For some time now, glutathione has been a top choice for those who take dietary supplements as such natural antioxidant is said to improve overall health and beauty. So Kristal Caparas, an engineer-entrepreneur and wellness enthusiast, wondered if there was "something above glutathione." She got her answer after collaborating with the Japanese company Satoen to come up with a product infused with an active ingredient touted to be 10 times more potent than glutathione, and it's called hithion.

Caparas led the unveiling of AkemiGlow hithion capsules in a gold-themed event held on 28 November at the Chairman's Lounge of Okada Manila hotel in Parañaque City. AkemiGlow is also the name of her own company, where she sits as chief executive officer. It's derived from a girl's name of Japanese origin, meaning "bright beauty."

"Tonight, we're not only introducing a product, but we are inviting you to embark on a journey to well-being," she said in her speech. "We are advocating a lifestyle that emphasizes beauty, health and vitality from the inside out. In the realm of dietary supplements where promises are made but results are often few, AkemiGlow stands out. Why? Because we prioritize what truly matters: your health and your safety."

She added that each capsule comes with a "carefully crafted blend of nature's finest ingredients," with hithion extract as the "star." Hithion "works at a cellular level to neutralize harmful free radicals and helps in detoxifying the skin, leading to a healthier, more youthful appearance." Meanwhile, its "powerful antioxidant properties significantly boost the immune system, providing an overall health benefit that goes beyond the surface level."

Additional ingredients include docosahexaenoic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid found in cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to be good for the heart and essential for a healthy brain.

She went on explaining the other aspects of AkemiGlow: "The distinctive dark brown color of our capsules isn't just for aesthetics, as well. It's a practical design choice to protect the sensitive ingredients from light. We're fully committed to ensuring that our customers receive the best that beauty science and nature have to offer."

At the event, Heart Evangelista was also introduced as brand ambassador. The actress, visual artist and fashionista said, "Hithion is a big deal for me because it was something that I've heard is the only one in the Philippines. It's the new form of glutathione that's really top of the line."

She also clarified the general notion that this type of product is only good for skin whitening: "It's the glow that we're after. Meaning a healthy vibe, a supple skin. That's what we all want and dream, especially if you're hardworking, ngarag-ngarag (harassed, haggard) like me. We want that vibe…It's about health. Your health is your ultimate wealth."

Evangelista was described by AkemiGlow's Caparas to DAILY TRIBUNE in an interview at the event as the embodiment of the brand's essence and "serves as an authentic advocate for our product."

Caparas said the hithion-infused capsules are generally safe to take, but she also encouraged consulting your doctor first. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep and exercising regularly for optimum health. "There's no magic. We have to take care of ourselves."

AkemiGlow can now be purchased through e-commerce platforms like in Lazada and soon, in physical stores such as Watson's. Though it's 10 times more potent than glutathione, it doesn't cost that much at P2,980 per one bottle containing 60 capsules. As Caparas pointed out, "This is affordable, considering the ingredients used and you will not need other supplements."