The Birth of BIGHANI: My Journey to Creating the Luxury Marine-Based Body Butter

After years of studying, experimenting, and crafting, I’m beyond thrilled to introduce BIGHANI, my final project that earned me the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation from Formula Botanica. This body butter isn’t just a skincare product—it’s the result of a personal journey, blending science, natural ingredients, and my deep-rooted connection to Filipino heritage. As an experienced formulator and founder of Wicks & Bath Co., this project solidified my vision to represent my Filipino roots in the beauty industry. It also led to the creation of KAYUMANGGI Skincare by Wicks & Bath Co., our skincare line that celebrates the beauty of brown skin and natural, sustainably sourced ingredients.

Why a Body Butter?

I chose to create a luxury body butter for my final project after identifying a gap in the skincare world. Anti-aging products for the face dominate the beauty industry, but what about the body? Why should our bodies receive any less attention and nourishment than our faces?

I wanted to formulate a product that was not only luxurious but packed with active ingredients that target aging and dry skin. I envisioned a body butter that deeply hydrates and revitalizes, all while celebrating my cultural heritage. BIGHANI is designed for those who care for their bodies as much as their faces. It’s a marine-based, anti-aging body butter that delivers exceptional results.

The Journey to BIGHANI Luxury Marine-Based Body Butter

The creation of BIGHANI wasn’t just about blending ingredients—it was about infusing purpose and meaning into every step of the formulation process. The name "BIGHANI," meaning "captivate" in Filipino, perfectly captures the essence of this product. It’s a luxurious body butter that captivates the senses while nourishing the skin.

Inspired by the rich, diverse oceans surrounding the Philippines, I selected marine-based ingredients that are both powerful and sustainable. The Philippines is one of the world’s top producers of seaweed, which led me to include Sea Grape Caviar Oil in the formulation. This nutrient-rich oil is not only a nod to my childhood but also a potent skin-nourishing ingredient rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It ties my cultural roots to the modern beauty industry and offers an exceptional solution for hydration and skin elasticity.

Active Ingredients in BIGHANI: Powerful, Natural, and Luxurious

BIGHANI Luxury Marine-Based Body Butter is a carefully crafted blend of natural, high-performance ingredients. Each ingredient was selected for its proven ability to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin. Here’s a closer look at the star ingredients and why they were chosen:

1. Sea Grape Caviar Oil

This luxurious oil is sourced from the nutrient-rich waters of the Philippines. Sea Grape Caviar Oil is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for hydrating dry skin and improving elasticity. It brings the essence of the ocean to your skin, offering deep nourishment and radiance.

2. Cupuacu Butter

Known for its ability to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity, Cupuacu Butter provides deep hydration without leaving a greasy feel. It’s richer than shea butter and locks in moisture to give the skin a soft, velvety texture. Perfect for treating dry, aging skin, it’s one of the key ingredients that makes BIGHANI stand out in the world of body butters.

3. Sal Butter

Sal Butter is another essential component of this formulation. It helps soften and repair dry, damaged skin while creating a protective barrier that doesn’t feel heavy. Sal Butter ensures the body butter absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling smooth and nourished.

4. Wakame Bioferment

Derived from seaweed, Wakame Bioferment is a powerful marine ingredient that supports collagen production and provides potent antioxidants. It helps firm and smooth the skin, making it an ideal addition to this anti-aging body butter.

5. Sea Silt Bioferment

Sourced from the pristine waters off the coast of Hawaii, Sea Silt Bioferment detoxifies the skin and infuses it with essential minerals. This unique ingredient revitalizes dull skin and improves texture, leaving your skin refreshed and radiant.

6. Hyaluronic Acid ULMW

Ultra-Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid penetrates deep into the skin, delivering intense hydration and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This ingredient helps keep the skin plump, smooth, and youthful.

7. Vegetable Ceramides

Ceramides are essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier and retaining moisture. By incorporating Vegetable Ceramides into BIGHANI, we ensure that your skin remains protected from environmental stressors and stays hydrated for longer periods.

8. Brown, Red, and Green Algae Extracts

These marine algae are powerhouse ingredients, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Brown Algae, Red Algae, and Green Algae are known for their hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Together, they work to replenish and restore the skin’s natural moisture levels while protecting against environmental damage. These algae extracts enhance the overall performance of the body butter, providing intense hydration, skin elasticity, and a youthful glow.

Why I Chose Formula Botanica

I decided to study at Formula Botanica, a world-renowned institution in organic skincare formulation, because of its global reputation for excellence. The program provided me with the knowledge and technical expertise to create innovative, sustainable skincare products. I learned how to work with natural ingredients and craft formulations that are not only effective but also eco-friendly. The experience was transformative and helped me turn my passion into a professional career as a certified organic skincare formulator.

KAYUMANGGI Skincare by Wicks & Bath Co.: Celebrating Filipino Heritage

The creation of BIGHANI didn’t just mark the completion of my final project—it also solidified my desire to represent my Filipino heritage in the beauty industry. This led to the birth of KAYUMANGGI Skincare by Wicks & Bath Co., our skincare line inspired by the beauty of brown skin and the richness of Filipino culture. "Kayumanggi" means "brown" in Filipino, symbolizing the natural, sun-kissed skin tone of Filipinos.

KAYUMANGGI Skincare is more than just a product line—it’s a celebration of our heritage, a connection to our roots, and a commitment to creating high-quality, natural skincare products that honor the beauty of brown skin. Through this line, we aim to fill a gap in the market for luxurious, culturally inspired skincare that represents the richness of Filipino traditions.

The Heart of Wicks & Bath Co.

At Wicks & Bath Co., we believe in the power of natural ingredients and the importance of cultural representation in beauty. BIGHANI represents our commitment to crafting luxurious body care products that nourish the skin while celebrating Filipino heritage. It’s more than just another body butter—it’s a symbol of where we come from, the ocean that sustains us, and the future of beauty.

I’m incredibly proud of this journey, from studying at Formula Botanica to launching KAYUMANGGI Skincare by Wicks & Bath Co.. BIGHANI is the product of years of learning, growth, and a deep passion for creating skincare that matters.

Ready to experience the magic of marine-based skincare and the richness of Filipino heritage? You can now purchase BIGHANI Luxury Marine-Based Body Butter and indulge your skin in the luxury of natural ingredients. 💙