Filipino skincare with pili oil is finally earning its place in the global spotlight. For decades, luxury in beauty and wellness was defined by ingredients from Europe and beyond—lavender from Provence, rose oil from Bulgaria, seaweed from Japan. However, the Philippines is now gaining recognition for its own native treasure: pili oil.
This homegrown ingredient, once largely overlooked in the global market, is emerging as a key player in clean skincare. Leading this transformation is Pili Ani, a Filipino skincare brand rooted in ancestral knowledge, scientific validation, and a deep commitment to community. Each product tells a story of purpose and pride.
Unlocking the Power of Pili Oil and Elemi Oil in Filipino Skincare
The Canarium ovatum, or pili tree, thrives in Bicol’s volcanic soil. Resilient and nutrient-rich, the tree produces two exceptional oils.
Pili oil, extracted from the fruit pulp, is known for its moisturizing properties and natural antioxidant content. Elemi oil, drawn from its resin, carries antibacterial and firming benefits and has long been used in traditional wellness practices. These qualities are not just anecdotal—laboratory studies commissioned by the brand support their use in modern skincare.
“We’ve exported elemi for decades,” says co-founder Mary Jane Tan-Ong. “But always raw. Never refined. Never under a Filipino brand. That’s what we wanted to change.”
Seeing international buyers drawn to the stock her mother had quietly accumulated, Mary Jane realized they were sitting on a rare opportunity. “We weren’t just holding a resource—we were holding a story that deserved to be told.”
This homegrown ingredient, once largely overlooked in the global market, is emerging as a key player in clean skincare. Leading this transformation is Pili Ani, a Filipino skincare brand rooted in ancestral knowledge, scientific validation, and a deep commitment to community. Each product tells a story of purpose and pride.
From Organic Roots to Global Recognition
The idea for Pili Ani began with Rosalina Tan, an early advocate of organic farming in the Philippines. “One of our members was producing pili oil as a supplement, but it wasn’t backed by research,” she recalls. “I knew we needed evidence—and a way to make it matter.”
Her daughter Mary Jane, an entrepreneur with experience in trade and distribution, joined the vision. When she learned that a French luxury house was using elemi in its formulations, the potential became clear. Together, they built a business model focused on transforming native ingredients into refined, clinically tested skincare.
In 2017, Pili Ani debuted at Cosmoprof North America in Las Vegas, one of the world’s largest beauty trade shows. Their line received strong interest, marking the Philippines’ growing footprint in the global clean beauty space.
Also read: Pili and Proud: How Que Rica is Elevating Bicol’s Native Nut
Redefining Filipino Skincare with Pili Oil
Pili Ani stands apart not only because of what it makes, but how. The brand sources and processes its products entirely in the Philippines. Its small-batch manufacturing supports both product integrity and environmental responsibility.
Every aspect of production reflects intention—from ingredient traceability to packaging design inspired by local materials and motifs. According to Rosalina, “Luxury, to us, is integrity. It’s knowing where your ingredients come from and who they’re empowering.”
The brand also adheres to a zero-waste philosophy, using every part of the pili wherever possible. It’s a closed-loop model that ensures sustainability is more than a tagline.
Empowering Communities Through Filipino Skincare and Pili Oil
While Pili Ani has reached international markets, its roots remain local. The company works closely with farmers in Bicol, providing regular sourcing contracts and training programs.
One early partner, Noli, a farmer from Sorsogon, became a symbol of that mission. “He was the first to believe in our vision,” Mary Jane shares. “Today, his cooperative supports dozens of families. This is what impact looks like to us.”
By supporting Filipino communities, Pili Ani shows that ethical production and global ambition can go hand in hand.
The Future of Filipino Skincare with Pili Oil: Rooted in Resilience
At its heart, Pili Ani is a story of resilience—of people and of the land. “The pili tree survives typhoons. It grows stronger after each storm,” says Mary Jane. “That mirrors who we are, and what we aim to be.”
Following pandemic setbacks, Pili Ani has relaunched its flagship product, the Ageless Concentrate with Vitamin C, and continues to develop new innovations. With its foundation firmly planted in Filipino values, the brand is poised to shape the future of sustainable skincare.
From root to resin, the pili tree has always given quietly—through storms, through seasons. Now, through Pili Ani, it gives something new: a story of Filipino skincare told with elegance, efficacy, and soul.
Experience the Glow: Discover Pili Ani Skincare
Explore Pili Ani’s collection and experience what happens when clean beauty, cultural pride, and scientific care come together. This is Filipino skincare—natural, effective, and built to last.
Also read: The Nut That Grew on Ash: Rediscovering Pili in the Philippines
