These Skin Care Powerhouse Ingredients Are Found in the Philippine Islands
From folk medicine to modern skin care, the Philippines’ botanical treasures—papaya, coconut oil, and malunggay—are making waves in beauty.
When Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set foot on the shores of Zzubu (now Cebu) in 1521, he marveled at the island’s abundance—but perhaps nothing struck him more than the radiant, well-moisturized skin of its people. Just before he met his end at the hands of the legendary Lapu-Lapu, Italian scholar Antonio Pigafetta chronicled an interesting detail: the men of the island “anointed themselves with the oil of coconuts and sesame.”
Coconut
Coconut isn’t the only botanical treasure found in the Philippines making waves in beauty. We break down what makes them so effective and what products are already harnessing its benefits in modern skincare.
PHOTO: JOSH TOLENTINO
Centuries later, the tradition remains. While the global frenzy around coconut oil as a miracle cure may have quieted, its staying power in beauty routines speaks volumes. Lisa Guerrero Nakpil, commissioner on the board of the National Historical Commission, explains, “Coconut oil was used to protect against the sun and wind. It was an early, effective après-sun treatment with skin-softening properties.”
Science now confirms what our ancestors already knew. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is especially potent, with a high concentration of lauric acid. According to the intergovernmental organization Asian Pacific Coconut Community, “cold pressing”—a natural method that extracts oil without heat—helps retain more of these beneficial compounds, making VCO a prized ingredient in modern skin care.
VMV Hypoallergenics Id Monolaurin Gel
Try coconut in: VMV Hypoallergenic Id Monolaurin Gel, a skin-clarifying gel whose hero ingredient, monolaurin, is derived from coconut.
Papaya
PHOTO: JOSH TOLENTINO
The Spaniards may have brought papaya to the archipelago in 1551, but Filipinos have long since made it their own. First recorded in local kitchens in 1586 as a natural meat tenderizer, the fruit soon found its way into traditional medicine.
But let’s be real. Papaya’s claim to beauty fame in the Philippines isn’t its folk medicine history—it’s for supposed “skin lightening” effects.
Yet, a closer look at the science behind papaya-based products tells a different story.
A deep dive into INCI Decoder, an online product ingredient database, reveals that papain—the enzyme found in papaya—isn’t actually responsible for “whitening” the skin. Instead, papain gently dissolves dead, dull skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath. The true glow-up comes from its synergy with ascorbic acid, a powerful antioxidant often added to papaya soaps to help brighten and even out skin tone—a result supported by research published in the Pharmacognosy Reviews.
Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel
Try papaya in: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, which renews dull skin with the power of papaya, and is made particularly for oily and combination skin types.
Malunggay
PHOTO: JOSH TOLENTINO
Malunggay (globally known as moringa) is the underrated hero of Philippine beauty. While its superfood status is well-established—it’s a staple in dishes like tinola and a go-to supplement for wellness—its rise in skin care is only just beginning.
At the heart of malunggay’s beauty benefits is its nutrient-dense seed oil, packed with monounsaturated fatty acids that lock in moisture for soft, supple skin. But its magic doesn’t stop there—rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, malunggay oil also helps protect skin by preventing the oxidation of linoleic acid, a key component for maintaining skin health. Research published in the South African Journal of Botany confirms that malunggay-based products deliver deep hydration and antioxidant benefits, making them a powerhouse in skincare.
And beauty brands are taking notice. Global heavyweights like Clarins and The Body Shop have incorporated malunggay into their formulations, recognizing its potent skin care properties. But it’s not just the oil that’s winning in beauty—malunggay leaf extract is proving to be a game-changer, too. A study in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology revealed that participants who used a cream containing three percent concentrated moringa leaf extract saw significant improvements in skin texture, volume, and smoothness after just three months.
From folk medicine to high-performance skin care, malunggay has evolved from a humble kitchen staple to a beauty powerhouse—one that’s only beginning to get the global recognition it deserves.
Clarins Total Cleansing Oil
Try malunggay in: Clarins Total Cleansing Oil, a makeup remover that cleans dry to oily skin types, while nourishing it with malunggay seed extract.
