Beauty Boss: KORRES Co-Founder Lena Philippou Korres Shares the Story Behind the Sustainable Greek Skincare Brand, Its Innovative Ingredients, and More
Lena Philippou Korres.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Lena Philippou Korres, Co-founder of KORRES—a sustainable Greek-pharmacy skincare brand. A Greek-born chemical engineer, she embraced the pharmacy’s knowledge and deep understanding of plants, and alongside founder Giorgos Korres, worked to bottle up the potency of Greek nature in formulations that could address a variety of skin concerns from dryness and aging to dark spots and menopausal skin.
For the last 25 years, KORRES has seamlessly blended powerful Greek ingredients with advanced science for visible, lasting results that can be seen and felt. The company’s first product was an herbal syrup based on a traditional family recipe from Giorgos’ homeland, the island of Naxos. Since then, they have successfully brought together the potency of diverse Greek flora with the unique local traditions through innovative natural formulations.
Working with local farmers to extract active ingredients from organic plants that are cultivated for KORRES, the brand is dedicated to promoting Greek nature while responsibly utilizing its resources. Their products feature a wide range of innovative ingredients such as Greek yoghurt, Olympus tea, Black Pine, Santorini grape, and more.
We chatted with Lena who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, best advice, and much more.
KORRES Pure Greek Olive collection features an assortment of body care products with pure Greek olive oil that nourish and hydrate skin.
When was KORRES founded and what does the name mean?
KORRES was founded in 1996 in Athens, Greece. The name comes from the Korres Apothecary, Athens’ first homeopathic apothecary, named after our co-founder Giorgos Korres’ family name!
What inspired the creation of your brand?
The brand was born out of our deep love for nature, science, and our Greek heritage. It all started in the KORRES Apothecary, where we explored the power of natural ingredients through 3,000 herbal remedies.
Our expertise of the power of natural ingredients sets us apart—the goal was always to create effective, natural skincare formulas that are clean, clinically proven, and rooted in Greek botanicals.
Do you have a hero product?
Our Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser is undoubtedly our most iconic product. It’s a multitasking cleanser that deeply cleanses pores, removes makeup, and nourishes the skin barrier with proteins and pre- and probiotics.
Our product assortment is vast, but we’re known for our Greek Yoghurt skincare—KORRES is the only brand globally that uses real, edible Greek Yoghurt in skincare formulas.
Favorite products from the brand?
As Chief Innovation Officer, this question is like choosing a favorite child! But I always go back to our Black Pine skincare made for firming and lifting. Black Pine Sculpt + Lift Serum has transformed my skin. The immediate contouring effects are game-changing. I never travel without it.
Where are your products sold?
You can shop KORRES on our website or visit our flagship NYC store. We're also available online at Sephora, Ulta, Revolve, Amazon, and more. Globally, KORRES is sold in over 50 countries!
KORRES Black Pine collection features potent Black Pine formulas powered by 4D BIO-SHAPELIFT™ technology that help to reveal firmer, lifted skin.
Future plans?
We’re expanding our Black Pine range with Black Pine Primus, a next-generation wrinkle-defying line powered by our proprietary YouthRePro technology. At the same time, we continue to push sustainability forward with our Full Circle™ process, ensuring every step—from sourcing to recycling—is as responsible as possible.
Who inspires you?
My all-female R&D team. Every day, I watch these brilliant women support each other, tackle challenges with passion, and push boundaries in beauty science—all while finding moments to laugh along the way.
Secret to success?
Resilience. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about skills—it’s about handling uncertainty, believing in your vision through challenges, and staying true to your mission. When your purpose is clear, you can navigate uncertainty and attract great people to join you.
KORRES Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream keeps skin dewy and hydrated with pre and probiotic-rich Greek yoghurt.
Beauty secrets?
A very generous amount of Santorini Grape Velvet Skin Drink when flying will save your skin. But beyond skincare, confidence and kindness are the best beauty enhancers—they show on your skin more than any product ever could.
Wellness tips?
I swim in the Aegean Sea year-round, no matter the weather. Something about taking my daily dive is both invigorating and grounding.
Best advice?
Start with a clear proposition and mission. What is your dream? Why do you want to create this business, and how will it help people? When your vision is clear, you can push through uncertainty, failure, and growth challenges with confidence.
How do you like to relax?
I always keep beach volleyballs in the trunk of my car—just in case. The sea, the sun, and quality time with friends and family heal everything.
For more information about KORRES, visit their website and follow on Instagram: @korres
[Images courtesy of KORRES]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk