Welcome to our Tried & True series, where we highlight the holy grails and OGs, the top-shelf regulars and under-the-radar picks, as well as the new, fresh-off-the-lab products and viral sensations worth the hype—all from reputable brands we’ve road-tested ourselves.
Behind the name, we explore what makes a brand worth discovering, whether it’s how it has redefined beauty, its founder’s inspiring story, or how its range of offerings gave consumers what they truly want and need. In this edition, we take a closer look at Russ & Rose, a homegrown brand offering thoughtfully formulated skincare essentials grounded in mindfulness and care, and made from the richness of local botanicals.
Founded by siblings Rustan and Cristina Rose Sagun, Russ & Rose began as a shared ritual between a pharmacist and a nurse who saw beauty not only as vanity but as an act of care. What started as a ritual of tending to the skin became their calling to create something bigger: a skincare line that respects the Filipino way of living where healing comes naturally and gentleness is strength.
“Russ & Rose began as a quiet ritual between siblings who both viewed skincare as an act of care rather than vanity. It started from a deeply personal place, that simple moment after a long day when you want to wash away the noise and feel restored. What began as a nightly ritual evolved into something more meaningful: a shared desire to help others find calm and connection in their own routines,” said Rustan Sagun.
Born in the Philippines, a country with abundant botanicals, lush biodiversity, and storied healing traditions, Russ & Rose bridges tradition with skincare innovation. The brand’s name itself embodies the balance they hold dear—strength and softness, earth and bloom, heritage and modern care—echoing their belief that “gentleness is not weakness but strength”—which is reflected in both their philosophy and their formulations.
“Gentle skincare is not just about being mild; it is about being intentional. Every ingredient must serve a purpose and work in harmony with the skin’s natural barrier. To be gentle means to respect the skin’s biology, to support rather than strip, and to comfort rather than correct,” said Rustan Sagun.
“We see gentleness as discipline. It is the patience to let the skin heal at its own pace and the confidence to deliver results without harshness. True gentleness teaches consistency, and through consistency comes transformation.”
Their approach is rooted in the rituals that shaped their understanding of beauty, such as a warm cloth in the morning and the scent of herbs after the rain. These experiences inspired skin-nourishing products that also restore a sense of calm and presence. For Russ & Rose, skincare is “not another task on a list but a moment to slow down and reconnect,” a way of “creating space for stillness, for breath, and for presence” in the middle of daily routines.
In crafting their line, the Sagun siblings turned to the Philippines’ botanical and marine treasures. Their formulations feature ingredients like akapulko (candle bush), known for its skin-purifying properties, and ar-arusip (sea grapes—more commonly known as lato—prized for its antioxidants and hydrating benefits. More than their effects on the skin, these ingredients were chosen as they also carry the country’s deep-rooted tradition of healing through nature.
Every product, from the Gentle Cleansing Foam to the Lightweight Hydrating Cream, is cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested, and intentionally minimal as they focus not on the number of ingredients, but on the integrity of each one. They’re designed for tropical skin as they blend science-backed actives with textures that feel soothing and restorative.
Ultimately, Russ & Rose reminds us that skincare can be personal and grounding—a small ritual, a nod to Filipino traditions, and a gentle moment to pause and care for yourself.
HERO PRODUCT
Gentle Cleansing Foam
If you’re after a cleanser that goes beyond basic cleansing, Russ & Rose’s Gentle Cleansing Foam is worth a try. It’s made with 1 percent salicylic acid, a well-known beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to help dissolve excess oil, which makes it especially appealing if you struggle with blackheads or congestion. Alongside that are a handful of botanicals: akapulko leaf extract, a traditional local ingredient valued for its purifying benefits; calendula, known for soothing redness; and licorice root, which offers anti-inflammatory and brightening support.
From the very first pump, the foam comes out soft and cloud-like. It has that cushiony texture that glides easily over the skin that’s almost weightless. A light fragrance lingers as you cleanse—subtle, not overwhelming—which makes the step feel a little more indulgent. After rinsing, skin feels fresh and clear, almost like hitting reset.
For those especially with normal to oily skin looking for a cleanser that feels both effective and pleasurable to use, this strikes that balance. It delivers a refreshing clean without harshness and elevates a simple step into something worth savoring.
Gentle Cleansing Foam
P600, Russ & Rose
SKIN-QUENCHING STAPLE
Lightweight Hydrating Cream
Not every moisturizer understands skin that lives in the tropics, but Russ & Rose’s Lightweight Hydrating Cream gets the balance just right.
The texture is light and silky, melting into the skin within seconds. It leaves a soft, dewy finish that feels breathable even on hot, humid days. The formula leans on skin-loving essentials like glycerin and squalane to draw in and retain moisture, while a touch of shea butter adds lasting softness without greasiness. Supporting this base are oat and avocado extracts, known for soothing and nourishing tired skin, and sea grapes extract, a marine ingredient celebrated for its antioxidant benefits. Together, they create a formula that hydrates skin just enough to feel healthy and fresh.
What makes this moisturizer stand out especially is how it suits warm climates. It layers easily under sunscreen or makeup and feels light enough for daily use even for those with combination skin. For drier types, it might serve better as a daytime cream paired with something richer at night. And rounding out the experience is its subtle uplifting scent that makes the daily routine feel a little more indulgent without overwhelming sensitive noses.
Lightweight Hydrating Cream
P600, Russ & Rose
