The Best Beauty Brands to Check Out In Southeast Asia

A curated edit of Southeast Asia’s most exciting beauty brands, from clinical skincare to playful cosmetics and artisan fragrances.

Words: Alisha Azuddin
Published: 14 May 2026
Reading time: 1 min

Best of Southeast Asia

There is a certain kind of pride in discovering beauty brands within our own region, especially when they are this good. Across Southeast Asia, a wave of homegrown names is quietly setting new standards, whether through science-led skincare, standout make-up or beautifully crafted fragrance. These are the brands that locals genuinely rate and the ones you will wish you had picked up more of. If you are planning a little beauty haul on your next trip, consider this your go-to list.

A curated edit of Southeast Asia’s most exciting beauty brands, from clinical skincare to playful cosmetics and artisan fragrances.

Thailand

01.1

If you like your skincare backed by actual science, Dr. Pong is one to know. Founded by Dr Yupong Net Nan, the brand focuses on evidence-informed formulas that target everyday concerns like dullness, dehydration and sun stress. You will find ingredients like vitamin C and retinal used in a way that feels effective but still easy to slot into a daily routine. Plus, they’ve just announced a special partnership with BL stars, Phuwin and Pond!

02.1

La Glace is all about fun, expressive make-up that still works for real life. The packaging is playful and very Gen Z-coded, but the formulas are surprisingly practical, with plenty of multifunctional options that make getting ready feel quick and easy. It is the kind of brand you end up browsing for the aesthetic, then leaving with products you actually will use every day.

03.1

Panpuri approaches beauty through the lens of ritual, drawing on Thai wellness traditions to shape its body care, skincare and fragrance offerings. The formulations lean into essential oils and botanicals, with textures and scents designed to create a more considered daily routine.

04.1

Mille is one of those brands that just gets everyday beauty right. Known for its primers, cushions and brightening products, it blends Korean-inspired formulas with textures that hold up well in humid weather. Everything feels lightweight, easy to wear and fairly foolproof, which makes it ideal for travel and our equally humid weather.

05.1

INGU keeps things simple in the best way. Its Brightening Crystal Serum is our top pick and is designed for anyone dealing with dull or uneven skin, using a mix of actives and calming botanicals like centella and green tea. The texture is light, absorbs quickly and layers well under sunscreen or make-up, which is exactly what you want in our hot climate.

05.2

Vietnam

06.1

d’Annam is a fine fragrance house that treats scent as a form of storytelling. Each perfume is crafted in small batches, drawing on regional heritage and artistic collaboration to create compositions that feel both intimate and considered. The brand leans towards softer, more contemplative profiles, designed to evoke calm and quiet delight.

07.1

Cocoon has become a leading voice in Vietnam’s vegan beauty movement, championing plant-based formulations rooted in local ingredients. Drawing from everyday botanicals such as fruits, herbs and vegetables, the brand transforms familiar sources into nutrient-rich skincare and haircare.

08.1

Dr Ceutic approaches skincare with a clear, science-first mindset, focusing on targeted solutions for concerns such as acne, oil control and barrier repair. Its formulations highlight well-researched ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol and urea, designed to perform at optimal levels. Affordable yet results-driven, the brand has built a reputation for delivering straightforward products that cater particularly well to the needs of Asian skin.

09.1

Maison de Nguyễn is a contemporary fragrance house dedicated to expressing Vietnamese identity through scent. Blending native essential oils with globally sourced ingredients, each composition reflects a careful balance of tradition and modernity. Still a relatively new name, the brand has quickly established a distinct voice, offering perfumes that feel personal, culturally grounded and thoughtfully composed.

10.1

At F.ORWARD, they position themselves as an artisan fragrance house, creating highly concentrated perfumes that prioritise character and craftsmanship. Each scent is designed as a narrative, drawing on local myths, memories and creative expression.

10.2

Indonesia

11.1

Alchemist treats fragrance as something emotional rather than just aesthetic. The idea is that scent can take you somewhere, whether that is a memory, a mood or a completely imagined place. Its perfumes feel quite introspective and a little dreamy, which makes them stand out.

12.1

Dear Me Beauty is one of those brands that really understands what we need for the everyday, and its Skin Barrier Sunscreen Gel is a standout for a reason. It is lightweight, comfortable and designed to protect while supporting the skin barrier, which is exactly what you need in this climate.

13.1

For Skin’s Sake sits nicely between clinical and approachable. It was created to make effective skincare feel less overwhelming, especially for beginners. The brand focuses on functional serums with ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, alongside simple tools that help you get more out of your routine.

14.1

ESQA has positioned itself as a leader in Indonesia’s modern make-up space, offering vegan, halal-certified products that balance performance with accessibility. Founded with the aim of elevating local beauty standards, the brand delivers refined textures and wearable shades that enhance rather than mask.

15.1

Polka Cosmetics brings a fun, slightly bold energy to the mix. As one of the early indie brands to gain traction online, it has built a loyal following through its expressive approach to make-up. The brand encourages individuality and creativity, offering products that feel fun and distinctive.

End of list

More Beauty