How it all started
Born from a simple act of kindness—Pili Ani grew into a movement rooted in care, community, and the richness of the Filipino land.
Our story begins in the verdant fields of Bicol, where our founder, Rosalina Tan, met a farmer named Noli. He was selling a small bottle of hand-pressed Pili Oil to raise enough money to return home to his family. Rosalina bought it—not because she needed it, but because she wanted to help. That one heartfelt gesture became the spark for something much bigger.
Rosalina, a longtime advocate for organic farming and natural living, became deeply curious about the oil’s potential. As she experimented, infusing Pili Oil into handmade lipsticks gifted to friends and family, the feedback was immediate—everyone was amazed at how it softened, soothed, and nourished their skin. What began as a gesture of goodwill quickly revealed itself to be something truly special.
Rosalina, a longtime advocate for organic farming and natural living, became deeply curious about the oil’s potential. As she experimented, infusing Pili Oil into handmade lipsticks gifted to friends and family, the feedback was immediate—everyone was amazed at how it softened, soothed, and nourished their skin. What began as a gesture of goodwill quickly revealed itself to be something truly special.
Together with her daughter, Mary Jane, she explored the full potential of the Pili Tree. They discovered that beyond its prized nut, the often-overlooked pulp was packed with antioxidants that protect and renew the skin. Even more remarkable was Elemi Oil, a rare resin from the same tree, already being used in high-end French skincare for its firming properties.
But what inspired Pili Ani’s deeper purpose was what they uncovered next: overharvesting of Elemi was harming the trees, threatening their survival and the livelihood of local farmers. Rosalina responded by launching an agricultural education program, teaching sustainable harvesting methods that protect the trees while supporting the hands that care for them.
But what inspired Pili Ani’s deeper purpose was what they uncovered next: overharvesting of Elemi was harming the trees, threatening their survival and the livelihood of local farmers. Rosalina responded by launching an agricultural education program, teaching sustainable harvesting methods that protect the trees while supporting the hands that care for them.
By 2014, Pili Ani had a clear mission: to create effective, clean, and natural skincare powered by Pili and Elemi Oils; to empower farming communities by providing training, promoting earth-friendly practices, and leading reforestation efforts rooted in long-term stewardship; and to honor Filipino heritage by building a brand deeply rooted in tradition and purpose.
In 2016, Pili Ani officially launched in the Philippines—and a year later, in the U.S.
Today, farmer Noli still harvests the oils that enrich every bottle.
In 2016, Pili Ani officially launched in the Philippines—and a year later, in the U.S.
Today, farmer Noli still harvests the oils that enrich every bottle.
This is the story of beauty crafted for the community.
This is the story of beauty crafted for you.
