If there’s one important thing to consider when buying beauty products—whether skin care or cosmetics—it’s the ingredients list.
Taking time to check what goes into your make-up and skin care is crucial to avoid allergic reactions, pore-clogging chemicals, and potentially harmful additives.
More importantly, it helps ensure that what you’re using actually works for your skin type and the environment you’re in.
This is something beauty content creator Toni Sia takes seriously.
"Definitely!" Toni told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview at the grand opening of Cathy Doll’s 10th anniversary pop-up at SM Mall of Asia on May 14, 2026.
For Toni, selecting products isn’t just about brand appeal, it’s also about how well the formula suits the Philippine climate and how effective it is on the skin.
"Cathy Doll products are made in Thailand kasi... And one thing is, for sure, we share the same weather here in the Philippines.
"So, maganda sa Cathy Doll is lightweight yung products nila. That is one thing kasi I cannot... For example, I cannot go around with sunscreen that is sweaty or, like, malagkit sa feeling. So it has to be really lightweight."
Performance also remains a non-negotiable.
"Of course, it has to be effective, has to be high performing talaga, and tried and tested na ko talaga na ito, so I vouch for them."
When asked about trending skin-care ingredients people should look forward to, Toni pointed to PDRN or Polydeoxyribonucleotide.
PDRN is a purified DNA fragment typically derived from salmon sperm. Known for its compatibility with human DNA, it is believed to help promote skin regeneration and healing, making it a rising star in the skin-care world.
"I do believe so... because I do think it is a trend right now as much as it is a new staple essential in skincare.
"But I’m really happy na Cathy Doll is already... nag-release na sila ng kanilang version of it.
"But I do think the ingredient will really reach more shelves in the future, that’s for sure."
TONI SIA'S BEAUTY MUST-HAVES
Taking her insights into account, PEP asked Toni about her current favorites from the Thai-based beauty brand.
She shared that her top pick at the moment is the perfumed lotion, which is available for PHP449 on Lazada and PHP484 on Shopee.
Toni said, "First, I like their perfumed lotions because not only are they hydrating, they also smell good and they last for a pretty long time."
Part of her beauty must-haves this summer is the brand’s Aqua Sun Body Sun Serum Line, which offers SPF protection along with added active ingredients tailored to different skin needs.
Toni said: “Also, the Aqua Sun Bright Up, guys, actually tatlong variants iyan...
"There is, like, a tone-up variant. There is also, like, a PDRN variant now. So check it out guys if you're into that ingredient, the PDRN.”
This body serum is priced at PHP349 on Lazada and PHP334 on Shopee.
Last but definitely not least, her top favorite is the Vitamin C-infused make-up line, which helps nourish and brighten the skin while you wear it.
"I've been loving the vitamin C line, makeup siya actually. So Cathy Doll, it's not just skincare. Meron din silang mga cosmetics. So they also have CC creams.
"But right now. I really have been enjoying the vitamin C range because it's fuller in coverage.
"And I used to get it in Thailand, but now it's finally here in the Philippines."
For those interested, the brand’s Vit C Ampoule Foundation with SPF50 is priced at PHP638 on Lazada and PHP699 on Shopee.
Meanwhile, the Vit C Ampoule Concealer is available for PHP479 on both Lazada and Shopee.
Read more: