These Skincare Products Are Thoughtfully-Sourced With Minimal Impact On The Planet

Nurturing the skin fosters mindful consideration for the planet via these Filipino-run conscious beauty brands.

In the ever-evolving landscape of beauty, there’s a burgeoning movement towards all things clean and green. Sustainable, mindful beauty is proving to be not so much a trend as it is an emerging reflection of consumer values. Amidst the age of excess, clean beauty, characterized by products that are thoughtfully-sourced with optimal results and minimal impact on the planet, is stepping into the spotlight. Here are six products to from Filipino-led clean beauty brands: 

LESSE Every Tone SPF 30

Founded by Neada Deters in 2018, LESSE adapts a “less is more” principle with its products. Photo by Erwin Canlas

Formulated specifically to accommodate all skin tones, the Every Tone SPF 30 is a non-nano zinc facial sunscreen that leaves no residual white cast. Infused with Australian super berries, its Vitamin C-rich formulation lends itself to be an effective tool for repairing, brightening, and preventing the effects of sun damage on the skin. Soothing and hydrating, this sunscreen is said to leave the skin with a dewy finish. 

PHP4,754, available at lesseofficial.com. 

DAMDAM Citrus Glow Vit. C & Hyaluronic Serum 

The DAMDAM Citrus Glow Vit. C & Hyaluronic Serum is packed with a lot of benefits for the skin and steers clear of ingredients that can irritate it. Photo by Erwin Canlas

This milky serum carries two powerhouse ingredients: Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. Using a breakthrough innovation called 3PE or “three-phase emulsification technology,” the simple formula allows both ingredients to be kept at their purest and most potent, blended without the need of skin-irritating additions. Derived from Japanese citrus Amanatsu (“sweet summer”), Citrus Glow works to unclog pores, increase barrier strength, and even pigmentation, leaving the skin with a glass-like glow.

PHP2,775, available at damdamtokyo.com.

LESSE Refining Cleanser 

On their website, LESSE suggests incorporating the Refining Cleanser into your evening skincare routine. Photo by Erwin Canlas

The key word: gentle. The Refining Cleanser is formulated with micro-exfoliating botanicals and a thick base of aloe vera and charcoal in order to decongest, hydrate, and brighten the skin. Best for normal to oily or congested complexions, this organic blend boasts ultra-fine apricot granules to softly scrub, dissolve makeup and bacteria, and even out skin tone without stripping it dry. 

PHP3,635, available at lesseofficial.com. 

DAMDAM Silk Rice Cleansing Oil

DAMDAM founders, Giselle Go and Philippe Terrien, use ingredients that are native to Japan when creating products for their clean skincare brand. Photo by Erwin Canlas

Based on the Japanese ritual of cleansing the skin using excess water from washing rice, this rice-based cleansing oil purifies, hydrates, and melts away makeup without leaving the skin with a greasy film. The star of this gentle vegan formula is Komenuka, or rice bran oil, an ancient Japanese skincare staple known for its potent water-retaining abilities.

PHP2,043, available at damdamtokyo.com.

Pure Culture Bulgarian Rose Everything Elixir 

Pure Culture is a local clean beauty brand that is committed to redefining beauty through accessible, science-driven skincare. Photo by Erwin Canlas

The Bulgarian Rose Everything Elixir is an amalgamation of many skincare staples in one. The gentle, no-rinse, retinol-powered formula works simultaneously as micellar water, face mist, toner, and a makeup remover. Granted Silver at the 2022 Organic Beauty Awards, the elixir is said to cleanse, hydrate, and increase collagen production in one easy, refreshing step. 

PHP1,185, available at purecultureph.com.

LESSE Ritual Serum 

After receiving positive feedback from people who tried the serum and felt the same skin-changing results that she did, this product became the catalyst for LESSE founder Neada Deters to launch her skincare brand. Photo by Erwin Canlas

Struggling with skin sensitivities and chronic acne for years, LESSE founder Neada Deters sought out to develop a product that would provide effective solutions for her skin woes. The oil- based Ritual Serum, she claims, was key to her transformation. Made with a blend of turmeric and sea minerals, the organic serum is lightweight and dermatologically tested to be suitable for all skin types. Packed with powerful vitamins and antioxidants, the Ritual Serum strengthens the skin barrier and stimulates collagen production.

PHP5,033, available at lesseofficial.com. 

By Bianca Custodio and Joyce Oreña. Photographs by Erwin Canlas. Product Styling by Riza Rosal. Beauty Editor: Joyce Orena. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Producer: Bianca Zaragoza. Multimedia Artist: Tinkerbell Poblete. Photography Assistant: Christian Manlunas.

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