Affordable local skincare that’s worth the hype
It’s no secret that K-beauty shaped the skincare habits of many Filipinos. From glass-skin trends to multi-step routines, we’ve embraced Korean products with enthusiasm, often hoping to achieve the same clear and glowing skin they promised. However, while our focus remained on international brands, the Philippine skincare industry quietly evolved with local versions that match our step-by-step routines.
Local skincare must-haves
Filipino formulators began creating products designed specifically for our tropical environment. The result? Skincare that’s more innovative, accessible, and effective than ever.
Here is your complete local skincare routine, step-by-step—featuring the latest local products.
1. Cleanser: Klued PH Cleanser
A refreshing gel wash perfect for humid weather. It cleans without stripping, making it ideal for oily and combination skin.
2. Toner: Popique Take a Sip Multi-Peptide Toning Essence
A lightweight, hydrating essence powered by peptides to boost moisture, improve elasticity, and prep the skin for the next steps.
3. Mist: Saipo Holy Hydra Hydrating Mist
A cooling, hydrating mist designed for the Philippine climate. It revives skin during commutes, hot afternoons, or anytime you need a quick refresh.
4. Serum
• Lana PH Hydrating Elixir: A lightweight formula that deeply hydrates while helping reduce acne, redness, and post-acne marks, while also supporting skin elasticity
• Hyaloo White Truffle Serum Spray: A serum-mist hybrid for fast, fuss-free hydration. White truffle delivers antioxidants and essential nutrients for a healthy glow. It’s an affordable alternative to d’Alba’s White Truffle First Spray Serum
• Ellana Even Skin Serum: Targets dark spots and uneven texture—common concerns for sun-exposed Filipino skin. Helps improve clarity with consistent use
5. Moisturizer
• Popique Seal It Up Multi-Peptide Water Cream: A cooling, water-based cream that gets absorbed quickly. Peptides support barrier repair, making it a great staple for hot, humid days
• Saipo Calm Me Maybe Soothing Water Gel: A lightweight gel moisturizer that calms irritation and redness. With glycerin and centella, it hydrates, brightens, and supports healing—ideal for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin
6. SPF: Luxelle Centella Sun Serum
A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen infused with niacinamide, centella asiatica, and squalene. It protects from UV rays while brightening and improving elasticity.
7. Lip care
• Detail Cosmetics Lip Balm: A lightweight tinted balm that adds moisture and a natural wash of color without feeling heavy. It comes in several shades, making it a great local alternative to Rhode’s lip tints.
• Popique Lip Peptide: A nourishing lip treatment that hydrates and subtly plumps. Great for nightly repair or as a glossy daytime option.
Why supporting local skincare matters and how we can help it grow
As the Filipino beauty scene continues to rise, it’s clear that our local makeup brands are already getting the attention they deserve—earning awards, going viral, and standing confidently beside international labels. If our makeup can make noise, why shouldn’t our skincare follow?
The truth is, local skincare has long been underestimated, often overshadowed by the hype of imported formulas and catchy Korean trends. But this mindset comes at a cost: we overlook products created for our heat, humidity, and skin realities. No 10-step routine from a winter country can outsmart a Manila afternoon.
Supporting local skincare isn’t just a patriotic checkbox because it’s a practical choice. It also means shifting the mindset we’ve carried for years—the habit of chasing fair skin or choosing foreign brands because we believe they can make us lighter, and the long-standing notion that lighter is somehow better. It’s time we embrace our natural skin tones and champion products made for them.
After all, Filipino skin doesn’t need to be lighter; it needs to be understood, cared for, and celebrated by brands that know it best.
How do we help? Start small. Choose a local toner over a trending import, share honest reviews of the products you love, and talk about them with the same excitement we give international brands. Encourage friends and family to explore what homegrown skincare can offer.
The more we uplift Filipino products, the more the industry can innovate and grow—allowing our own beauty standards to finally take center stage.
