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 CKIN, a skincare brand shaped by Camille Co-Koro’s journey through acne, built with scientific innovation, and designed around the idea of “skinfulness”—a holistic, compassionate approach to skin care that looks beyond just the skin. First known for her fashion blog in the early 2010s, Camille has since grown into one of the Philippines’ leading fashion and lifestyle content creators—known for her signature aesthetic, beauty and fashion sensibility, and openness about her personal experiences, from motherhood to managing acne as an adult.
CKIN was born from Camille Co’s personal battle with adult acne. “I’ve always said that my experience with acne comes in seasons, most of which happened during my adult years,” she shared. “And even though I’ve gone through so many ‘seasons’ of acne, I can wholeheartedly say it never gets easy. The emotional and mental toll acne puts me through has been overwhelming. I fall into the same spiral of frustration, hopelessness and insecurities.”
“This is why I started CKIN—because I knew there had to be others who felt the same way I did—lost, discouraged, and searching for answers. CKIN became my way of turning pain into purpose and community into healing.”
Having struggled with acne for years, Camille realized that many acne treatments were harsh and often exacerbated her skin issues. “Acne-prone skin is often highly reactive,” explained Dr. Katerina Steventon, global thought leader in holistic skin health and CKIN’s scientific advisor. “Our challenge was to create formulas that treat effectively without disrupting the barrier or microbiome. Many ‘anti-acne’ products in the market are overly aggressive—they may strip the skin, damage its barrier, and can many times worsen inflammation over time.”
This insight became the foundation for CKIN’s philosophy of Skinfulness. “We believe that true skin health goes beyond the surface of our skin,” Dr. Steventon adds. “It’s the connection between skin, body, and mind.”
This is why I started CKIN—because I knew there had to be others who felt the same way I did—lost, discouraged, and searching for answers. CKIN became my way of turning pain into purpose and community into healing.– Camille Co-Koro, Founder of CKIN Collective
“A holistic approach means addressing both internal and external triggers of acne—balancing a conscious and caring skincare routine with daily habits related to our lifestyle (diet, sleep, stress management, etc.) and environment (sun exposure, pollution, humidity, etc.),” she added.
To bring this vision to life, Co-Koro collaborated with a team of experts, including Dr. Steventon and Emma Hagemo, CEO and co-founder of The Beauty Co-Lab. “Every product starts with a skin need and an emotional insight in mind—not just a passing trend,” Co-Koro noted.
“We always formulate with well-proven, scientifically backed actives—such as niacinamide, cica, and gentle acids known to support acne-prone and sensitive skin. This is paired with a conscious avoidance of ingredients that can irritate or disrupt the skin (especially sensitive and acne-prone),” Co-Koro said.
“All our formulas are free from fragrance, colorants, alcohol, mineral oil, and other unnecessary additives. We’re equally intentional about preservatives—using only what’s needed at safe levels and pairing them with protective packaging to keep formulas stable without disturbing the skin’s microbiome.”
CKIN’s products are designed not only for efficacy but for long-term skin resilience. “Gentle does not mean ineffective—true skin health is built over time, not overnight,” Dr. Steventon emphasized. By integrating scientific rigor with compassion and mindful formulation, CKIN addresses acne-prone skin in a way that feels nurturing, sustainable, and personalized.
HERO PRODUCT
The Skinfulness Gel Cleanser
CKIN’s The Skinfulness Gel Cleanser takes a thoughtful, less-is-more approach to cleansing. It challenges the old belief that “clean” must mean “squeaky,” leaning instead into a balanced, barrier-first approach. It’s boosted with salicylic acid to keep pores clear and reduce inflammation, along with panthenol to calm and hydrate, making it a well-balanced choice for acne-prone or easily irritated skin. It’s free from fragrance, sulfates, parabens, and silicones and also happens to be vegan, biodegradable, and dermatologically tested.
The gel glides smoothly over skin and rinses clean, leaving it refreshed, balanced, and never tight. Those with very oily skin, however, might find themselves reaching for something with a bit more power on days that call for a deeper cleanse. Still, for most skin types, its gentle yet effective balance makes it an easy daily pick.
CKIN The Skinfulness Gel Cleanser
P690, THE BEAUTY EDIT GALLERY AT SPATIO
EDITOR FAVORITE
The Skinfulness Toner Essence
CKIN’s The Skinfulness Toner Essence earns its spot as an Editor Favorite as it redefines what a daily exfoliant can be: less stripping and more strengthening. Its formula pairs lactic acid (AHA) and lactobionic acid (PHA) for a sophisticated double exfoliation: lactic acid removes shedding dead skin cells, lightens dark spots, and smooths fine lines, while PHA gently refines texture, evens skin tone, and forms a protective film that locks in hydration. Plus, PHAs also act as antioxidants, defending skin against oxidative stress and promoting a more youthful appearance. Centella asiatica is also included to soothe irritation and strengthen the skin barrier—allowing exfoliating actives to work without upsetting balance.
The watery yet cushiony texture makes it easy to layer, and the absence of alcohol or fragrance keeps it friendly to sensitive skin.
CKIN The Skinfulness Toner Essence
P880, THE BEAUTY EDIT GALLERY AT SPATIO
POPULAR PICK
The Skinfulness Hydrator
The third step in CKIN’s minimalist routine, The Skinfulness Hydrator is where hydration meets care. Lightweight and gel-cream in texture, it absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, supple, and radiant without feeling greasy.
The Hydrator’s formula balances care and performance: niacinamide calms and regulates the skin, Centella asiatica soothes, and Japanese Mondo Grass Root Extract strengthens and protects the skin barrier.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and free from parabens, silicones, and sulfates, it’s thoughtful skincare that prioritizes resilience as much as comfort. Plus, the refillable bottle adds a sustainable factor, turning your daily routine into a little mindful ritual that’s kind to both skin and planet.
CKIN The Skinfulness Hydrator
P1,190, THE BEAUTY EDIT GALLERY AT SPATIO
NEW ESSENTIAL
Advanced Blemish Patch
When a breakout decides to make an appearance, the CKIN Advanced Blemish Patch can be your secret weapon. With its microdot technology, these tiny, almost invisible hydrocolloid patches tackle blemishes directly, absorbing excess fluid, calming inflammation, and helping skin heal faster. Not only do they speed up the recovery of blemishes and help prevent post-acne marks, they also inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Infused with salicylic acid to clear pores and Centella asiatica to soothe irritation, each patch creates the perfect environment for troubled spots to recover, shielding the blemish from make-up and external irritants. The thin, flexible design makes them easy to wear during the day or overnight and is even discreet enough to go about your routine while they quietly get to work.
CKIN Advanced Blemish Patch
P740, THE BEAUTY EDIT GALLERY AT SPATIO
Shop CKIN at The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio, located on the 3/F of Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City. An editorial-led retail concept—and the first-of-its-kind in the local scene—the gallery spotlights indie innovators, cult icons, and niche trailblazers shaping F-beauty today.
