To care for the Filipino skin, one must understand the “kayumanggi” skin tone.
A homegrown brand seeks to redefine how Pinays approach skincare regimens through its newly-launched products fit for those in their “prime” years of young adulthood.
Cebu-based Primo Skin introduced its products to Metro Manila residents last July 7, where guests were able to test goods offering ultimate skin and body care.
These include the local brand’s Hydro Glow line, which is a collection of body and face care products formulated to brighten skin with two active ingredients — hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Primo Skin co-founder Phoebe Fernandez-Varquez said that the two ingredients work to complement each other’s moisturizing properties.
“Niacinamide promotes collagen formation, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid enhances suppleness [of the skin],” she said in the launch.
“This dynamic duo delivers optimal hydration for a brighter complexion,” the co-founder added.
Hyaluronic acid is a sugar naturally occurring in the body, including the skin, eyes, and joints. Its primary function is to provide moisture to these areas.
Medical experts said that it plays a crucial role in skin moisture as it can hydrate skin, smoothen skin texture, enhance skin firmness and elasticity, and decrease wrinkle depth, among others.
Meanwhile, niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 or niacin. It can help build proteins in the skin and lock moisture to prevent environmental damage.
Studied benefits include its ability to minimize skin redness, the appearance of pores, and fine lines, regulate oil production, protect against sun damage, and treat hyperpigmentation and acne.
The mentioned ingredients are the core elements of Primo Skin’s Hydro Glow line, which Fernandez-Varquez said aims to restore the Pinay’s natural glow and revitalize their skin without compromising their “morena” skin tone.
According to her, skin glow is not necessarily equated to whitening.
The skincare co-founder said they want people to embrace their natural skin tone by giving it a healthy glow instead of resorting to artificial whitening.
Fernandez-Varquez added that the homegrown brand also studied the Filipino skin to craft products specifically aimed at their needs, particularly those ages 20 to 35 or people she said are in their “prime” years.
The co-founder said that they also took note of the common skin problems of Filipinos (such as acne, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and oiliness) prior to developing their merchandise.
Moreover, Primo Skin has factored in the environmental condition of the country, including humidity, in terms of developing their skin and body care products.
“The Hydro Glow line eliminates dull and dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion that lets you be Primo Skinfident with healthy, glowing skin that’s worth showing off,” Fernandez-Varquez said.
The local brand’s Hydro Glow line includes a four-step skincare regimen that aims to let Pinays achieve healthy, radiant-looking skin without fuss:
- Hydro Glow Facial Wash — Evens out skin tone, smoothens texture, and controls oil and acne
- Hydro Glow Toner — Strengthens the skin barrier, minimizes pores and fine lines, and lightens dark spots
- Hydro Glow Moisturizer — Fights premature aging and keeps skin youthful and radiant
- Hydro Glow Facial Sunscreen — Shields skin from harmful UV rays while maintaining hydration and smoothness
Primo Skin also offers bath and body products to further unleash the Pinay skin’s full glow:
- Hydro Glow Body Lotion — Promotes healthier, supple skin with long-lasting moisture and increased collagen production.
- Hydro Glow Body Soap — Helps keep the skin firm and healthy while retaining essential moisture.
The local brand’s Hydro Glow Line is available in over 170 stores nationwide, including Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, Metro Supermarket, and All-Day Supermarket branches in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and General Santos.
It can also be availed online through its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.