From the cleansing oils that were the rage of the '90s to 2000s to the cleansing butters now taking beauty counters by storm, skincare continues to evolve with the times.

The more complicated life becomes, it seems, the simpler we want our routines to be. Of course, needs vary according to lifestyle and skin condition, but minimalists will typically opt for multi-tasking products that keep skincare routines quick, easy and efficient.

Then there are those who gravitate towards targeted, multi-step skin solutions. Regardless of preference, choosing the right facial cleanser or balm remains key to achieving your best skin yet — your canvas to beauty.

Female-founded, homegrown skincare label, Pili Ani, has been at the forefront of crafting natural, clean and efficacious products using its proprietary blend of locally sourced and ethically crafted Pili and Elemi Oils. After years of intensive research and product development, the brand now introduces its latest addition to a growing range of hero products, the Cleansing Butter.

Mary Jane Ong, co-founder and chief executive officer, said, "There has always been hype over cocoa and shea butters. When our team sat down for our usual brainstorming, we agreed that it was time to create something new, exciting, effective and practical for all types of skincare routines."

As they began tossing ideas back and forth, it also became clear to the team that there was a need in the beauty space for a product that highlighted the countless skin benefits and superior efficacy of Pili Butter.

Filipino innovation

Following the success of Pili Ani's Lip Butters, they began to explore new uses and discover added skincare benefits of their raw ingredient, Pili Butter.

Ong shared, "Development of this product began as early as 2021. We were keen on creating something that was truly unique, proudly Filipino-made and effective. We were also very excited to introduce something that was not yet available in the market."

The brand's proprietary Pili Butter is packed with antioxidant-rich carotenoids and deeply moisturizing vitamin E. "This is a classic example of Filipino innovation at work. We have studied cocoa and shea butter, and compared it with pili butter. The results were impressive," Ong said.

According to Pili Ani's in-house research and product development team, Carotenoids contained in the Pili Butter "stimulate fibroblasts to synthesize collagen and elastin to help improve skin density, elasticity and firmness. We've tested pili butter versus cocoa butter and discovered that in terms of moisture index value, — pili butters are truly comparable to cocoa butter."

Game changer

Pili Ani's Cleansing Butter is a game changer for any skincare routine. The nourishing balm is formulated with pili butter, pili oil, virgin coconut oil and Alteromonas Ferment Extract that work together to melt away deep-seated dirt and other impurities — without stripping skin of its natural moisture.

"It features natural ingredients and is our latest addition to our growing line of pili and elemi oil-based skincare products. The Cleansing Butter, like all our other products, is proudly ideated and produced in the Philippines," Ong said.

Gentle, mild, yet efficacious, the Cleansing Butter works perfectly for individuals who are constantly exposed to external skin aggressors, free radicals and other harsh elements that may cause premature skin aging.

Apart from the countless benefits of Pili Butter, the use of a key ingredient called Alteromonas Ferment Extract sets the Cleansing Butter apart. "Derived from the fermentation of a specific type of marine bacteria called Alteromonas, this ingredient helps improve the appearance and texture of the skin," Ong noted. It pulls out particulate matter on skin that's exposed to pollutants like smoke and fuel exhaust.

The Cleansing Butter addresses dry, dull and tired-looking skin. Regular application of makeup and exposure to harsh environmental aggressors are culprits that speed up the skin aging process. But with this balm, skin is thoroughly cleansed, nourished and protected. "It is effective in removing long-wear makeup and SPFs," Ong pointed out. Use it for skin prep or makeup removal.