Long before anyone ever thought of bottling lotions and creams, our ancestors had discovered the restorative power of plants and extracts. The cooling gel found inside an aloe vera leaf was applied like a salve on minor burns. Olive oil was used to moisturize skin from top to toe. And gugo was worked into a lather and used as a shampoo.
Years passed and these natural remedies eventually fell out of favor. Women preferred to dip their fingers into jars of face cream, and perfume themselves in a cloud of synthetic fragrances. The pendulum, however, has swung back, and now the term “natural” has become popular again.
Earlier this week, Watsons introduced its existing range, Naturals by Watsons, at a
garden-themed restaurant. Guest speaker Stephanie
Zubiri-Crespi explained how she prefers olive oil-based soaps over slathering on high-grade olive oil on her skin.
‘Hiyang’
“With beauty and skincare, it really depends on what works for you,” she said. “You have to be hiyang (not allergic).”
When she’s unsure about a certain product, she asks for samples at the beauty counters.
With Naturals by Watsons, however, customers can spring for the full-size bottles without breaking the bank, as no single item in the range is priced higher than P260.
The leading health and beauty retailer in Asia is able to keep prices low because they manufacture the different product ranges in their own facilities.
“Naturals by Watson is made in Thailand using products with certified organic ingredients from all over the world,” said Jared de Guzman, Watsons group category manager. “It is sold in 10 Asian countries.”
The range is wide and includes olive oil from Italy, argan oil from Morocco, marula from Africa, aloe vera from the United States and the United Kingdom, paw paw from Australia, rice bran from Japan, and macadamia from Australia.
Most of the items are shampoos and hair treatments like the argan, marula and macadamia, while those with bath products include olive, aloe vera, paw paw and rice bran.
“We have the power of the Watsons brand behind it,” Watsons group marketing manager Karen Fabres said.
In the next few months, more ranges will be added including coffee, quinoa and tea tree oil as well as a baby care line using calendula.
Naturals by Watsons is available at Watsons and the SM Beauty Store section. SM Advantage Card (SMAC) members get 25 percent off when they purchase their preferred Naturals by Watsons products from Oct. 26-Nov. 22.
