Farm to Face

Preservative-free skincare line Kleos and Klea is cleansing and nourishing from Earth’s bounty.

By Danaë Petsimeris 

Tammy Demos, founder of the skincare brand Kleos and Klea, grew up in a home with a large garden that provided much of the food on her dinner plate. Her earliest memories of working with plants are those she traces back to her Greek roots and the summers she spent with her grandmother. Over coffee—while she’s in Santa Barbara for an event with Palma Colectiva—Tammy fondly recalls her grandmother’s bath preparation tradition: “She would collect pine cones from the cypress tree, melt them, and make soap from them.” It’s safe to say her grandmother’s way with plants was passed down to Tammy. 

Founder Tammy Demos

Over the years Tammy spent working in the beauty industry, she started to witness changes in her skin. Despite adjusting her diet and environment, and using high-end products, her skin issues persisted (sensitivity, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and melasma). Her concern for her skin health, coupled with her awareness of the use of preservatives across a wide range of skincare products, led her back to plants and uncovering their natural benefits. 

Deciding to experiment, Tammy set aside all of her usual products, purchased an aloe vera plant, and applied cuttings from it directly to her skin. The results were immediate: “Aloe vera creates collagen and elastin. It heals the barrier of the epidermis; if you have a burn it’s an incredible remedy for that,” she explains. This moment sparked something in her. Seeing how effective aloe was, Tammy began experimenting with other plants and crafting her own formulas. Her curiosity deepened into a passion: she started studying plant-based healing, diving into books and expanding her knowledge of gardening. The power of plants paved a new path for her.

As a French woman, taking care of my skin is second nature and the basis of being able to achieve a healthy and natural look. I had remained loyal to the same skincare brands, reluctant to try anything new. That changed when I discovered the magic of Kleos and Klea. The brand is more than just skincare, it offers a ritual—one that invites you to slow down, care for yourself, and nourish your skin with the pure elements of the Earth. 

Kleos and Klea offers a regimen composed of four carefully crafted steps, each represented by a distinct product. Just touching the refined bottles is a sensory thrill. Step one is the Nutrient Cleanser, AKATHA—a powdered formula that strengthens, brightens, and deeply hydrates the skin. Infused with grape skin extract for radiance and hawthorn berries for moisture, it’s a gentle exfoliator made from coconut coir. There’s a light scrub to it, but no harshness—it polishes without irritating. AKATHA carries a warm, nutty scent that’s both grounding and earthy. With Kleos and Klea, you become your own chemist. You activate the cleanser by adding water directly to the powder in your palm, customizing the texture to what feels right for your skin. 

The second step is the Essential Minerals, IÓ—a liquid that helps build collagen, supports the skin’s barrier, and optimizes overall skin health. IÓ harnesses nature’s most powerful skin secret: minerals. It contains fulvic and humic acids derived from prehistoric plant matter—an ancient, potent source of over 77 trace minerals. These are blended into a fragrant base of rose petals and orange rind, creating a refreshing mist that’s entirely natural and free of synthetic additives. Even those with highly sensitive skin can enjoy it without irritation. The formulation’s pH has been carefully adjusted to prevent bacterial growth, allowing the minerals to remain stable and effective. Spraying it on feels like a mini spa escape. It’s a must-have, especially for travel—Tammy always carries it on flights to combat the dehydrating effects of cabin air. 

The third step is the essential vitamins found in ÓNISI. This powdered formula transforms into a serum with just a touch of water. It’s a vitamin-rich blend made from eleven plants, including acerola cherry, gotu kola, sea buckthorn, and banana. The powder format eliminates the need for preservatives—and allows for easy global shipping. The final step is the Balancing Oil, PRIMA ROSA. It hydrates the skin and is my personal favorite. Lightweight and effective, it leaves my skin soft and glowing. When I apply it at night, I wake up with skin that feels sealed and nourished.

Tammy has a deep connection with nature. In conversation, her awareness of her surroundings is clear. As we are sitting at a café, she points out a nearby plant and says, “You have this amazing succulent by your side. The purple color on the plant, this pigment, is polyphenol. It’s an antioxidant that protects the plant from the sun.” Her understanding and trust in nature has allowed Kleos and Klea to become the first step—well, four steps—towards healthier skin.