Choosing the skincare products you'll use doesn't end with just choosing a brand—it's also about selecting the right ingredients that will work with your skin and its concerns. If you've been on the lookout for more ~*unique*~ ingredients to add to your regimen, you might want to consider ones that are native to our country. These indigenous ingredients not only reflect our cultural heritage but also provide us with holistic skincare solutions specifically tailored to our needs and cater to our climate and diverse skin tones.
Ahead, we list down some indigenous ingredients you can try incorporating in your skincare routine, along with some products to get you started. Keep on reading to learn more:
Indigenous Pinoy Skincare Ingredients to Try Adding to Your Routine
1. Calamansi
Calamansi is not only a Filipino culinary staple but also a great ingredient for skincare. Calamansi is rich in Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone. It also helps in regulating sebum production, leading to a more balanced complexion over time.
Human Nature's Vitamin C + Hya Calamansi Radiance Serum harnesses the natural power of calamansi extract to elevate your skincare routine. By boosting collagen production, this serum enhances skin firmness and elasticity, key factors in maintaining youthful skin. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help defend your skin against pollutants prevalent in humid weather, ensuring your skin stays protected and glowing.
Human Nature Vitamin C + Hya Calamansi Radiance Serum, P495, Shopee and Lazada
READ MORE: These Calamansi-Infused Products Can Help Brighten Your Skin
2. Papaya
The benefits of papaya go beyond its brightening effects, making it one of the remarkable indigenous ingredients in Filipino skincare. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect skincare ally for acne-prone skin, effectively soothing irritation, reducing inflammation, and preventing future breakouts.
Rich in natural acids and antioxidants, papaya also works wonders in fading dark spots, addressing pigmentation issues, and evening out skin tone, resulting in a radiant and luminous complexion.
Aside from the typical papaya soaps rampant in the market RN, you can also explore its power via serums. The Papaya Gluta Triple Serum Boost from Luxe Organix is a game-changer in skincare routines, blending the brightening power of papaya with the rejuvenating benefits of glutathione in a potent serum formula. It also has alpha arbutin and niacinamide!
Luxe Organix Papaya Gluta Triple Whitening Gel Triple Serum Boost, P249, Shopee and Lazada
3. Honey
Research shows that honey is valued even way back to pre-colonial times because of its medicinal and culinary properties. Ancient tribes, such as the Aetas and Mangyans, collected honey from wild bees known as "ligwan" or "kalikot" and considered it an everyday staple.
Honey remains a powerhouse for nourishment and rejuvenation, especially for the skin. Packed with antioxidants, honey helps combat free radicals, reducing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps fight acne-causing bacteria, making it ideal for all skin types.
If you're eager to explore the benefits of honey in skincare but unsure where to begin, look no further than the Honey Glycerin Face Soap and Honey Face Scrub from Ilog Maria. These products are crafted with a blend of organic and gentle ingredients such as glycerin and oatmeal, ensuring a luxurious skincare experience that leaves you craving more.
Ilog Maria Honey Glycerin Face Soap, P60.50, Ilog Maria
Ilog Maria Honey Face Scrub, P192.50, Ilog Maria
4. Coconut Oil
Did you know that coconut is not only good for your hair care regimen but is also good for your face? The fatty acids present in coconut oil serve as building blocks for a robust skin barrier. This barrier acts as a protective shield, safeguarding the skin against environmental aggressors like pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions. By fortifying the skin barrier, coconut-infused products help maintain optimal moisture levels and keep skin looking healthy and vibrant.
Many local skincare brands in the Philippines have embraced coconut's natural goodness, incorporating it into a range of products such as cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and hair care treatments. VMV Hypoallergenics' Know-It-Oil Virgin Coconut Oil is a great product that deeply hydrates the skin. Its non-comedogenic nature ensures that it nurtures the skin without clogging pores, making it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts.
VMV Hypoallergenics Know-It-All Virgin Coconut Oil (125ml), P1,100, VMV Hypoallergenics
5. Aloe Vera
As technology advances, aloe vera has transcended its traditional uses in drinks, haircare, and even skincare—it's like hitting two birds with one stone! Given its rich, hydrating compounds and anti-inflammatory properties, it is effective in calming irritation, redness, and sunburn. Aloe vera is also a great antioxidant that helps prevent acne and promote skin regeneration.
The Luxe Organix Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is a versatile skincare product featuring aloe vera as its main component. Enriched with arginine, chamomile extract, and centella asiatica, this goes beyond mere hydration, infusing brightening, hydrating, and soothing benefits into your skincare routine.
Luxe Organix Aloe Vera Soothing Gel, P219, Shopee and Lazada
