping skincare routines simple for young skin. Overusing strong ingredients or following multi-step routines can sometimes irritate the skin rather than improve it.

December is one of our favorite months here in New England. The weather turns crisp, the holidays are in full swing, and families gather to celebrate. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when colds and flu seem to circulate more often, and many people begin looking for ways to support their immune systems.

Move over Black Friday, Small Business Saturday is the new(ish) after Thanksgiving tradition! In 2010, Small Business Saturday was started and promoted by American Express. Last year Small Business Saturday attracted more than 88 million American shoppers. This important shopping day always falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year it will fall on November 25th. Venturing out on small business Saturday is practically guaranteed to be calmer and quieter than braving Black Friday! But are there other benefits of shopping small? Absolutely!!

Christmas was published in 1957. More than 60 years later, it would be difficult to find an American man, woman or child who can’t recall the Grinch’s change of heart as he declares,  “It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes, or bags.” Unfortunately, the season of giving remains a season of buying. In 2022, Americans spent nearly $7,000,000,000 on holiday gift wrap. This exorbitant amount of money translates into 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper, most of which ends up in landfills. While many types of paper can be recycled, gift wrap often has dyes, lamination, and non-paper additives (metallic colors or glitter) making it non-recyclable!

Sustainability means different things to different companies, but at Kosmatology, it comes down to practical steps that reduce waste, conserve resources, and make everyday routines a little more environmentally friendly.

From renewable energy to low-waste packaging, we’re continually working to improve how our products are made, packaged, and shipped.

Small changes—like composting at home or choosing refillable products—can make a meaningful difference over time, and we believe businesses should lead by example.

Fall brings many favorite traditions—cooler air, colorful leaves, and cozy sweaters. But as temperatures drop and humidity decreases, many people notice their skin becoming drier, tighter, or more sensitive.

Seasonal changes can affect the skin barrier, and for some people, cooler weather may make conditions like dry skin or eczema more noticeable. The good news is that a few simple adjustments to your skincare routine can help keep your skin comfortable and balanced throughout the season.

Here are some practical tips for caring for your skin as fall approaches.

When summer arrives, many people assume they can skip moisturizer. With higher humidity, warm temperatures, and more time outdoors, it seems like skin should stay hydrated naturally.

But here’s something many people don’t realize: air conditioning, sun exposure, and frequent showering can actually dry out your skin during the summer months. Even in humid climates, these factors can affect the skin barrier and lead to dryness, irritation, or dull-looking skin.

If you spend a lot of time indoors in air-conditioned spaces, your skin may be losing moisture more quickly than you think.

Essential oils are popular for relaxation, self-care, and supporting everyday wellness. Many people turn to them during pregnancy to help create a calming environment or ease common discomforts. But a common question comes up again and again:

Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?

The answer is nuanced. Some essential oils may be appropriate when used correctly, while others should be avoided. During pregnancy especially, it’s important to choose high-quality oils, use proper dilution, and always check with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your routine.