Vlad Bunoan

Angel Aquino co-founds sustainable skincare brand

Article (news)

Ralph Revelar Sarza

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767777126140True muse for Filipino clean and conscious beauty.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Angel Aquino. HandoutAngel Aquino keeps a 30 mL Pure Culture pouch in her weekender bag, serving as a quiet companion even during the busy days on the set of “Batang Quiapo.” </div>She first came across the brand through her daughters soon after its launch, at a time when she was dealing with vitiligo herself. Her curiosity grew into trust, which then turned into conviction, eventually inspiring her to co-found Pure Culture. The brand combines sustainable ingredients, biocompatible formulas, and products tailored for Filipino skin. Every decision — from actives to packaging — embodies care, practicality, and environmental commitment, subtly reshaping the concept of beauty in the Philippines today. Pure Culture weaves sustainability into every aspect of its operations. Product releases are carefully timed, and every ingredient and package is chosen for its eco-friendliness. Biotech ingredients replace overharvested botanicals, delivering effectiveness without depleting roses, seaweed, or other natural resources.Aquino plays a key role in shaping the brand’s direction. She helps develop products, makes packaging choices, and designs experiences that are both practical and luxurious. Her influence is rooted in authenticity and aligns with the brand’s values of honesty and self-acceptance. Despite her busy schedule, Aquino effortlessly integrates Pure Culture into her daily life. She values that the products are specially designed for Filipino skin, climate, lifestyle, and budgets. Angel noted that she used to rely heavily on imported skincare, but Pure Culture changed that. As she said, “I want to stand for something that reflects the kind of beauty I believe in. I am proud of Pure Culture, that’s why I am proud to be part of it.”Challenges remain. Packaging is the largest hurdle, as sustainable local options are limited and better alternatives often require high minimum order quantities. Scaling is another challenge. While Pure Culture can formulate and manufacture products that meet high standards for safety, efficacy, and sustainability, competing with mainstream brands that prioritize speed and volume requires substantial advertising budgets.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767777228297Pure Culture cofounders_ Rina dela Calzada, Alex Gentry, Steph Oller, Angel Aquino, Kim Palanca..jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Pure Culture co-founders_Rina dela Calzada, Alex Gentry, Steph Oller, Angel Aquino, and Kim Palanca. Handout</div>For now, the brand is growing deliberately. It relies on its organic voice, education, and grassroots community rather than shortcuts. Growth matters, but never at the expense of principle.Pure Culture is not trying to win the race to the bottom. By prioritizing biotech ingredients over overharvested botanicals and admitting that sustainable packaging is a logistical “hurdle” rather than a solved problem, they are choosing a path of friction. It is a rare, quietly radical reminder that in beauty, the most sustainable choice is often the hardest one to scale.

Angel Aquino plays a key role in shaping the brand’s direction. She helps develop products, makes packaging choices, and designs experiences that are both practical and luxurious.

Angel Aquino plays a key role in shaping the brand’s direction. She helps develop products, makes packaging choices, and designs experiences that are both practical and luxurious.