Skin Need

Skin Need was created by Hong Kong’s very own Christal Leung as a means to provide personalised, science-backed skincare while always keeping the consumer and planet in mind. Innovative and effective ingredients including plant stem cells and peptides are utilised, meticulously matched with potent herbs including ginseng and edelweiss. The natural, vegan and cruelty-free formulas are carefully manufactured in California, while the range of 50 formulas can be mixed and matched for a tailored skincare experience. For those that may find the vast range of products daunting, the brand has recently introduced the Skin Need Analysis, a bespoke skin assessment available online and in store that also keeps Hong Kong’s hot and humid summer climate in mind.

B.Y.O.B (Blend Your Own Beauty)

The sister brand of Skin Need, B.Y.O.B. (Blend Your Own Beauty) has products that are carefully formulated to replace typical market irritants and fillers with functional, sustainable and vegan formulas. Focussing on masks and serums for the initial launch, the chic and minimalist packaging caters to the aesthetically inclined, while the potent formulas harness plant extracts to revive, rejuvenate, clarify or calm the skin. The ADAP Adaptogen Defense serum fortifies and repairs damaged skin barriers or irritated skin, while the CPM Charcoal Purifying mask enlists activated charcoal to reduce excess sebum and prevent skin congestion that typically leads to breakouts.

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant was established when founder Tiffany Masterson identified six irritating ingredients (dubbed the “Suspicious 6”) that she sought to eliminate from her skincare, including essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances/dyes and SLS (sodium laureate sulphate). The brand’s extensive product lineup includes the famed T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial Mask, a powerful AHA/BHA mask that improves skin texture by gently sloughing off dead skin cells, and the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, a light yet moisturising product that restores radiance to the skin.

Hourglass Cosmetics

Although initially known for its blendable, seamless powder products, Hourglass Cosmetics has since expanded its repertoire to include a best-selling mascara that flew off the shelves upon launching last year, alongside raved-about concealers and brow pencils. The brand announced its decision to become fully vegan in 2019 and completed the transition by the end of 2020.