by Jannielyn Ann Bigtas
December 8, 2021
This New Local Skincare Brand Champions Philippine Botanicals in Their Products
A new local skincare brand is championing Philippine botanicals in their products and we're all for it!
Habitude is a proud Philippine skincare brand that "reflects, recognizes, and celebrates each of us, uniquely, the sum total of our habits and attitudes."
The local skincare brand has products that boast of Philippine botanicals including the Hardworking Miracle Water (P849/100ml), which has several anti-aging botanical ingredients in the mix including the Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, "a type of fungus (wait, do not panic, more on this later) commonly used in sake fermentation."
The press statement points to a myth of galactomyces being discovered by accident, in a sake brewery in Japan, where elderly brewers' hands remained smooth and wrinkle-free — proof of its anti-aging effects.
But fungus on the skin? Actually, it's not so much the fungus itself but the filtrate extract that is used for skincare.
"The filtration process cleanses it of unwanted bacteria, leaving behind a nutrient-dense power ingredient, juicy with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals," said Habitude co-founder Nikki Santiago-Rivera.
According to Nikki, Habitude infuses the Galactomyces with Philippine botanicals like the Oryza Stiva, aka rice water, "which has a plethora of skincare benefits, making us even prouder of this beloved Filipino staple."
Habitude's Hardworking Miracle Water also has high amounts of Ferulic Acid, "an antioxidant that boosts the effects of other antioxidants and helps protect the skin's integrity and minimizes the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots."
Other ingredients include Angelica gigas Root Extract, which "cleanses and kills bacteria," Tomato Leaf Extract, which "brightens and moisturizes," licorice for "cleansing, anti-inflammatory, acne control, brightening, and anti-aging," and lastly the Witch-hazel for cleansing, relieving inflammation, and removing excess oils.
Just like most miracle water products, it is a natural, alcohol-free cleansing tonic that cleanses deeply, tones the skin evenly, and moisturizes all at the same time. It "makes your skin absorb other skincare ingredients better," read the press statement.
Meanwhile, Habitude's Seriously Revitalizing Serum (P949/30ml), promises to be the "ultimate glass skin serum for an even-toned, luminous, and dewy complexion."
It has "high concentrations of Plant Mucin, Hyaluronic Acid (2%), and Niacinamide, blended with powerful antioxidants and heritage botanicals."
Its key ingredient is the plant mucin, derived from a potent mix of algae and seaweed.
"Seaweed possesses a ton of skincare benefits and healing properties, addressing everything from excess oil to fine lines and wrinkles," Nikki continued.
It contains several types of seaweed including Laminaria japonica Extract, which hydrates skin, the Undaria pinnatifda Extract, which "provides the skin antioxidants, hydration, and soothing relief."
It also has aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamine E, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA).
Finally, Habitude introduces its Go-Getter Moisture + Sun Stick (P550/25g) which uses only 20% Zinc Oxide, making it non-toxic to the sea and the corals as it is a mineral-based sunscreen with natural mineral compounds.
It has coconut oil, naturally high-SPF botanicals like tomato leaf extract and carrot seed oil that blocks the sun and locks in moisture.
While the sunscreen is immediately effective, with no typical 20-minute waiting period, Nikki advises to reapply often. "It is a physical barrier and can easily be sweated and rubbed off (also why we worked hard to give it a light uplifting scent and great texture, so swiping it on habitually is fun)."
"At the end of the day—or rather at the start of it—wearing sunscreen is what matters and we choose the sunscreen that fits our habits and attitudes," she added.