From advocating for local farmers and weavers, to supporting the empowerment and education of girls, these beauty brands are mindfully giving back.
What if self-care rituals could help uplift, and also be caring to others and the environment? These beauty brands are doing just that, endeavoring to make a positive impact not only to our beauty routines, but also the world at large. From supporting humanitarian causes, to helping grassroots communities, and engaging in fair trade practices, these skincare labels are trying to make a difference. And while there is truly much to be done to address issues, be it related to gender equality or sustainability, the initiatives promulgated by these brands are perhaps a step in the right direction.
Investing in the Future
Moisturizing the skin, whilst helping it absorb the nutrients of other treatments, it’s no wonder Clé de Peau Beauté’s The Serum is a fan favorite. As the first step in one’s skincare routine, the dewy formulation melts onto the skin. It also primes it to better respond to moisturizers and other nourishing products applied after it. Formulated with an algae complex, it helps activate the skin’s own regenerative powers and enhance its radiance and suppleness. Meanwhile, a host of active ingredients helps the skin defend itself against internal and external stressors.
And while an amazing product in itself, an added boon is that Clé de Peau Beauté has pledged to donate a portion of proceeds from The Serum to support UNICEF’s projects benefitting the education of girls. Believing that education is the key to giving girls a chance at a better future, the Japanese luxury skincare brand will donate $3 dollars for every bottle sold this year to the humanitarian institution. With a minimum guaranteed contribution of $2.9 million, they seek to empower 5.7 million girls all around the world through programs focused on empowerment and education.
With an emphasis in addressing the global gender education gap, especially in field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), the partnership, which began in 2019, aims to empower girls and harness their inner potential. Girls will likewise be taught life skills such as self-confidence, teamwork and decision making. They will also be provided with access to mentorships, to aid them into transitioning into the workforce.
READ ALSO: Spreading The Love: BTS Donates 1 Billion Won To UNICEF On Behalf Of Their Fans
Uplifting Communities
The Philippines has indeed been blessed, with our fertile land bearing a myriad of fruits and crops. Our people on the other hand, have been blessed with an innate creativity, further enhanced by our rich heritage and culture. Making the most out of this, whilst making sure to give back, is local brand K Essentials. The new brand is committed to provide consumers with mindfully crafted personal care essentials.
The first product in their lineup is a collection of six essential oil blends. And they each have different fragrances and properties to either refresh, relax, help one focus, and more. Their array of soaps, beeswax candles, and reed diffusers, likewise help uplift and nourish. Scented with the calming aromas of eucalyptus, tea tree, vetiver, lemongrass, and more, they are a welcome addition to our self-care routines. Moreover, the company makes sure to craft their products with 100% natural ingredients, and to keep them free from sulfates and parabens.
“We wanted to explore the powerful healing properties of natural ingredients. We also wanted to create a community supportive brand where we can sustainably help grassroot communities by integrating their produce into our products” explains the K Essentials team. Indeed, one community the brand has chosen to partner with is the Abelling tribe of Tarlac. The tribe’s farm provides the ginger used for the K Essentials products. Weavers from the T’boli tribe of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato are likewise another collaborator. To wit, the tribe’s beautiful woven fabrics are handmade into the travel pouches that house the K Essentials goodies.
With its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, the label hopes to provide people with better and healthier choices while championing Filipino farmers and makers.
Natural Beauty
Harnessing the powers of pili and elemi oils, Pili Ani has made a name for itself for its nourishing products. There is for instance the Self-Care Night Recovery Oil that helps brighten the skin. On the other hand, the Youthful Glow Facial Cream addresses fine lines and helps even out skin tone. These are just some of the products they have that one can discover.
What makes their skincare truly stand out is of course the oils from the pili fruit and tree incorporated into their formulations. For instance, the pili oil that is hand-pressed from the pulp of the fruit is rich in antioxidants. This then helps protect the skin from pollution and free radicals, and is very moisturizing. On the other hand, elemi oil from the bark of the pili tree has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Benefits include helping reduce redness and irritation, while toning and refining the skin.
And while one would indeed be drawn towards the benefits of their products, what makes them even more remarkable is the brand’s focus towards sustainability. Founded by organic farming advocate Rosalina Tan, and her daughter Mary Jane Ong, Pili Ani is indeed committed to making great products. The homegrown brand is however also keen on creating a viable pili industry in the Bicol region. For instance, Rosalina had enlisted scientists to study the beneficial properties of pili and elemi oils, and find ways to make sure they can be harvested sustainably.
From its humble beginnings, the brand is now able to help over 200 families in the Bicol region. The skincare label is also keen on purchasing their raw materials at fair prices. Moreover, they’ve also been able to plant 250 pili trees, and hope to plant even more.
Harvesting Goodness
Virgin coconut oil has long been esteemed for its many health benefits. Banking upon this is local brand Dermtropics, which uses this star ingredient in its line of shampoos, soaps, and lotions. They also proudly source most of their coconuts via fair trade practices from Tupi Islands, South Cotabato.
The brand shares that what makes their products truly special is the wet-milling process they employ. They extract the oil without heat or chemicals to keep it at its purest form. This helps it retain its natural antioxidants and aroma, and also uses less energy and creates less waste. The brand also promotes eco-friendliness by using biodegradable packaging, and avoiding plastics when able.
Another local brand that’s keen on creating sustainable lifestyle and personal care products is Shepard Life Goods. The local brand uses 100% naturally derived ingredients, choosing those that are most effective and yet kind to the environment.
For instance, they use organically grown lemongrass from Saraiya, Quezon in their Botanical Sanitizers. Meanwhile, the malunggay and guava leaves in their body bars are from a small farm in Daanbantayan, Cebu. On the other hand, they source their cocoa butter from Davao. They also have a refill program, and use recyclable materials like aluminum, glass or paper in their packaging.
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