Natural is always best
Judging by her looks, one could only surmise that Charade de Leon-Galang is either a movie star or a fashion model. Young, svelte and beautiful, she is definitely movie star or supermodel material, but she is neither of the two. She is actually a pharmacist, a formulator of her own line of beauty products — ONE (Organic, Natural, Eco-friendly) Naturales.
“I took up pharmacology at the University of Sto. Tomas. Chemistry was my favorite subject and I loved to mix different chemicals to create something tangible. One day, an idea hit me and I could not shake it off. I told myself that I wanted to create luxury products that could make a difference — products that come from nature, and are mostly organic. But using pure organic materials is difficult because it has a short shelf life. So I did my research and came up with preservatives that are natural such as beeswax, virgin coconut oil, lemon peels and extracts from fruit rinds,” Galang narrates.
Galang also uses essential oils (like cherry extract, linseed oil, sweet almond, chamomile, laurel oil, geranium oil, lavender, lemon and grapefruit extract) on her skincare line. She says essential oils have both beneficial (anti-microbial, anti-aging, skin renewal and rejuvenation) and aromatic properties (relieve stress, provide skin nourishment and act as muscle relaxants). Anything that entails superficial beautification is beneficial. Aromatic properties are more sensual and cerebral because they touch the olfactory nerves, which triggers the brain to send a signal to the hormones to start doing their job.
“When I create a product I make sure there is continuity. That the product will evolve into something after a few months. So I created a ‘need niche’ among the consumers of my products. I want them to feel that without my products their skincare program will not be complete. There are a lot of skin- care products, but I want to make sure my products are different,” Galang adds.
Galang sold her products under a different name mostly in the provinces where she had a huge market. But late last year, she decided to make her products and herself known in Metro Manila. And so ONE Naturales was launched with a big bang at the Establishment at The Fort. There was enthusiasm among the guests, composed of Manila’s A list, when Charade flashed on the big screen her skincare line. Guests were given samples of her products.
Hosted by Don Puno, Sarah Meier and Angelika Cruz, the event was highlighted by a champagne toast for the success of Charade, the beauty and brains behind ONE Naturales.
ONE Naturales will be available exclusively in all Watsons stores at the end of July.
