Skincare has evolved due to the popularization of key ingredients that promote hydration, brightening, and healing. Asian skincare cultures like K-beauty and J-beauty have led the way in making Asian beauty options more accessible in the Western market.

 

But aside from influencing Western culture, I’m proud to say that Filipino beauty brands are able to keep up and step up. Several new brands, though not widely known yet are successfully catering to various skin types.

 

A brief overview of traditional Filipino skincare routine and its origins.

 

As you know, the Spanish colonized the Philippines for over 300 years, and with it came an infinite number of repercussions. Over time, it shaped the way we perceive European and Filipino physical features.

 

Sadly, the latter’s features became the socially “appealing” norm: tall, fair to light skin tones, higher nose bridges, light or brown hair, and colored eyes due to intermarriages resulting in what we call “mestizo” features.

 

These became associated with higher social status leading to lasting and more favorable beauty standards that are preferable to Filipinos today.

 

 

So how did these beauty ideals shape Filipino skincare culture?

 

I know you didn’t come here to learn about history, but to give you a better context, let me try to explain as shortly as I can:

 

Spanish Era Influence:

• • After the elite mestizos popularized lighter skin as a beauty standard in the Spanish Era, we were introduced to Western beauty products like cold creams and soaps from the U.S.

Introduction of Local Brands:

• • And then came local brands like Eskinol and Pond’s Philippines where they primarily focused on cleansing and whitening.

The Rise of Dermatologist-Backed Skincare:

• • From the 90s-2000s more Filipino brands entered the market offering dermatologist-backed skincare like Belo Essentials and Celeteque.

However, there are also well-known brands that use prevalent “whitening” ingredients with the promise of lighter (than normal) facial and body complexions such as papaya extracts, Kojic acid, and glutathione – not that these ingredients are generally terrible, especially for people who suffer from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), but it’s generally seen as stripping and bleaching by some consumers due to wide misuse for all the wrong reasons, and without sun protection!

 

Oh, the horror. But it’s not just about whitening.

 

Due to the tropical climate that we live in, it’s become a common problem among Filipinos how to resolve oily skin and achieve that flawless base by getting rid of acne as fast as possible. Hence the use of alcohol-based products and strong exfoliants without proper advice on frequency of usage combined with the ignorance of sun protection. Leading to more harm than prevention.

 

With time, Filipino skincare has embraced global beauty trends while maintaining its unique identity.

 

So, what’s changed?

 

Fast forward to recent times,

 

With the global trends of dominant beauty cultures such as:

 

• • K-beauty’s multi-step skincare rituals and layering routines to achieve the famous “glass skin”, even-toned look.

• • J-beauty’s strong emphasis on preventive anti-aging routines such as daily SPF protection and thorough cleansing using cleansing oils.

• • Western clinical approach by treating skin issues with active ingredients rather than ritualistic habits.

I wish I could say that gone are the days when Filipinos glamorized the “bleaching” practices, but we’re only a couple of steps past this mentality.

 

Nonetheless, several brands (some of which are start-ups in the sector) are already taking that step to redefine the way we view Filipino beauty standards through inclusive formulations.

 

They provide products that gently treat your skin with a culturally attuned approach and implement sustainable practices. Each one specializes in different ingredients and methods, depending on your skin’s needs.

 

 

How does Filipino skincare stand out?

 

Aside from the perfect demographic of thriving Filipino communities around the world, I believe that affordable skincare products from the Philippines can become a new segment of the diverse Asian skincare culture that might be suitable for just about anyone in any part of the world.

 

As a country that’s rich in naturally sourced ingredients, local Filipino skincare brands are blending plant-based extracts and even fruit enzymes with modern actives for a well-rounded skincare routine. Many of our local products can work for most skin types and abolish overly stripping ingredients and routines.

 

Here are examples of what we can offer along with the corresponding ingredients that can be sourced in the Philippines:

 

• • Brightening & Hyperpigmentation Care – papaya enzymes, calamansi, and rice ferment.

• • Hydration & Barrier Repair – our famous virgin coconut oil, aloe vera, seaweed extract, pili oil, and honey.

• • Oil Control & Acne Treatment –  tea tree oil, guava leaf extract, bentonite clay, and witch hazel.

• • Anti-Aging & Skin Renewal – gotu kola, grapeseed oil, rice bran oil, and elemi oil.

• • Soothing & Anti-inflammatory – mamaku black fern, annatto extract, cucumber, and borak paste.

Are Filipino skincare products worth your money?

 

Many of these ingredients are suitable for different climates while also providing nourishment. A lot of our recently known brands make use of multi-functional products like hydrating sunscreens, brightening moisturizers, and soothing serums in one step, an ultimate advantage when saving money and trying to nail multiple concerns in a single product.

 

In case you’re looking for effective and natural skincare that supports both traditional and modern beauty science while being sustainable and cruelty-free, a lot of Filipino brands could be your go-to.

 

So you see, Filipino skincare is more than just keeping up with the beauty trends, it’s becoming a blend of heritage, science, and sustainability. With a growing emphasis on science-backed formulations and natural ingredients, Filipino skincare is carving its own space in the global beauty industry.

 

We are slowly offering solutions for all skin types and stepping away from the extremes of harsh exfoliation and over-layering.

 

Ready to explore these brands and their products? You can find some of my recommendations here.