Kroger launches Mirra skincare line, get $5 off

It's not every day a supermarket chain introduces its own line of skincare products. But Kroger is defying convention with Mirra, a line of skincare products now available only at at Kroger stores. The line uses all natural ingredients and features products for hair, skin and body.

And you'll get $5 off the purchase of any two Mirra products with this coupon.

Private label or store brands have been holding their own in the recession, according to the Private Label Manufacturers Association, a trade group that tracks growth and trends. According to Nielsen data collected for PLMA, dollar sales of private label health and beauty products grew roughly 7.5% last year at supermarkets, even as sales of national brands declined 2%.

When it comes to organic and natural products, companies are still introducing private label products in spite of the recession. Much of the research and development was begun prior to the downturn and companies don't walk away from that lightly, in spite of a shift to more value conscious shopping. A store brand with an eco-friendly angle like Mirra plays up a couple of strong trends right now in retailing.

Heck, even H&M has a new skincare line -- body lotion, hand cream and body scrubs -- made with certified organic ingredients called The Garden Collection. The product line complements H&M's similarly named line of sustainable fashion. There are even carrying cases for the lotions, but no coupons.