Trending Filipino skincare brand Dermorepubliq has earned the Emerald Award at this year’s TikTok Shop Philippines Beauty and Personal Care Annual Awards for being the platform’s top-selling beauty brand, in recognition of its outstanding sales achievement and performance through short video content.

The award highlights Dermorepubliq’s success in building a strong community and driving authentic engagement through relatable creator-led videos and grassroots partnerships. The recognition places Dermorepubliq ahead of bigger beauty brands on the platform, underscoring the impact of video-led e-commerce and community trust in today’s social commerce space.

“This award is a milestone for our team and everyone who believes in our brand,”said Keith Sta. Barbara, Founder and President of Dermorepubliq. “Being named TikTok Shop’s overall Top 1 beauty brand shows what’s possible when customers and creators share real stories and results. We’re grateful for their trust and excited to keep delivering products and content that genuinely connect.”

Sta. Barbara added that the recognition highlights how genuine trust and confidence from customers and creators continue to drive authentic conversations and real results for the brand.

Dermorepubliq’s growth on TikTok Shop is driven by a full-funnel strategy that combines brand awareness efforts with conversion-focused content to deliver stronger results. By building trust and collaboration with its creators and customers, the brand has grown a more connected and engaged community that supports its grassroots approach. This community-first approach helps generate authentic content, amplify its message, and sustain long-term growth, which continues to set Dermorepubliq apart in the competitive local beauty market.

Among its recent campaigns is the #DoItWithDermoChallenge, which encouraged TikTok users to showcase their skincare routine by dancing to the official “Do It With Dermo Dance Craze” featuring the steps of splash, spray, pat, and swipe. Running from June 16 to 29, the campaign gained strong traction on TikTok, generating over 1,000 entries and leveraging the brand’s creator network to drive authentic and educational content.

Following receipt of the award, Dermorepubliq plans to share the milestone across its social channels and integrate it into its affiliate program to acknowledge partners who contributed to its growth.

The brand’s recognition this year comes after its win at the TikTok Ad Awards Philippines 2024, where its “Your New Holy Grail” campaign was named Best Local Hero Campaign for relatable storytelling and community-driven recommendations..

Dermorepubliq products are available on TikTok Shop, Shopee, Lazada and at its official website, www.dermorepubliq.com. The brand also has kiosks located at SM Fairview, SM Masinag, SM Tanza, SM Sta. Mesa and Riverbanks Center.

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, launched a new digital film featuring brand ambassadors Anne Curtis, Erwan Heussaff, and their daughter Dahlia for the “M Knows Better” campaign. The mockumentary-style video introduces “M,” a loving but hilariously overprepared family friend who always goes the extra mile to take care of those she loves.

In the video, “M” helps the Heussaff family through various scenarios—being ready to put out a fire amid a kitchen mishap, calling an ambulance when Erwan simply catches a cold, and helping Dahlia train to become a prima ballerina—all because she genuinely cares and wants them to be prepared for anything life throws their way. While her methods might be a bit “extra,” her heart is always in the right place. The video ends with a simple but powerful question: “Do you have someone who cares as much as you do?” followed by Manulife’s tagline, “Where will better take you.”

The campaign resonates with the family’s authentic experience with Manulife. “Manulife has really helped our family plan ahead and build financial security for our family’s future,” said Anne Curtis, a Manulife policyholder since 2009. “This new digital film is a fun and creative way to show people the kind of care and support we’re receiving from Manulife.”

The campaign shows how caring means going the extra mile, especially for people who matter to us. Through “M’s” character, Manulife wants to demonstrate the kind of genuine care they provide to their customers.

“We want to show Filipinos that they can count on Manulife as a trusted partner who cares, protects, and is there to help them secure a better future,” said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines. “Our mission is to make our customers’ decisions easier and lives better, so we aim to be their trusted partner, always there to support them and help them plan ahead.” “M Knows Better” is now available on Manulife Philippines’ Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are increasingly turning to dietary supplements to fill nutritional gaps in their diets. With busy lifestyles and evolving dietary habits, many struggle to meet their daily nutrient requirements through food alone. Advances in personal health assessments ranging from consultations with medical professionals to digital nutrition diagnoses and even DNA nutrition test kits are enabling individuals to better understand their nutritional needs.   

As a result, dietary supplementation has become a popular solution for those seeking a convenient and tailored approach to maintaining their well-being. This rising consumer trust is also contributing to the rapid growth of the supplement industry, particularly in Asia Pacific.

In the Philippines, more and more Filipinos are prioritizing their health, sometimes even more than saving money or buying a house, according to a 2024 OCTA survey. This shift, largely driven by the pandemic, has made supplements a convenient and popular option for supporting wellness goals.

According to Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife, as demand for dietary supplements surges, so do concerns about safety, quality, and regulatory oversight. In some cases, supplements have been found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients, like synthetic drugs or contaminants that could pose serious health risks. “As a result, transparency in the dietary supplement industry has become a critical factor in earning customer trust. Brands that embrace transparency in their labelling, sourcing, and quality assurance practices can build a brand image that differentiates them in an increasingly competitive market,” said Teo. 

The Evolving Regulatory Landscape in Asia Pacific

The regulatory framework for dietary supplements in the Asia Pacific region varies significantly across countries. Australia has one of the most stringent systems, with supplements regulated as therapeutic goods under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which requires robust evidence of safety, quality, and efficacy. Products must be listed or registered depending on their risk classification, and manufacturers must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). In contrast, Indonesia takes a more flexible approach. Supplements fall under the jurisdiction of Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BPOM), which classifies them as traditional or health supplements.

In most APAC markets, including the Philippines, dietary supplements must be registered with the regulatory authorities before they can be sold. However, supplement recalls in the region have raised questions about the industry’s regulatory oversight. Unlike the pharmaceutical sector, which undergo stringent testing and approval processes, dietary supplements are often regulated in a manner that is similar to food products, focusing primarily on labelling and general safety.

Moreover, online loopholes pose growing risks. Unregistered products are often sold on digital platforms or promoted by influencers making false or exaggerated health claims. This has prompted repeated warnings from the Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health to Filipino consumers.

As a result, the level of regulatory rigor varies widely between countries, leading to inconsistencies in safety and quality. Key regulatory considerations include:

• Regulatory Frameworks: Countries like South Korea and Taiwan have implemented comprehensive regulatory frameworks for dietary supplements, overseen by their respective food and drug authorities. Both countries require safety evaluations, functional ingredient approvals, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices before products can enter the market. These measures ensure high standards of safety, efficacy, and quality.
• Labelling Standards: Clear and accurate labelling is critical to consumer safety. Regulations dictate that supplement labels should list ingredients, recommended dosage, and potential side effects, though enforcement varies across the region.
• Health Supplement Claims: Many brands make claims about the benefits of their products, from boosting immunity to improving cognitive function. However, without strong regulatory scrutiny, some of these claims may be misleading or unverified.
• Advertising and Promotion: Digital marketing, especially through social media, has played a pivotal role in supplement sales. In some countries, misleading advertisements or claims can lead to penalties, while in others, enforcement is weak, making it easier for questionable products to reach consumers.  

While efforts have been made such as the ASEAN Harmonization of Health Supplements initiative to develop a unified regulatory framework across Southeast Asia, the framework has yet to be fully implemented to date. Until such standards are adopted, both consumers and manufacturers must continue to navigate a complex and uneven regulatory landscape across the region.

The Importance of Scienced-Backed Supplementation

With regulatory standards differing across markets, scientific validation plays a crucial role in helping consumers make informed and confident decisions about their health. Supplements grounded in credible scientific research offer a higher level of assurance when it comes to safety, efficacy, and long-term benefits. Health and wellness brands such as Herbalife differentiate themselves by prioritizing science-backed product development and rigorous quality control. Investing in extensive research and adhering to strict compliance standards helps establish a benchmark for product safety, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality and effective supplements.

“A key aspect of this commitment is scientific validation—where formulations are developed based on credible research rather than fleeting market trends. To further ensure product safety and potency, Herbalife conducts independent third-party testing to verify ingredient purity and confirm that what is stated on the label accurately reflects the product’s composition,” added Teo.

Beyond ingredient verification, advancements in nutritional science and product formulation play a vital role in enhancing supplement efficacy. Companies that invest in cutting-edge research and collaborate with scientific experts are better equipped to develop innovative products tailored to evolving consumer health needs. The integration of new technologies, such as precision nutrition and bioavailability optimization, further enhances the absorption and effectiveness of supplements, ensuring that consumers receive maximum benefits from their dietary choices.

Through continuous advancements in formulations and the integration of cutting-edge scientific discoveries, reputable brands set higher industry standards and meet the growing demand for safer, more effective supplements.

Making Informed Choices for Your Health

As the supplement industry continues to grow, consumers must also take an active role in researching and validating the products they consume. Before purchasing a supplement, it is essential to check the ingredient list and verify whether the product contains any allergens, artificial additives, or potentially harmful substances. “Understanding the manufacturing process is equally important, opting for brands that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and conduct third-party testing can help ensure product safety. By taking ownership of the supplement research process to make informed choices, consumers can better safeguard their well-being while benefiting from dietary supplementation,” ended Teo.