BeautyTalks with Karen Ballou, Immunocologie Founder

How important is the science behind Immunocologie products? Tell us more about it!

Our science is what makes us different. We power our products with the earth and we use the richest of all earth clays, French Green Clay. Our patented technology and science together combine the clay with water creating an Ionic Exchange where we are creating a negative charge through the process. This combination is how our science is unique and powerful to Immunocologie. Used in each formulafor amazing and effective results by bringing energy to the cells when combining ingredients with science.

We call this our Vital Oligo Science which means, the study of the science of the minerals that are vital to our body, Now how they are effective and can be beneficial to all skin types absorbed by skin. Immunocologie’s patented delivery system works on the premise of the ion exchange through which clay's ions and minerals interact with an environment, optimizing how our formulas are absorbed and utilized by the skin. The mineral content supports the skin barrier too, helping it maintain a healthy microbiome that defends against inflammatory stressors.

It’s also the science of intuitive formulations. We use biomimicry to replenish depleted minerals in a way that gets them exactly where they need to go, to do the most good for skin.

Tell us the backstory behind Immunocologie!

Driven to improve skin health—a lifelong passion, and a necessity. Midway through my career as a beauty executive, master and celebrity esthetician, and educator, I found myself up against an unthinkable battle: cancer. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, I underwent chemotherapy. Treatment took a toll on my skin, and on my journey back to health, I became increasingly passionate about skin immunity.

That’s when Immunocologie was born. Built on the belief that the stronger skin is, the better it functions—vibrant, youthful, clear, and radiant.

“Chemotherapy treatment comprised my skin and in an effort to find a skincare solution to improve the health of my skin I realized there was no such product in the market.”

How do Immunocologie ingredients help shape skin health?

Clean, conscientious—ingredients packed with purpose.

Our plant and mineral-based ingredients are all-natural and cold-pressed to extract the maximum amount of their nutritional value. Every Immunocologie product that touches your skin is free of toxins, extra fillers, synthetic fragrances, and harmful culprits like phthalates, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and the like. Every ingredient is chosen to do the most good for skin.

Share with us how you believe the introduction of sustainable beauty options has affected the market and consumers. It disrupted the market because sustainable beauty had never been a part of the market. It was not considered worthwhile.

From the start, Immunocologie made it our mission to be as sustainable as possible and with time we have been able to increase our efforts and our impact on the planet improving our carbon footprint.

This year Immunocologie began working with bluebirdclimate.com in an effort to do even more. Bluebird is a software platform that makes it easy to measure, improve, and communicate the sustainability of your products, allowing you to strengthen your brand by confidently telling your sustainability story.

We feel sustainability is a must and it will continue to be relevant to consumers.

What is the inspiration behind the name Immunocologie?

During my battle with cancer, I became increasingly interested in skin immunity. Chemotherapy treatment comprised my skin and in an effort to find a skincare solution to improve the health of my skin I realized there was no such product in the market. It was then that I decided to develop my own skincare that would support skin immunity and restore the radiance and vibrancy of my skin. Using science that rebalances the skin’s microbiome, so skin is stronger, more resilient, glowing.

In what ways does Immunocologie give back?

Immunocologie gives back in many ways. Every year we donate a portion of our proceeds to the Cancer Cartel whose mission is to provide Financial Resources & Relief to those fighting Cancer. Combining a passion for Fashion & Beauty with funding for people fighting Cancer.

Immunocologie is excited to be partnering with World Wellness Weekend 2022, joining 4,000 venues in over 140 countries to empower wellness and health to millions of people through fun, free & meaningful wellness activities.

It’s also important to me that the brand engages in sustainable practices. This year we began working with Bluebird Climate, their platform helps us measure, monitor and suggest ways to improve the carbon footprint of our product.

How has your beauty routine changed over time?

My routine hasn't really changed but I have improved it because I take it seriously and I am conscious of my routine.

I have always believed in the preventive care for skin which is maintenance and corrective care for when things change and you have to be more aggressive with you skincare routine and not forget or be to lax and not do. An easy night time routine for me is best and so important...this why I use the Oxygen Treatment Creme as a 2-3 times a week as in important ritual...I clean my skin with my gentle cleansing lotion use warm water to cold water for added circulation and an overall healthy step for the skin...mist with Vital Mist to add more hydration it's like a drink for the skin with all the 12 essential minerals our skin needs for our largest organ our skin. Then I apply the Oxygen Treatment Creme all over my face and neck.. for cellular turnover while I sleep...I love how it feels on my skin when you first apply it, you can feel it working. The magnesium, glycolic acid, lactic acid and snail mucin they bring a brightness and energizes my cells like a reboot in the morning when I rinse with cool water, voila! My skin is ready and beautiful for my serums and moisturizer... and I am ready for the day. When I don't do the Oxygen treatment I am doing a cleanse with the vital Clay mask, mist and moisturize with my active serum under the moisturizer. This routine has really changed the way I treat my skin daily and has been my lifesaver to healthy beautiful skin that I wouldn't get from any other products! So this is how I have changed my routine and yet at my age still do preventive care while working on hydrating and plumping the skin for younger looking skin and work on the areas that need corrective care because you do see skin change with age, embrace it but it's very clear you have to do your own self care to keep up with beautiful skin and that's exactly what I do for glowing skin.

What are your go-to Immunocologie products?

My go to products are the vital clay mask, vital ionic mist, super 7 elixir serum, and face serum oil.

The microbiome works to protect the skin's health. Supporting the microbiome starts at the source: products that work for, not against, your skin.

Our vital clay mask and our vital ionic mist are core to our skincare line.

Vital Clay Mask:
Our Vital Clay Mask is a nourishing, hydrating face mask which leverages our proprietary French green clay blend with 12 essential minerals to purify, detox, and support a healthy microbiome. The non-drying formula draws out pollutants and excess oil, while anti-inflammatory

Vital Ionic Mist:
Our vital ionic mist is a refreshing, detoxifying facial toner spray to restore radiance and skin wellness. This hydrating mist features French Green Clay water in its truest form—with essential minerals suspended in ionized water for concentrated benefits. Soothing formula helps reduce redness and inflammation. Works beautifully to improve the absorption and performance of other products, or create glow on its own.

Super 7 Elixir Serum:
This powerhouse serum leverages Vital Oligo Science to address the seven major signs of aging: fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, dryness, dehydration, uneven skin tone and texture. Ultra-reparative formula with French Green Clay, elastin and collagen-stimulating snail mucin, brightening hibiscus esculentus fruit extract, and fatty-acid rich desert date seed oil works to restore a more youthful appearance to skin. Skin looks brighter, firmer, and radiant, with a more even complexion and texture overall.

Face Serum:
This luxe dry oil serum combines nutrient-rich botanicals to plump, smooth, and deeply nourish skin. Formulated with desert date oil and shea seed butter extract to regenerate and moisturize skin, as it softens and smooths away fine lines and wrinkles. Skin looks firmer, more supple, with an all-over radiance.

Tell us about the benefits of Immunocologie’s Ear Seeds!

I have my signature facial that is based on working around the ears and the pressure points that effective the body so yo add to the experience I started using ear seeds to enhance the experience. As an esthetician I realized how much they enhanced the overall facial experience so I decided to offer them as part of the Immuncologie collection. Ear seeds are stickers placed along your pressure points on the outside of your ear that can support a variety of issues both physical and emotional such as stress, balance and mindfulness and more.

“Creating good products that work has always been part of my journey and helping others be the best they can be…”

How does Immunocologie source their ingredients?

French green clay is the key ingredient found in all of our products. This clay removes skin impurities, encourages circulation and calms inflammation. It is also rich in calcium, magnesium, silica, phosphorus, copper & zinc which support skin health. It also supports the microbiome using skin’s own immunity to improve skin health.

Moreover, we engage in sustainable partnerships with communities in which we work. In Burkina Faso, for example, where many of our ingredients are sourced, we’ve cultivated relationships with local business owners that help develop the long-term growth of their operations. We make sure that each action has a regenerative impact—like replanting the fruits and plants we harvest, which respects natural ecosystems and integrates the economic, social, and political dimensions of human life.

What is your most memorable moment with Immunocologie?

Most memorable moment was when I saw all the products lined up and I could say with each one why they were important to the skin. Creating good products that work has always been part of my journey and helping others be the best they can be and I know I have achieved that with every product, I am so proud of them.

Besides Immunocologie, what are you passionate about?

I have always been committed to brands that empower and support female leadership and their positive advancement. This year I was honored in Dress for Success Worldwide 2022 Your Hour Her Power campaign, an initiative that addresses the $800B in wages lost to women due to the pandemic.

Dress for Success is a global nonprofit with a mission to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

I am also passionate about supporting women worldwide. Our products source ingredients from Burkina Faso– where we work with local communities and help women to provide for their families. We make sure that each action has a regenerative impact—like replanting the fruits and plants we harvest, which respects natural ecosystems and integrates the economic, social, and political dimensions of human life.