8 indie skincare labels from Asia you should know about

Consider these niche and independent beauty labels to add to your beauty routine

By Rebecca Wong - 9 Dec 2020

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Is it just me or is there something gratifying about discovering an indie brand before it goes big? By now, given that you're well-acquainted with some of the few popular beauty brands in the market, we can't deny that some of us still prefer using our holy grails instead of trying something new. Nevertheless, there are times when you're looking for new under-the-radar brands to try when you're feeling a little more experimental. While global brands continue to dominate a large part of the Asian beauty pie, independent labels have been making waves of their own as of late.

In the past year alone, we’ve seen big deals being inked. Coty was reported to acquire a US$600 million (S$801 million) stake in Kylie Cosmetics while Shisedo made news for its US$845 million (S$1.13 billion) takeover of Drunk Elephant – the beauty label founded by Texan stay-at-home mum Tiffany Masterson in 2012.

In Singapore, independent Asian players are also making their presence felt, especially in the lucrative Asian skincare market which has generated US$60 million (S$80.2 million) in revenue so far this year according to figures from Statista.

Brands with roots in Asia like Glow Recipe, Skin Inc, Allies of Skin and Everyday Humans have witnessed impressive success, being stocked by mega retailers such as Sephora. Last month, homegrown beauty e-tailer Beaubit became the first stockist to carry South Korean cult beauty brand Tamburins out of its home country.

The demand for indie beauty in Singapore reflects Euromonitor International’s 2019 report on beauty trends that indicated a rising preference for independent cosmetics brands among Singaporeans.

“We’ve definitely seen a rising demand for Asian skincare labels,” says Pek Lay Peng, founder of online fashion and beauty multi-label store SocietyA which focuses on Asian brands including K-beauty label Celloom and Sigi Skin from Singapore.

“Since the launch of SocietyA Beauty, many shared that they are glad to have discovered products suitable for our Asian skin types and climate,” she adds.

Savina Chai, managing director of Beaubit notes that the success of K-beauty in the last decade has led to a growing interest in other brands from Southeast Asia.

In contrast to big names, independent Asian brands also own the digital space by selling directly to users. They are more aligned with consumers too, focusing on innovative R&D, fuss-free routines and trumpeting the use of natural ingredients.

So is the hype surrounding these indie brands really worth your time?

Larry Yeo, a well-known Singapore makeup artist trained in biotechnology and cosmetic science, weighs in. “Most indie skincare brands seem to be rising because they are new, and people with FOMO always want to try something new,” he says.

But he advises about the need to being wary of certain claims such as “preservative-free”. “Preservatives aren’t out to kill us,” he quips. “They prevent the beauty product from being contaminated by mould, fungus or bacteria.”

Nevertheless, he notes that there are excellent indie brands in the market. The onus is on the consumer to discern what message a brand is emitting, bearing in mind that the effectiveness of a beauty product varies based on a person’s uptake.

With that in mind, we give you the lowdown on eight indie skincare labels from Asia that beauty junkies should know about.

Tamburins

Credit: Tamburins

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Country of origin: South Korea

The lowdown: This brand has gained somewhat of a cult following since its 2017 debut. Founded by the same company behind eyewear brand Gentle Monster, Tamburins is popular among millennials for its eye-catching, creative aesthetic.

Tamburins

Credit: Tamburins

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Check out: Their star product is arguably the ‘Nude H.and Cream’ line of hand creams (above, $29-$45), which come in numerous scents. Fans also love the Tiger Leaf 100 Serum 2.0 ($43) and Water Essence Toner ($65).

Where to get it: Beaubit

Celloom

3/16

Country of origin: South Korea

The lowdown: A science-based skincare brand, developed by Korean dermatologist Dr. Grace Cho and her daughter Daye Kim. The duo have more than 30 years of experience in skincare expertise, and pride their brand on using plant-based extracts and cruelty- free ingredients.

Celloom

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Check out: Best known products include the Rise And Shine Ampoule (left, $75) and Focus On The Essence Serum (right, $59) − formulated with K-beauty essential and medicinal plant extract Centella Asiatica.

Where to get it: SocietyA Beauty.

SeaSun Society

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Country of origin: Thailand

The lowdown: Newly launched this year, this Thai-based brand was founded by former model Madi Ross. Following her negative experiences working in Thailand’s modelling industry, Ross sought to build a brand that doesn’t promote skin whitening or changing one’s appearance.

SeaSun Society

Credit: SeaSun Society

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Check out: Formulas are created using 100 per cent pure plant oils. These include moisturising facial oil Blue Spell (above, $40), coconut-scented body oil The Daily Glow ($35), and Youth ($40) which combats fine lines and wrinkles.

Where to get it: Beaubit and the brand’s e-shop.

Sunnies Face

Credit: Sunnies Face

7/16

Country of origin: The Philippines

The lowdown: Another brand which started out with trendy eyewear and then branched into cosmetics. Founded in the Phillipines, Sunnies Face garnered international attention when it announced a collab with model-actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Since then, celebs like Olivia Wilde and Christina Aguilera have been spotted using their products.

Sunnies Face

Credit: Sunnies Face

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Check out: Its iconic Fluffmatte Lipsticks ($15.99) are available in numerous matte shades. Other popular items include creamy cheek tint Airblush ($ 19.99) and lip cream formula Lip Dip (above, $15.99).

Where to get it: Available via their official Lazada store.

Delicat

Credit: Delicat

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Country of origin: Thailand

The lowdown: Founded in Thailand by two couples who travel frequently, Delicat is all about soothing sensitive, jet-lagged skin. Products address conditions like eczema and dry skin due to environmental aggressors, with the promise of natural and effective ingredients.

Delicat

Credit: Delicat

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Check out: Bestsellers include the Neroli Rose Water Toner (above, $63), Rosewood Body Oil ($73) and Multi-molecular Hyaluronic Serum ($79)

Where to get it: Beaubit

Minimalist

Credit: Minimalist

11/16

Country of origin: India

The lowdown: Just launched in Oct, the brand has been gaining fans for its no-nonsense marketing approach. The brand’s motto is ‘Transparent Beauty’, which it supports by acknowledging that no beauty product is chemical-free.

Minimalist

Credit: Minimalist

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Check out: Ditching fancy names, products are clinically titled based on their main ingredients. For instance, Granactive Retinoid 2% (695 rupees or S$12.60) is their fine line-reducing serum, and Squalane 100% (above, 695 rupees or S$12.60) is a lightweight moisturiser that improves skin elasticity and firmness.

Where to get: Currently only ships to India via their website, but the brand’s looking to announce international shipping deets soon.

PSA

Credit: PSA

13/16

Country of origin: Singapore

The lowdown: Short for Purposeful Skincare by Allies, the sister brand of Allies of Skin targets a more youthful crowd: Gen Zs beginning their skincare journey. Just by looking at their site, you’ll know that they’re big on diversity, inclusiveness and being comfortable in one’s own skin. Products are affordable and aptly named to appeal to younger consumers.

PSA

Credit: PSA

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Check out: Midnight Courage (right, $38) is a retinol night oil which reduces blemishes, and Heroine (left, $29) works as a glow toner refining the appearance of pores.

Where to get it: Sold online on their website, and also via Sephora and Beauty Bay.

Everpink Cosmetics

Credit: Everpink Cosmetics

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Everpink Cosmetics

Credit: Everpink Cosmetics

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Country of origin: Thailand

The lowdown: This Thai cosmetic brand launched its first collection last Nov. We love its natural-looking makeup offerings, and pretty pastel-coloured packaging.

This article was first published in Female.