Creator of apple-based antioxidant skin cream targeting APAC expansion

APSKIN uses broad spectrum antioxidants harnessed from the power of apples and is based on the research of founder Dr Vincent Candrawinata, who claims that phenolic antioxidants from apples are the world's most potent antioxidants.

High-tech antioxidant

He believes APSKIN’s antioxidant benefits are unique due to the extraction technology, which extracts phenolic antioxidants with water. The result is an antioxidant that is water-based and not chemically-synthesised.

APSKIN contains 25% active ingredients and Candrawinata estimates that 100ml of product is equivalent to the extract of 500 apples.

Furthermore, Candrawinata explained that the antioxidants in APSKIN remain active during processing, packaging, delivery and all throughout its use.

"The Majority of vitamin C creams or serums actually get oxidised before they even leave the warehouse. Our active ingredients remain active even for the duration of shelf life,” ​said the Australia-based Indonesian.

Candrawinata attributes the longevity of the active ingredients to the protection by its SMARTSENSE technology, a ‘molecular vehicle’ which can detect moisture levels on skin to supply the epidermis with the perfect amount of moisture.

“This technology allows our cream to be used by different skin types – even sensitive skin. Even when they apply the same cream, they don’t get the same moisture level, it will count the skin,” ​said Candrawinata.

Venturing further into Asia

A personal project of Candrawinata, APSKIN was created to shorten and simplify his own skin care routine. In the end, because of the powerful antioxidants, he created a product that could treat inflammatory conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

With these properties, APSKIN was first supplied to aesthetic clinics which would use it as a post-treatment cream for waxing or laser treatments.

Today, APSKIN is available in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong as well as the Guangdong province in China.

While APSKIN is available across China through an online store, Candrawinata expressed the desire to expand further into China with physical stores.

For now, the company is working on entering Thailand in the first quarter of next year, which has proven to be a challenge, which Candrawinata attributes to the language barrier.

“Thailand is our first market where English is not the main language. So it’s a learning curve for us especially because we want to communicate our message and branding well,” ​he said. “Our most powerful marketing tool is getting people to try [APSKIN]. We are very confident that people can see the product works and they will come back. However to get people to try our product, we must get our product to integrate into the market.”​

That meant making a decision to change the name of the product, which as of now is still undecided.

“We want to find a name that can relate to the local people,”​ said Candrawinata.

Expanding line-up?

Candrawinata revealed that the firm has plans to launch a cleanser in Australia in December before rolling it out to Singapore and Malaysia early next year.

However, do not expect this to be the start of a long-line of product launches. Candrawinata even advocates that APSKIN alone is a sufficient beauty routine.

 “Many people didn’t believe us when we say, even without toner and without serum, we believe they can have the same, if not better results. But now see that our customer base simplify their morning routine,” ​said Candrawinata.

With positive testimonials from consumers and beauty professionals, Candrawinata is confident in his less-is-more approach to skin care.

“We are not going to release a skin care line that is seven or nine steps. One reason APSKIN was created is to shorten and simplify the routine,” ​he said. “We are only releasing products that are we think will be beneficial to people.​

“Renovatio is not a lifestyle company,” ​he added. “It’s a life company.”​