At the beginning of 2025, I made a personal commitment to take my skincare routine more seriously. As a full-time working mom, I needed something simple, effective, and stress-free. After experiencing a harsh breakout in the past due to a compromised skin barrier, I’ve become extra cautious about what I put on my face. My must-haves were clear: products that are gentle, suitable for oily skin, easy to use, and won’t break the bank.

So when The Originote products popped up on my Shopee feed, my curiosity was instantly piqued. A quick browse through their page showed a range of items that seemed perfectly tailored to my skincare needs. I immediately purchased everything that I needed for a full skincare routine.

After a few months of consistent use, here’s my honest experience using six of their products: the Hyalurose Micellar Water, Cicamide Facial Cleanser, Ceraluronic Essence Toner, Gluta Bright B3 SerumHyalucera Moisturizer, and Ceramella Sunscreen.

About The Originote

The Originote is a rising skincare brand that focuses on simple, science-backed ingredients which means no frills, no fluff. It's not indicated on their packaging, so I had to verify via their Shopee Account if their products are vegan and cruelty-free, and they replied in the affirmative. Their products are formulated to target common skin concerns like dryness, acne, and dullness. What caught my attention first? Their minimalist packaging and the fact that most of their items are under ₱300!


"The Originote Hyalurose Micellar Water" Review

What it is: A gentle micellar water infused with rose extract and hyaluronic acid to cleanse, hydrate, and soothe.
Texture & Scent: Light, watery, and refreshing. Has a subtle rose floral scent.
Application: I use this as my first cleanse to remove sunscreen and light makeup.
My Thoughts: It did the job without stinging or drying my skin. No greasy residue and didn’t clog my pores. I am a big, big fan of micellar waters and I will never not have one in my beauty arsenal. That being said, I'm glad that it comes in a 300ml bottle which means that I can utilize it for a looong time.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Cicamide Facial Cleanser" Review
What it is: A low-pH gel cleanser with centella asiatica and ceramides for calming and barrier support. Also contains niacinamide for other skin concerns such as enlarged pores and excess oil production.
Texture & Scent: Clear gel with minimal lather, scent-free
Application: Morning and night cleanse (double cleanser at night after using the Hyalurose Micellar Water)
My Thoughts: Super gentle and didn’t strip my oily skin. Felt clean but not tight afterward which is a big plus for me. I've had some trauma from the past and I know it was because of my weakened skin barrier. I always make sure that the facial cleanser should be low-pH and gentle to my skin barrier. I'm glad that this product is good and affordable. I wanted to give it a 5 star rating but I had a tiny bit of an issue: the product seemed to smell a bit stale right before I fully consumed it. I'm not sure what happened since it's not yet expired. I'm not totally giving up on this product tho, so I will still repurchase it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌗 (4.5/5)

"The Originote Ceraluronic Essence Toner" Review
What it is: A hydrating essence toner that combines ceramides and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. Also contains heartleaf, a medicinal herb prized for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties.
Texture & Scent: Watery but slightly more viscous than a basic toner. 
Application: I apply this using my hands, patting it in for maximum absorption.
My Thoughts: In the past, I tend to skip the toner part and just proceed to moisturizing. But with this product, I never want to skip. I loved how it made my skin feel plump and supple. It also helps calm some redness of my skin after washing. It is also easily absorbed and layers well with the serum and moisturizer.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Gluta-Bright B3 Serum" Review
What it is: A brightening serum with glutathione and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for targeting dark spots and evening out skin tone.
Texture & Scent: Lightweight, watery serum with no strong scent.
Application: Used daily after toner, before moisturizer.
My Thoughts: The essence toner and serum combo of this skincare routine is something I looked forward to; they just really paired well. I loved how this serum helped in minimizing the appearance of my pores. I also noticed a subtle glow after 2 weeks. It didn’t irritate my skin (some niacinamide serums do!) and my pimple marks faded faster. Another thing, this along with the essence toner layers well with my makeup.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Hyalucera Moisturizer" Review
What it is: A daily moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, meant to lock in hydration and reinforce the skin barrier.
Texture & Scent: Gel-cream texture, non-sticky, and fragrance-free.
Application: Used  after serum both morning and night.
My Thoughts: I love that it’s lightweight yet moisturizing enough. No greasy feeling, which is rare for moisturizers on oily skin! This is moisturizer, plain and simple and is exactly what I was looking for, no added fancy stuff. Just a moisturizer moisturizer that is meant to moisturize.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The Originote Ceramella Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++" Review
What it is: A hybrid sunscreen with ceramides and niacinamide for UV protection and skin barrier support.
Texture & Scent: Lightweight cream texture with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Fragrance-free.
Application: I applied this every morning as the final step in my routine.
My Thoughts: I love that it leaves no white cast—huge win for my light-medium skin tone! It is also easily absorbed and and sits well under makeup. The finish is not matte but more of a glowy one. Ages ago, I would have preferred my sunscreen to have a matte finish, but now, I prefer the glowy finish because it make me feel more youthful. 
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 

How It Worked as a Routine

The whole routine worked harmoniously together—no breakouts, no greasy buildup. My skin felt calmer, more balanced, and less shiny throughout the day. It was especially great during busy days when I needed a fuss-free skincare system. I also loved how it works well with the makeup, I have never experienced pilling.

Final Thoughts
Would I repurchase? Yes, every product here that I reviewed is worth a repurchase.
If you’re new to skincare or want to build a minimalist routine that won’t break the bank, The Originote is a solid choice.

Tips for First-Time Users
Always patch test first, especially the serum if you’re sensitive to actives.
The toner and moisturizer pair beautifully, great for barrier repair days.
For oily skin, keep the routine light and avoid layering too many products at once.

Where to Buy
I bought the entire line from their official Shopee Store, but I believe they also available in TikTok and Lazada. Prices range from ₱99 to ₱299, making them perfect for budget-conscious beauty lovers!

✨ Have you tried The Originote yet? Let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments! Don’t forget to follow my blog for more honest skincare and lifestyle reviews. ✨

XO, Mommie Cassie

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