Croia is a Filipino skincare brand created by the Aoife Skin Project. The word “croia” means little heart. The brand envisions making products that people of all skin types can use through science-backed, simple, and efficient skin care products. Their creations are perfect for effortless and uncomplicated skin care routines as they always keep in mind the Filipino skin needs. Their high-quality, additive-free items are gentle and effective, perfect for those with sensitive skin. Rooted in dermatological research, Croia is where simplicity meets science.
In Kutis Kilatis’ interview with co-founder and chief marketing officer Ms. Erika Castro-Morrison, she explained she and her sister started Croia because of their experiences with acne and ineffective skin care products. Finding online communities which shared the same sentiments with them gave the sisters comfort and a safe space for them to express their stories, tips, and frustrations. Ms. Castro-Morrison explained,
Croia was created to be a brand that is evidence-based and understands what their customers are experiencing. Proudly made in the Philippines, the brand reflects the country’s maalaga spirit as they formulate their products with genuine concern. She expounded,
Rooted in the founders’ own experiences, Croia continues to be a safe space for people who struggle with skin care to share their skin stories through the brand’s active online community. As Ms. Castro-Morrison said,







Created by internist, alternative medicine practitioner, and dermatologist Dr. Noemi Bautista, Skin21 is a skin care brand that highlights the natural beauty of Filipinos. Dr. Bautista observed from her clients that they were struggling with various skin care products because they would not get good results and get side effects like redness and irritation. To address this, she began her own business to cater to the needs of the Filipino community, such as how to solve acne problems, melasma, psoriasis, abscess, aging, and allergies.
Each product of Skin21 targets particular skin conditions for maximum effectiveness. The brand also offers different sets for their customers, taking into consideration what they need for their specific skin type, such as an acne prone pack, pigment erase pack, and sensitive skin pack. Dr. Bautista explained,
Skin21 proudly uses organically grown ingredients for its products like turmeric, moringa, avocado, and grapes. In fact, Dr. Bautista is the formulator of 155 locally produced products. She enthusiastically shared,
Compared to international brands, Skin21 positions itself as more accessible and affordable, and most importantly, safe because it is carefully crafted by a dermatologist. The brand goes beyond mere selling of products; they also cultivate a community where customers can consult with Dr. Bautista for free in the brand’s TikTok and Facebook pages. Skin21 is always ready to respond to their buyers’ needs and questions, giving an unmatched accessibility and connection compared to bigger, more impersonal brands that often overlook individual concerns. At the end of the day, the center of the brand remains to be its customers, which is why the business continues to flourish.







Klued is a Filipino skin care brand that is accessible and effective. Their mission centers around providing quality skin care for a very low price. The brand advocates for simple skin care, using products that are easy to understand, use, and affordable. Klued focuses the spotlight on real skin and real people–not superficial standards–with their core values of integrity, passion and purpose, accountability, excellence, empowerment, and transparency. Using carefully tried and tested science-backed formulas, Klued hopes to uplift the confidence of its users by encouraging them to embrace their individuality.
Launched by Maximo Cañega Jr. and Emilio Chua, the business began with only the two of them hoping to create a lasting impact in the Philippine skin care industry. Now, there team is composed of over 30 people. The people in Klued remain committed to working together to provide quality and budget-friendly skin care products for every Filipino.
True to their core value of integrity, the brand is all about transparency in letting know what their customers are putting on their face and what benefits they can get from it. With each product formulated with the Filipino in mind, Klued hopes that they encourage everyone to feel confident in their own skin. For the brand, redefining beauty begins with one’s self and the first step is embracing one’s natural features through using the right skin care products.













This product is a lightweight, easily absorbable moisturizer with 5% Niacinamide, Licorice, Allantoin, Panthenol, and Hyaluronic Acid. It is an all-in-one moisturizer that brightens, calms, and deeply hydrates the skin with its fast-absorbing feature. Ms. Erika Castro-Morrison, co-founder of Croia, notes it is one of the few products people with eczema, acne, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can use without irritation!
PHP 511
PHP 782
5% Niacinamide, Licorice, Allantoin, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid
0.5% Salicylic Acid
Evens skin tone and texture, addresses post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, moisturizes skin, fixes skin barrier
Moisturizes skin, prevents acne breakouts, improves skin tone and texture
All
Acne-prone, Sensitive
Fragrance free, Paraben free, Non-comedogenic, Animal cruelty-free
Fragrance free, Paraben free, Does not clog pores, Hypoallergenic




For just PHP 699, you can have everything you need in one pack to combat acne breakouts! Specifically formulated and crafted for those with oily skin, Skin21’s Acne Prone Starter Kit includes a brightening soap, acne away solution, exfoliating cream, and a pimple free cream. As a whole, the kit reduces the formation of black and white heads and dries existing pimples for clear and radiant skin.
PHP 169
PHP 375
Kojic Acid, Gigawhite, Licorice, Arbutin, Vitamins B, C, and E
Organic shea butter, Vitamin A and E, Essential Fatty Acids
Evens skin tone and texture, addresses post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, moisturizes skin, fixes skin barrier
Evens skin tone, diminishes dark skin spots, smoothens rough skin, exfoliates skin
All, primarily oily skin
All
Oil-free, anti-aging, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, alcohol free, non-chemical
Non-vegan, contains milk, cruelty-free, paraben-free





Klued’s 2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser is the perfect product for those with oily or acne prone skin because it helps unclog pores and reduces breakouts and excess sebum, while retaining the skin’s moisture. It is non-drying, non-stripping, unscented, and lightweight, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin as well because of its gentle effects. Containing 2% salicylic acid, ceramide, allantoin, and zinc pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, this best-selling cleanser will make you feel refreshed and clean while reducing your acne breakouts!
PHP 249
PHP 349
2% Salicylic Acid, Ceramide, Allantoin, Zinc Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid
2% Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha-hydroxy acid
Cleanses skin, unclogs pores, reduces breakout and excess sebum, does not dry the skin
Cleanses the skin, brightens skin, fades dark spots, clears acne, reduces redness, improves skin texture
All, Primarily Oily /Acne prone skin
All, Primarily Oily / Acne prone skin
Cruelty-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, non-stripping
Cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, vegan
