Beauty Brand Of The Month: Gallinée
Bacteria isn’t the first thing you think of when it comes to skincare. But you may have heard that what’s good for your gut, is good for your health overall (Yakult probably being the first teacher of this philosophy). That’s where Gallinée comes in. Meet our beauty brand of the month, centred around good bacteria, your microbiome and the power of science in skincare.
Tell us about Gallinée: what’s your mission?
We want to fix your skin problems using the most innovative science: the science of the microbiome. It allows us to work with your skin, not against it. We are specialised in sensitive skin, scalp and teeth, but great for everyone.
Can you describe the brand in three words?
Innovative, efficient, bacterial.
Can you summarise the differences between pre, pro and post- biotics and how they can benefit the skin?
Probiotics are just another name for good bacteria. The ones used in cosmetic products are not live anymore so your products are stable and can be kept for more than two weeks. Prebiotics are nutriment for your good bacteria, and we use a lot of them in Gallinée, to nourish your own microbiome. Postbiotics are beneficial products of good bacteria, such as lactic acid. We also use a lot of them in Gallinée. There’s a real synergy from using the three together – they will protect the skin, lower inflammation, repair the skin barrier and balance the good bacteria on the skin, pushing away the bacteria responsible for acne and eczema.
If we were stranded on a desert island, what three Gallineé products do we absolutely need and why?
The Cleansing Bar for sure, it’s so multi-tasking. And then I’d say the Face Vinegar and the Face Oil. To repair the skin after all the sea, salt and sun damage.
We love to get insider knowledge from the experts, so go on, spill! What does your skincare routine look like?
It’s a lot of Gallinée products! I have reactive skin, and sometimes I feel like I developed the brand just so that I can have a routine. In the evening I wash my face with the Cleansing Bar, apply a good thick layer of eye cream, a mix of Face Cream and Youthful Serum and finish with a lot of our Prebiotic Face Oil. In the morning I try not to wash my face, just use water. And then I apply a splash of Vinegar, Eye Cream, a mix of Face Cream + Youthful Serum, and a bit less Prebiotic Face Oil. I don’t use foundation, so if my skin looks a bit dull during the day I apply a bit of Face Vinegar for an instant coup d’éclat.
What would be your holy grail product for summer and why?
The Face Vinegar. When it’s warm I use it as a light moisturiser and it works quite well as a body toner and a deodorant, too. A truly multi-tasking product.
Innovation is at the forefront of Gallineé, what new innovations are you most excited about?
Microbiome Science is really bubbling at the moment, with a lot of major discoveries in medicine, but also in skincare. I’m very into the gut-skin axis, and how probiotics and your gut microbiome can help reduce inflammation in your skin.
French skincare brands are having a moment, why do you think that is?
I think they tap into two big trends of the coming years: Minimalism and efficacy. French pharmacy brands are also quite affordable, which doesn’t hurt.
What are your tips for skincare newcomers looking for products that work for them?
Start with cleansing. Our cleansing products are both efficient and super gentle, so you can use them even if your skin is prone to eczema. That’s half of a good routine done already.
Face Vinegar is your number one best seller, why should we be adding vinegar to our skin routines?
Because it makes a lot of sense! Vinegar is a postbiotic and will help bring your skin to the right pH. It’s a gentle exfoliant and helps with imperfections. It has to be well-formulated though, so be careful with DIY concoctions.
Beauty Quick Fire
Prebiotics or Postbiotics?
Tough one. We overload our products with both, but I think I have a soft spot for prebiotics. I’m a feeder by nature and I love the idea of nourishing our little microbiome.
Skincare or Haircare?
Impossible to choose. I’m obsessed with both, when formulating products or when using them as a consumer. Skincare done well can really change people’s lives, and the products we develop at Gallinée are so innovative that it makes them really special. But on the other hand, I am obsessed with hair and the way we mistreat it usually. I bleach mine so I’m the worst example, but that’s why I developed our scalp care range. It’s a totally new angle on how to care for your hair, and I’m quite proud of it.
Cleansing bar or Foaming Facial Cleanser?
It’s like picking your favourite kid. But I have to say I’m partial to the Cleansing Bar, as it was so hard to create. I also travel a lot and it’s perfect for that: it’s not a liquid so doesn’t take up room in your little bag, and I sometimes use it as a solid shampoo.
AHAs or BHAs?
AHAs. I’m so obsessed with Lactic Acid, the gentlest of AHAs, that we put it in all Gallinée products. Its molecular structure also appears on all Gallinée packaging.
Double or Single Cleanse?
Single all the way. Microbiome beauty is a lot about how we clean too much, and the damage it does to our skin.
Vitamin C or Vitamin A?
Vitamin A, the science is better.
Oils or Creams?
I’m changing with age, I never used oils before, but my skin gets drier as I get older, and squalene has been a game-changer.
Toner or Essence?
Toner, preferably with vinegar in!
The one thing you’d never leave the house without?
The Mouth & Microbiome supplement. I have one box in each bag or coat I own so I’m never without it.