26.01.2022

CHAT WITH KENZA KELLER, founder of TALM

We met with Kenza Keller, mother of two, successful entrepreneur and founder of the TALM (To All the Mamas) brand

Talm a new line of French cosmetics available exclusively at Senteurs d’Ailleurs. The young woman chose to leave a well-established professional career in luxury cosmetics to launch her own responsible skincare products for pregnant women, for young mothers before, during and after pregnancy, and for all women in general.  

In what context did you create TALM?

Kenza Keller: During my first pregnancy (in 2018), I was wondering what I could use on my skin without causing any harm to my baby. Like many women, I was overwhelmed by the unique world of motherhood and its universality. Pregnancy inevitably brings its share of questions and concerns related to the changing body. I was working in the beauty industry at the time (Editor’s note: Kenza Keller worked for more than ten years in luxury cosmetics, notably at LVMH, Hermès and Byredo), and I found it very difficult to find cosmetics that were truly reassuring, free of active ingredients or ingredients that are controversial, questionable or unsuitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as certain essential oils, alcohol, mineral oils, hormone disruptors, artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabens, phenoxyethanol, etc. Consequently, I spent a lot of energy trying to decipher the compositions and ingredient lists of products on the market, without ever coming across a simple, reliable source of information. At the same time, I also wanted to treat myself, to have products that looked pretty in my bathroom rather than a bottle with ‘stretch marks’ emblazoned on it! (Laughs!) Very soon I realised that there are too few products suited to pregnancy and post-partum. That’s how TALM was born, through a quest to reconcile all these factors: safety above all and efficiency to accompany the changing body, but also a quest for beauty, without harming the environment.

We tend to think that organic essential oils can do nothing but good, though…

We would be wrong! Some essential oils and other active ingredients that are entirely natural can be harmful. Peppermint essential oil, for example, is not to be used at any stage of pregnancy. This is also the case for lavender and all fruit acids. In fact, we cannot simply say that natural equals safe. /p>

Which is why you created this specialist range of cosmetics, designed by a mama for all mamas…

Exactly. I thought, ‘our generation needs to pave the way in asserting our way of being a mother.’ It took me two years alongside expert toxicologists in a laboratory in the south of France to develop this range of products that meets extremely demanding specifications. In 2019, I was pregnant with my second child, and I could try everything on myself. I was the first to test my future products!

What are the specifications?

The products are all certified cosmos organic, are vegan and cruelty-free, and made in France. 100% ‘mama safe’! The formulas (patented) are very effective (hydration, firmness, elasticity…), but also pleasant with products that have a fresh, discreet scent (editor’s note: a smell of cut flower stalks and soft cotton), with the greatest possible consideration for the environment. With a bias towards traceable and locally sourced ingredients, and a preference for packaging that uses compostable, recyclable, biodegradable, and reusable materials. I also wanted TALM to be backed by a scientific committee made up of a midwife, a Doctor of Pharmacy and a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic floor exercises, in order to address the subject of motherhood by allowing women to express themselves without the taboos that surround them (pregnancy, childbirth, sexuality, post-partum).

What does the TALM range include?

It is a care system made up of three complementary galenic forms: oil, balm, and serum. The dry yet velvety texture of the ‘Mega Oil’ (100 ml) brings relief to skin that suffers from hormonal disturbances, bodies that stretch and then become distended, and skin that is tired from sleepless nights. It is composed of organic sweet almond oil, organic argan oil, organic sesame oil, organic sunflower oil and a moisturising, lipid-replenishing, soothing active ingredient that protects against and reduces the signs of pregnancy. The ‘Mega Balm’ (100 ml) is the perfect ally for thirsty, dull, dry skin. Above all, it was designed for targeted use on the body and deeply nourishes the areas that are prone to skin distension and tightness. It is made from of organic sweet almond oil, organic argan oil, organic sesame oil, organic sunflower oil and an active ingredient that is the equivalent of hyaluronic acid. As for the ‘Mega Serum’ (50 ml), its all-in-one formula is perfectly suited to layering with the oil and the balm and multiplies the moisturising and lipid-replenishing effects. It is composed of organic sweet almond oil, organic argan oil, organic sesame oil, organic sunflower oil and an active aloe vera leaf extract for its instant calming and soothing qualities. And I can also announce the arrival (soon) of a small exfoliating body brush made of plant fibres, for light exfoliation prior to applying the products.

The price?

€35 for the serum, €38 for the oil, €39 for the balm. I purposely wanted prices to be affordable.

Can this range of products be used if you’re not pregnant?

Absolutely. Women who want the most advanced skincare products, those who feel that ‘some things have been kept secret’ from them are bound to be interested in TALM. I consider motherhood to be for life.

What’s the best beauty tip you’ve been given and would like to share?

Regularity. I mean, take care of, and prepare your skin at all stages of pregnancy; before the baby bump is even visible and post-partum. It’s also a good idea to alternate between water and oil phases to both nourish deeply and seal in, or ‘encapsulate’, the moisturiser. And drink plenty of water!

Posted in: Cosmetics