Know what's in your routine

A water-soluble form of Vitamin B3 that works with the natural substances in your skin to visibly improve enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and dullness. It strengthens the skin's moisture barrier and reduces inflammation.

A naturally occurring molecule in the body that can hold up to 1,000× its weight in water. As a skincare ingredient it draws moisture from the environment into the skin, providing instant and lasting hydration at multiple skin depths.

The gold-standard anti-aging ingredient. A derivative of Vitamin A that accelerates skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and unclogs pores. Start slow — use 2–3 nights per week and always follow with SPF.

A powerful antioxidant that neutralises free radicals, brightens the complexion, and stimulates collagen synthesis. Look for concentrations between 10–20%. Stabilised forms like ascorbyl glucoside are gentler and more shelf-stable.

An oil-soluble BHA that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells and sebum. The go-to ingredient for acne-prone and oily skin — it exfoliates both the skin surface and inside the pore lining.

Water-soluble acids that work on the skin surface to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin beneath. The AHA family includes glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids — each with different strengths and gentleness.

The smallest and most potent of all the AHAs — it penetrates deepest for the strongest resurfacing effect. Ideal for normal-to-oily skin with thicker texture. Start at 5–8% and build up. Always use SPF the following morning.

A gentle AHA derived from milk that exfoliates the skin surface while simultaneously attracting moisture. It's the best starter acid for sensitive or dry skin, improving texture and tone without the harshness of glycolic acid.

The gentlest of the AHAs — derived from almonds. Its larger molecular size means slower skin penetration, making it ideal for sensitive and darker skin tones as it exfoliates without causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Lipids (fats) that make up about 50% of the skin's outer barrier. They act like the mortar between skin cells, keeping moisture in and irritants out. Essential for anyone with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.

Short chains of amino acids that act as messengers — signalling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. Peptides are the gentler, daytime-friendly alternative to retinol for targeting fine lines and loss of firmness.

A dicarboxylic acid naturally found in grains that targets multiple skin concerns at once. It inhibits melanin production (fading dark spots), kills acne-causing bacteria, and reduces redness associated with rosacea — all while being safe for sensitive skin.

A medicinal herb used for centuries in Asian skincare. Rich in triterpenoids (madecassoside, asiaticoside) that soothe inflammation, accelerate wound healing, and strengthen the skin barrier. The hero of K-beauty recovery products.

A natural, plant-derived alternative to retinol extracted from the babchi plant. Delivers similar anti-aging and brightening results without the irritation, peeling, or photosensitivity. Safe to use morning and night, and during pregnancy.

The single most important step in any skincare routine. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 prevents UV-induced collagen breakdown, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Every other active ingredient works harder when skin is protected from sun damage.

A concentrated skin-brightening agent derived from the bearberry plant. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for melanin production — to fade dark spots and even out skin tone without the risks of hydroquinone.

A natural by-product of the fermentation of sake (Japanese rice wine). One of the most popular brightening agents in Asian skincare — especially in the Philippines. It inhibits melanin synthesis, fading dark spots, melasma, and uneven pigmentation.

Originally a medical clotting agent, tranexamic acid has emerged as one of the most effective topical treatments for melasma and hyperpigmentation. It works by blocking the pathway that triggers excess melanin production following sun exposure or inflammation.

A tripeptide antioxidant produced naturally by the body. Extremely popular in the Philippines as a skin-brightening and anti-oxidant ingredient. It works by switching melanin synthesis from dark eumelanin to lighter phaeomelanin, gradually brightening the complexion while protecting against oxidative stress.

A botanical extract rich in glabridin and liquiritin that brightens, soothes, and evens skin tone. It inhibits tyrosinase (the melanin enzyme) and reduces UV-induced pigmentation while providing powerful anti-inflammatory benefits — making it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin.

A proteolytic enzyme extracted from papaya that gently dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing brighter and smoother skin. A beloved brightening ingredient in Filipino skincare, well-suited to the warm, humid climate and commonly used for even tone and radiance.

Native to the Philippines, calamansi is a small citrus fruit packed with Vitamin C and citric acid. As a skincare ingredient it brightens the complexion, gently exfoliates, and fades dark spots. A cherished local ingredient in PH beauty traditions.

One of the most widely used and effective moisturising ingredients in skincare. Glycerin draws water from the environment and deeper layers of skin into the outer layer, providing immediate and sustained hydration. Works in every product and suits every skin type.

A next-generation hydrating ingredient derived from fermented soybeans that holds up to 5,000× its weight in water — outperforming hyaluronic acid. It also inhibits the breakdown of hyaluronic acid in the skin, making it an excellent partner to HA.

A provitamin of Vitamin B5 that converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, deeply hydrating and helping to repair the skin barrier. It soothes irritation, reduces redness, and is exceptionally gentle — a must-have for post-treatment and compromised skin.

A polysaccharide found in oat and yeast cell walls that forms a protective film on the skin surface, trapping moisture and soothing inflammation. It also stimulates collagen synthesis and has immune-modulating properties that help calm reactive skin.

A lightweight, stable version of squalene — a lipid naturally found in human sebum. It mimics the skin's own oils to deeply moisturise without clogging pores. Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone, with a non-greasy, silky finish.

A dry facial oil pressed from the seeds of wild rose bushes, naturally rich in Vitamins A, C, and E plus linoleic acid. It fades scars, brightens skin tone, and improves elasticity. Unlike heavier oils, it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation and pollution. It also moisturises, soothes, and speeds up the healing of damaged skin. Often paired with Vitamin C to enhance the stability and efficacy of both.

The most effective over-the-counter acne treatment. Benzoyl peroxide kills the acne-causing bacteria P. acnes deep inside pores, reduces inflammation, and gently exfoliates. Start with 2.5–5% — effective with fewer side effects than higher concentrations.

A natural essential oil with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces redness and swelling, and soothes skin. Dilute to 5% for spot treatment; avoid undiluted application which can irritate.

A combination of zinc and PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid — a natural moisturising factor in skin). It regulates sebum production, reduces acne-causing bacteria, and hydrates at the same time. An ideal ingredient for balancing oily and blemish-prone skin without drying it out.

One of the oldest acne treatments used for centuries. Sulfur draws out excess oil, removes dead skin cells, and kills acne-causing bacteria. It's especially effective for cystic acne, fungal acne, and rosacea. Often found in spot treatments and face masks.

A skin conditioning agent naturally found in comfrey plant and synthesised for use in skincare. It accelerates skin cell regeneration, soothes irritation, and softens rough skin. Highly compatible with all other actives — it acts as a buffer to reduce the sting of exfoliating acids.

Finely milled oats that form a protective layer on the skin surface, locking in moisture and shielding against environmental irritants. Clinically proven to relieve itch, redness, and dryness associated with eczema, contact dermatitis, and sensitive skin conditions.

A wild herb sacred in Korean folk medicine and increasingly popular in K-beauty skincare. Rich in flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, mugwort calms redness, soothes irritation, balances the skin microbiome, and gently refines pores — all while being gentle enough for sensitive skin.

One of the most universally beloved skincare plants. Aloe vera gel contains over 75 potentially active compounds including vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, and amino acids. It soothes sunburn, hydrates, reduces inflammation, and supports wound healing.

Rich in polyphenols — especially EGCG — green tea extract is one of the most researched antioxidants in skincare. It neutralises free radicals, reduces UV-induced inflammation, helps regulate sebum, and reduces redness. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also make it beneficial for acne.

Secreted by snails as a natural skin protection mechanism, snail mucin is packed with glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, zinc, and iron. It simultaneously hydrates, repairs skin damage, fades dark spots, and smooths texture — making it one of the most versatile K-beauty ingredients.

A resinous substance collected by bees from plants and tree buds that they use to seal and protect their hives. In skincare, propolis is celebrated for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It heals acne, fades scars, and provides a nourishing protective layer on skin.

A by-product of sake (Japanese rice wine) fermentation made famous by the discovery that sake brewery workers had extraordinarily smooth, youthful hands. Rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids, it brightens, refines pores, improves skin texture, and boosts radiance.

One step closer to retinoic acid than retinol — meaning it converts to the active form faster and is significantly more potent. Delivers retinol-like results (cell turnover, collagen, anti-acne) in a shorter time with less irritation than prescription tretinoin. Best for those who've tolerated retinol well.

A naturally occurring compound found in all living cells. In skincare, adenosine stimulates fibroblasts (the skin cells that produce collagen and elastin), reduces wrinkle depth, and firms the skin. Exceptionally gentle — approved for sensitive skin and a top anti-aging ingredient in Korean formulations.

A plant-based antioxidant found in the cell walls of grains like oats, wheat, and rice. On its own it's a free radical scavenger — but its most powerful role is as an antioxidant booster. When combined with Vitamin C and E, it doubles their photoprotective efficacy and extends their stability.

An enzyme naturally produced in the body's cells that declines with age and UV exposure. As a skincare ingredient, CoQ10 replenishes cellular energy, reduces oxidative damage, diminishes fine lines, and evens skin tone. Most effective in oil-based or encapsulated formulations.

A DNA-repair ingredient derived from salmon sperm that has become enormously popular in Korean skin clinics and is increasingly available in topical formulations. PDRN stimulates skin regeneration, accelerates wound healing, reduces inflammation, and provides deep hydration — a premium ingredient for damaged and mature skin.

Collagen peptides derived from fish skin and scales that are highly bioavailable and quickly absorbed. As a topical ingredient, marine collagen peptides hydrate, improve elasticity, and signal the skin to produce more of its own natural collagen. Popular in ingestible and topical skincare across Asia.

Known as "Malunggay" in the Philippines, moringa is a nutritional powerhouse plant packed with Vitamins A, C, and E, amino acids, and plant antioxidants called isothiocyanates. As a skincare ingredient it nourishes skin cells, fights free radicals, reduces inflammation, and supports the skin barrier.

A golden spice used for centuries in Southeast Asian skincare rituals. The active compound, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric brightens skin tone, fades dark spots, reduces acne inflammation, and soothes irritated skin — deeply rooted in Filipino and Asian beauty traditions.

The plant source of natural salicylates — willow bark is the original BHA. It contains salicin which converts to salicylic acid on the skin, offering gentle exfoliation, pore cleansing, and anti-inflammatory benefits in a softer, natural form than its synthetic counterpart.