Wellness brand harnesses power of science, natural ingredients
There are two things Gen Zs look for when it comes to health and beauty products, according to Watsons Philippines group brand manager Michel Mose.
“When they buy a product, they want it to be meaningful, they want to be responsible,” she said. “However, they are also looking for value for money that translates to active ingredients that have effective functional benefits.”
The “skinification” movement has reached the shelves at Watsons Stores with the introduction of its revamped Naturals by Watsons line. Harnessing the power of science to boost natural-origin ingredients, the expanded range of hair and body care products that include blood orange, tea tree, sakura, and ginger are now infused with potent skin actives that help make the formulations even more effective and safe from head to toe.
Having debunked the myth of “natural equals not effective,” Watsons is now pushing the envelope further with the help of science, said senior brand manager Katrine Salvador.
“We’ve specifically chosen skincare actives that will best help our product become even more effective. For example, tea tree was combined with peptide. So this peptide will help further enhance its clarifying benefits,” she added.
Dermatologically tested
Skin actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, ceramides, and peptides have been dermatologically tested and proven to help boost the natural ingredients in Naturals to generate better results.
Explaining that scalp is skin, aesthetic dermatologist Dr. Nina Monterola said that “when we neglect it, we experience dryness, oiliness, and irritation.”
“The scalp is rich in sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and [it also] has a unique microbiome. If we disrupt this balance, we experience inflammation, hair loss, and dullness,” she added, saying that Naturals has chosen five powerful ingredients to benefit the hair.
Hyaluronic acid, being a humectant, seals in moisture, reduces frizz, plumps up dry hair strands to add more volume, and makes the scalp less prone to dryness and irritation.
A natural lipid in hair cuticles, ceramide reduces transepidermal water loss, seals in moisture to fight dryness, and protects against breakage and split ends. “Think of it as a glue that makes our hair stronger and more protected,” she said. “And it adds that healthy shine to the hair. So if you have brittle or dry hair, ceramide can bring it back to life.”
Building block
Peptides, meanwhile, is one of Monterola’s favorite ingredients. The tiny amino acids or building blocks of protein boost circulation of the hair follicle delivering ingredients. “It supports collagen and elastin for stronger hair,” she shared. “Some forms of peptides also reduce inflammation, fight dandruff, and can block DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone linked to hair loss.”
According to her, niacinamide isn’t just for acne or whitening. “For the scalp, it regulates oil production, reduces irritation, and strengthens the hair by boosting keratin. Also, it’s very lightweight; it hydrates without being greasy.”
Finally, retinol exfoliates the scalp by removing dead skin cells, product buildup, and excess oil. “It also allows better penetration of other ingredients and it boosts collagen production,” she added.
“When we pair these five powerful actives with plant-based botanicals, we can get functional targeted benefits,” she explained. “For example, the famous argan and ceramide repairs hair damage and seals in moisture. Olive and ceramide deeply moisturize and restore scalp health. Coffee and peptides together boost circulation to fight hair fall.”
“This shows that when we blend nature and science, we are able to achieve visible real results,” she said.
Sticking to Watsons’ commitment to do more not only for their customers but also for the environment, the all-new Naturals by Watsons products are packed in refillable bottles made of 100 percent ocean-bound plastics, said marketing manager Cha Maglalang-Aranas.
Salvador explained that the empty bottles can be purchased in the stores, but they have three refilling stations—inside Watsons branches in SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, and Pacita Complex—where people can replenish five variants of shampoos using their old, clean bottles and save around P100.
“We’re looking at ways on how to expand it,” she said, sharing their plans on extending to the Visayas-Mindanao area. “To be honest, more and more people are noticing it, but not everyone is willing to try it yet. So it really would need some educational materials and really encouraging them to try it, and to continuously do it.”
“It’s a movement,” she added.
