A new trend that’s taking over the beauty industry is skinimalism. It trades complicated multi-step rituals in favor of just the essentials. Amid skincare du jour that emphasizes quality always over quantity, this back-to-basics routine wants you to clear away your vanity table for only one or two choice products that manage to do all.

But what shall we eliminate? The toner? The sheet masks? 

Well, if it were up to us and we have to cut our daily skincare regimen short and could only have one—or three—then we’re sticking with our Pili Ani skincare products, particularly the moisturizing creams.

Moisturizing is an essential step to any skincare routine, perhaps the most important one after cleansing. Whether you have dry, oily, or balanced skin, you can reap the benefits of a proper moisturizer. 

Why keep your skin moisturized?

The reason for our choice is pretty simple: moisturizers help keep your skin looking young and supple. By strengthening the skin barrier and drawing water to your skin, they delay the signs of aging such as fine lines. While moisturizers work, for the most part, in the aesthetic sense, they’re also essential in promoting skin health. 

Occlusives, for example, rest on the surface of the skin. They act as a physical barrier that locks in moisture and also protects the skin from external aggressors. They’re recommended treatments for conditions that lead to extra dry skin, such as eczema. Emollients, on the other hand, replenish the lipids deep in your skin, keeping it healthy-looking, smooth, and soft. According to Divine Dermatology, they balance your skin’s microbiome to lower any inflammatory tendencies. The last type of moisturizer is called humectants. They attract water to the stratum corneum, the top layer of the skin, and hydrates deep into the epidermis. Humectants aid in creating that suppler, nourished, lit-from-within glow. Each class of moisturizer performs a specific function. What’s more, numerous beauty brands have come up with variations that address different skin concerns, from serums for crow’s feet, gels for hydration, creams for skin tone. With the variety available out there, you should be able to find the best one for your skin’s needs. 

What are the Best Moisturizers to Try?

With the onset of the simplified skincare trend, a multitasking product is an important qualification in finding the right moisturizer. Our tip is to look at the ingredients. Find ingredients that work hard so you don’t have to. Pili and Elemi oils, for example, are essentially a checklist of everything your skin could need. 

Pili and Elemi oils are both extracted from the pili tree, which is endemic to the Philippines. The Pili Oil, which comes from the fruit, is rich in oleic (Omega 9) and linoleic acids (Omega 6)—fatty components that penetrate the skin to lock moisture and fight acne respectively. On top of that, it’s rich in essential amino acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants (tocopherols and beta carotene) that protect the skin against environmental pollutants. Together, Pili and Elemi Oils combine to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-aging. They cleanse as much as they tighten, firm, balance, smoothen, and even. 

Pili and Elemi Oils feature in nearly all of Pili Ani’s skincare products, including their bestselling Pili Ani Cream collection: three light and luxurious moisturizers that offer every level of radiance you need. 

1. Pili Ani Youthful Glow Facial Cream

Pili Ani Youthful Glow Facial Cream, P1,250. Shop now.

This revitalizing formula comes complete with natural oat extract. Incredibly lightweight and absorbs into the skin in a matter of seconds, the subtly fragrant cream offers protection from pollution and UV light—anything that can wear out your skin. It also keeps fine lines at bay, giving you smooth and supple skin that makes age absolutely irrelevant. 

2. Pili Ani Natural Radiance Facial Moisturizer Cream

This super-breathable cream is perfect if you’re looking for something specific to address your skin tone woes. No matter what your skin color is, the skin naturally darkens—whether it’s tanning, scarring, hormones, melasma, or another explanation—from time to time. Not only does this nourish your skin, but it also balances your complexion’s tone and texture thanks to ultra-luxurious ingredients of papaya, white truffle, and Korean Centella Asiatica. It’s a brightening cream, yes, but that’s because you’ll be all lit up inside from the happiness of finding a truly inspired product. 

3. Pili Ani Intense Hydrating Cream

All moisturizers hydrate and moisturize one way or another, but this easy-to-absorb Pili Ani alternative amps that function, thanks to Pili and Elemi Oils and beetroot. Apart from pulling moisture to the skin, it also coaxes the skin’s natural moisturizing power. 

Any of these three will work in your daytime or nighttime routine, or even in the middle of the day when your skin feels a little thirsty. Apart from feeling very light on the skin, it also dries matte, which makes it ideal by itself or whether you’re using it before other products or makeup. 

Skinimalism or not, you should be armed with enough types of moisturizers to be ready for any skin situation. Well, you only need these three Pili Ani Skincare products.