Mitten’s exfoliation mitts are modelled after Turkish Hammam Kese, which is used to remove layers of dead skin cells, external impurities like dirt and toxins, and speed up the body’s natural regeneration of new skin cells.
Designed in Australia and made in Turkey, Mitten just requires warm water from a regular shower. The products, which cost around $28 (A$39.90) each, are good for up to 250 washes and can last consumers for five years.
Founder Fiona Theodoropoulos said: “Here’s a product that doesn’t need harsh chemicals, doesn’t use a lot of water, and doesn’t require over-farming. It’s about sustainability and looking after our environment while taking care of our skin,” said Theodoropoulos.
Bath not required
The Australian brand is raring to go, and hopes to expand into Asia by next year. Theodoropoulos told Cosmetics Design Asia that she has her eye on China and Korea.
Even though the two countries have their own bathhouse cultures, Theodoropoulos said that her products offer a way to save time, as her mitts can be used in the shower, in the comfort of home.
“We definitely want to bring Mitten to people who go to bathhouses,” she said. “We are all time poor, and you can have the same experience at home with a beautiful product that will work in under three minutes.”
Complex manufacturing
Currently, Mitten is in talks with a distribution company that is experienced in the Asian markets.
While Theodoropoulos is eager to expand her brand into Asia, one thing she won’t compromise on is the manufacturing of the product. This means looking for the right partner that share her values and mission.
As each exfoliating mitt is custom-made to each skin type and not mass-produced, manufacturing is complex to say the least.
Most mitts are massed produced and pressed to give the rough granular texture, which Theodoropoulos said does not provide proper exfoliation to skin.
To work in synergy with the skin and peel away dead skin without disrupting pH levels or damaging skin, Mitten’s mitts are woven with a custom made floss viscose thread.
During the weaving process, each thread is individually twisted with a special formula for each skin type. This provides the friction needed to exfoliate, without compromising on the softness of the mitt.
Before completion, the fabric is tested for two weeks, during which production stops. “Only when we approve does production continue. If we don’t approve, the first run is obsolete, the fabric is thrown out and we start again from scratch,” explained Theodoropoulos.
Purpose-driven product
Currently, Theodoropoulos is also on working on creating a line of soaps that are made purely from essential oils and are custom made for each skin type.
She hopes to create products that are driven by a purpose, and is not interested in contributing to the over-saturation of products in the market.
“Products are really about purpose and providing a solution to the end-consumer,” said Theodoropoulos. “It’s about giving them one good product, not something they need to buy over and over again.”