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 Dermtropics, a homegrown skincare brand rooted in Filipino botanicals, and explore how it brings ingredients like virgin coconut oil into more refined, science-backed skincare and helps reframe local botanicals as effective and research-backed solutions for contemporary skin concerns.
“When we started Dermtropics, it really came from a personal need,” shared founder Margaux Arambulo-Lucena. “As someone with very sensitive skin, I noticed that there were only a few options in the market that truly catered to people like me and my family.”
At the time, the options felt limited in a different way, too. Products that felt considered—whether in formulation, texture, or overall experience—were often associated with international brands. “Many consumers still looked abroad for premium skincare,” she says, “and we felt there was an opportunity to create something locally that could stand alongside international brands in both quality and presentation.” What Dermtropics set out to do wasn’t to replace what was already out there, but to offer a version of it that felt closer to home.
That meant looking at familiar ingredients differently. Instead of treating Filipino botanicals as something purely traditional, the brand approached them with a more modern formulation-first mindset. “We wanted to build a brand that celebrated Filipino ingredients and heritage in a more modern way,” Arambulo-Lucena explained, “creating skincare that was gentle, science-backed, and thoughtfully designed, while proving that Philippine made products can be premium, sustainable, and globally competitive.”
Coconut oil, in particular, became central to that thinking, not just as a cultural staple, but as an ingredient worth refining. “My mother has believed in the benefits of virgin coconut oil since the 1990s and has long used it in her soap formulations for patients dealing with concerns like eczema, dry skin, and sensitive skin,” she shares. That early exposure shaped how she saw its potential. “Her trust in coconut oil and seeing how well it worked became a huge part of the motivation behind Dermtropics… many dermatologists have long believed in its benefits, and clinical studies have continued to support its effectiveness for skin health.”
There’s also a deeper connection behind it. “My husband comes from a farming background in Davao, which gave us firsthand exposure to the beauty and abundance of our local coconut resources,” she added. “Together, we felt it was time to share the wonders of our coconuts, not just with Filipinos, but with the world.”
Dermtropics uses a wet-milled process, which prioritizes freshness and nutrient retention. “For us, if we were going to build a brand around coconut oil, we wanted to use it in its highest-quality and most sustainable form possible,” Arambulo-Lucena shared. “Wet-milling allows the oil to be extracted from fresh coconut meat within 48 hours of harvest, without exposing it to prolonged heat or drying processes that can degrade nutrients.”
It also changes how the brand works with its sources. “It also allows us to work more closely with fresh harvests from our local farmers, creating a more intentional and sustainable sourcing process from farm to formulation.”
“Through ORAC testing, our wet-milled virgin coconut oil was found to contain up to four times more antioxidants compared to standard coconut oils,” she said. “That became a huge part of our philosophy—if we were going to champion Filipino coconut, we wanted to do it in a way that truly highlights its best form while honoring both its quality and the communities behind it.”
And beyond formulation, Dermtropics is driven by a larger intention. “The Philippines has always had incredible natural resources, yet many of our local ingredients have historically been exported without enough recognition. Through Dermtropics, we want to prove that Filipino skincare can also be science-backed, sustainable, and world-class.”
“We hope Dermtropics helps elevate not just our brand, but the perception of Philippine beauty innovation as a whole,” she added. “We really hope that Dermtropics inspires more consumers to trust and celebrate local brands… If Dermtropics can help shift that mindset even a little, and make people proud to choose Philippine-made products because of their quality, innovation, and performance, then we believe we’ve done our part in moving the industry forward.”
HERO PRODUCT
Raw Coconut Gentle Cleansing Bar
At the core of Dermtropics is the product that helped build the brand: the Raw Coconut Gentle Cleansing Bar. Used at home and in a dermatology clinic for nearly 30 years before it was ever packaged for a wider audience, it’s straightforward in concept: a daily cleanser built around virgin coconut oil, but the way it’s made, and who it’s made for, makes it more unique than your usual soap bar.
The bar is built for skin that needs a bit more care. Dry, sensitive, eczema-prone—these are the conditions it’s designed around, and it stays focused on that. The formula is intentionally straightforward: no added fragrance, no sulfates, no unnecessary extras. Instead, it leans on a few key components that do the work without overwhelming the skin.
It contains wet-milled virgin coconut oil, processed fresh rather than exposed to prolonged heat. The addition of plant-derived glycerin helps draw in moisture, while vitamin E adds another layer of antioxidant support.
“It was the product that started the brand, and I believe it resonates because Filipinos naturally love using soap in their daily routines. We made sure to create one that still gives that rich, luxurious lather and deep-cleansing feel people enjoy without stripping the skin,” said Arambulo-Lucena.
“Many of our customers struggle with dryness, sensitivity, or eczema-prone skin, and they often tell us they immediately feel the difference compared to traditional commercial soap bars.”
Dermtropics Raw Coconut Gentle Cleansing Bar
P280, The Beauty Edit
CULT CLASSIC
Raw Coconut + Colloidal Oatmeal Hand and Body Wash
The Raw Coconut + Colloidal Oatmeal Hand and Body Wash is built to clean without disrupting the skin barrier, which is why it leans on a soap-free base and a pH that stays close to skin’s natural range. It combines wet-milled virgin coconut oil with colloidal oatmeal, which is known for calming irritation, plus aloe vera and argan oil for added hydration and softness. The low pH (around 4.9 to 5.2) also helps keep the skin barrier intact, so you’re not left with that dry, tight feeling after rinsing.
Like other products in the line, it has no added fragrance and no unnecessary extras but does its job and fits easily into a routine. It may not give you that rich, foamy or scented shower moment, but it makes up for it in consistency.
Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Colloidal Oatmeal Hand and Body Wash
P1,099/490ml, The Beauty Edit
POPULAR PICK
Raw Coconut + Argan Oil Intensive Hair Conditioner
This is a restorative and nourishing conditioner is built to do what most people need—manage dryness, smooth the hair, and make it easier to handle after washing. Like the rest of Dermtropics’ lineup, it stays simple and focused.
The formula combines organic wet-milled virgin coconut oil with argan oil which help soften and condition, while also adding a bit of shine. They also make detangling easier and help with frizz. It also has hydrolyzed wheat protein, which supports the hair over time, especially if it’s prone to breakage or damage.
Despite being labeled “intensive,” it doesn’t feel heavy. The texture is creamy but still easy to spread, and it rinses out clean without leaving that coated feeling some richer conditioners can have. After rinsing, hair feels softer and smoother, but still light enough to move naturally.
Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Argan Oil Intensive Hair Conditioner
P1,050/500ml, The Beauty Edit
UNDERRATED HOLY GRAIL
Raw Coconut + Shea Butter Nourishing Lip Shield
The Raw Coconut + Shea Butter Nourishing Lip Shield takes the same approach as the rest of Dermtropics’ collection: simple on the surface, but built with a bit more intention.
It’s a conditioning balm, but with an added layer of function. It combines coconut oil and shea butter for softness, along with argan oil and jojoba esters to help smooth and maintain moisture. What sets it apart is the inclusion of broad-spectrum SPF 70, which isn’t something you see often in everyday lip balms especially at this level of protection.
It’s also fragrance-free and taste-free, which makes it easy to use regularly especially if your lips tend to react to more flavored or scented formulas. With its versatility, you can use it as a daytime lip sunscreen, a base under lipstick, or even a thicker layer at night for overnight repair.
Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Shea Butter Nourishing Lip Shield
P699, The Beauty Edit
HARDWORKING MUST-TRY
Raw Coconut Daily Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion
If the body wash and cleanser keep skin calm, this body lotion keeps it comfortable long after you step out of the shower. The Raw Coconut Daily Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion seals in moisture without adding weight, especially in humid weather.
It contains wet-milled virgin coconut oil to help replenish and lock in moisture, while colloidal oatmeal works to soothe dryness and support the skin barrier. Glycerin pulls hydration into the skin, so it doesn’t just sit on the surface. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave behind that sticky film that a lot of body lotions tend to have, which is something that matters to many users especially in the Philippine climate. After applying, the skin feels soft and hydrated, but still breathable.
Dermtropics Raw Coconut Daily Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion
P980, The Beauty Edit
EDITOR FAVORITE
Raw Coconut + Aloe Vera Nourishing Shampoo
This shampoo is where the brand’s philosophy extends into haircare—gentle, functional, and nourishing. It has a low-foaming formula, which means it doesn’t behave like the usual shampoos most people are used to. There’s less lather and less of that “squeaky clean” feel because it’s meant to cleanse without disrupting the scalp, especially for those dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or irritation.
The formula leans heavily on the same base as the brand’s skincare: organic wet-milled virgin coconut oil. Here, it’s paired with coconut milk to nourish the scalp, while aloe vera helps calm itchiness and help reduce flakes. It also contains hydrolyzed wheat protein which helps improve softness and elasticity. Plus with a pH of 5.5, the formula is created to respect the scalp’s natural barrier, which helps maintain moisture instead of stripping it away.
“Our haircare line tends to attract consumers experiencing dryness, scalp sensitivity, postpartum hair changes, or those simply looking for a gentler and more nourishing alternative to mainstream shampoos,” said Arambulo-Lucena.
Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Aloe Vera Nourishing Shampoo
P1,200/500ml, The Beauty Edit
Shop Dermtropics and more local beauty brands 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.
