By Hannah Muehlberger

May is the official month of celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage, so what’s the best way a beauty lover can celebrate? By showing your support through these brands that are owned by those in the AAPI community!

Dr. Althea

Dr. Althea is a Korean skincare brand rooted in the country’s rich tradition of innovative beauty solutions. Known for its advanced formulations, the brand blends science and nature to create products that deliver powerful, effective skincare. With a focus on sensitive skin, Dr. Althea uses high-quality ingredients and cutting-edge technology to offer transformative results. The brand’s Korean heritage influences its commitment to precision and excellence in skincare, making it a trusted name in beauty worldwide. Not only do these new SPFs protect the skin from harmful UV rays but they also work to keep the skin clear and blemish free. Their Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen is a lightweight sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum SPF50+, providing powerful protection against harmful UV rays. Infused with Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, 7 types of Centella Asiatica Extract, and Houttuynia Cordata Extract, it helps soothe irritated skin and reduce blemishes, promoting a clearer complexion. The addition of Sodium DNA enhances the skin’s natural healing process for a healthier, more radiant look. Protect your skin while caring for it with this nourishing, non-greasy sunscreen. The Aqua Glowing Sunscreen is infused with Bambusa Vulgaris Water, it helps support skin restoration while maintaining a clear and healthy complexion. Panthenol and Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract work together to keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and nourished throughout the day. Cream texture absorbs quickly and blends seamlessly without any stickiness, making it perfect for everyday wear. If your skin requires a more intense intervention, their 345 Relief Cream might be just what you need. This is a regenerating ointment gel cream rich in nutrients that skillfully combines ingredients to address blemishes, nourish the skin, and provide soothing care, resulting in a well-rounded skincare solution. This lightweight post-acne cream effectively tends to acne aftermath without a heavy feel.

Pili Ani

Everyone’s heard of K-Beauty, but what about P-Beauty? While Korean beauty trends have dominated the skincare industry for years, there’s an emerging movement quietly gaining momentum—and it starts in the lush rainforests of the Philippines. What sets Pili Ani apart is its signature blend of Pili and Elemi oils—powerhouse ingredients that work together to nourish, protect, and restore the skin.  Good for your skin. Good for the environment. Founded in 2016 by mother-daughter duo Rosalina and Mary Jane Tan, Pili Ani’s groundbreaking skincare products featuring Pili and Elemi Oils, originate from the Philippines, celebrating Filipino heritage while prioritizing ethical sourcing and sustainability. showcasing its simplicity and natural essence. Their goal was to introduce Filipino beauty to the U.S, Filipina beauty embraces a more understated, effortless look, honoring everything that’s naturally beautiful. When you add Pili Ani to your skincare routine, you’re embracing the best nature has to offer while making a meaningful impact on the planet. To end the day with a clean slate, the Cleansing Butter features Pili Active Oil, a blend of Pili and Elemi Oil, and has unique benefits to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin from pollutants, making it a perfect addition to your double-cleansing routine. This luxurious cleanser effortlessly removes long-wearing makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, all while nourishing. Additionally, it has natural antibacterial properties, ensuring your skin stays healthy and refreshed. A great option for people who want the benefits of retinol but prefer natural ingredients. Ageless Concentrate Vitamin C and Phyto Retinol $40. A revelation in age-defying skincare, the next-generation Ageless Concentrate blends nourishing Pili and Elemi Oils with nature’s most potent actives. Now supercharged with Vitamin C, known for its brightening, collagen boosting and antioxidant properties, and Phyto-Retinol, a plant-based retinol alternative that delivers powerful skin-renewal with a softer touch. Ideal for sensitive skin and safe for daytime use, this fast-absorbing formula targets visible signs of aging, reducing fine lines, smoothing skin texture, and restoring youthful radiance without the harshness.

TIRTIR

Born in the heart of Seoul in 2015 and has become a rising star in the world of K-beauty, blending traditional Korean skincare wisdom with modern scientific innovation. Founded by a team of passionate experts, TIRTIR is known for its clean and effective formulas that deliver real results, while nurturing skin with utmost care. From cult-favorite cushions to deeply hydrating serums, every product reflects the brand’s dedication to quality, inclusivity, and empowering individuals to glow confidently in their own skin. The Mask Fit Red Cushion helps achieve flawless, long-lasting coverage with a hydrating cushion foundation designed to deliver full coverage with a natural, semi-matte finish. This lightweight formula blends seamlessly, concealing imperfections and evening skin tone while keeping your skin nourished and comfortable all day. Achieve full-coverage perfection as well as hydration, lightweight comfort and long wear performance. Available in 40 Diverse Shades!

SH-RD

A renowned Taiwanese hair care brand, harnesses the powerful benefits of Rosemary Extract and Vitamin B5 Complex to soothe, repair, and revitalize both scalp and hair. While many are familiar with the wonders of K-Beauty and J-Beauty, T-Beauty (Taiwanese beauty) has its own unique focus—scalp and hair care are deeply rooted in the culture there. Hair salons are abundant in Taiwan, and it’s common for people to pop in for a quick wash, scalp massage, or full-service treatment. Even Watson’s has an entire section dedicated to scalp care. Their Tea Tree Scalp Shampoo is a master of scalp odor removal (deodorizing + anti-dandruff.) This shampoo is used to degrease, for flake control and itchiness. Gently takes care of impurities and is suitable for all hair types and refreshingly clean without dryness. Nourishing effects to take care of dandruff and itchiness, leaving hair refreshing between washes. The Thyme Intensive Shampoo is used to control dandruff and gives relief from scaly, flaky, and itchy scalp by adding Zinc Pyrithione (≤1%). It stops the growth of fungus that causes dandruff. Wild Thyme and Maidenhair Extract Essence are ingredients that help with anti dandruff, softening, moisturizing, with Menthol to keep scalp fresh, without greasiness.

Medicube

Korea’s #1 Dermocosmetic brand. Rooted in South Korea’s long-standing beauty traditions, the brand integrates modern science with time-tested skincare principles to create products that address specific skin concerns, such as acne, redness, and aging. What sets Medicube apart in the crowded K-beauty landscape is its focus on medical-grade skincare that delivers professional results without the need for a prescription. Medicube offers targeted solutions designed to improve skin health over time. Its commitment to clean, effective ingredients and dermatologist-tested formulas makes it a trusted name for those seeking high-performance skincare that’s both innovative and gentle on the skin.The medicube Gold Jelly Gel Mask transforms from gold to transparent after 3-4 hours, allowing the kojic acid and turmeric ingredients to be absorbed by the skin. It is effective for achieving glass glow skin, enhancing elasticity, skin brightness, hydration, firming, and moisturizing. For a more exfoliating treatment, their Red Body Peeling Shot Cleanser is a revolutionary self-peeling body care solution. Crafted for easy home use, this powerful spray is infused with a striking deep red color, designed to extract troubles from within like a vampire. Enriched with AHA, BHA, PHA, and LHA at 32%, their formula is designed to be absorbed by the skin, penetrating deeply into thick skin layers to target stubborn skin issues and uneven texture effectively. Encapsulated in fine particles, these potent ingredients combat the four main causes of body imperfections: Sebum, Oil, Dead Skin, and the causing source of troubled skin.