Erb

Initiated by a former fashion designer who fell in love with ancient Thai skincare folk remedies and techniques, Erb repackages grandma’s secret beauty treatments and recipes for a modern lifestyle. Their secret is to create high-end skincare products that utilize natural, local ingredients with hidden restorative benefits.
BK pick: The facial mineral spray from the Princess Pa Collection that helps refresh your face with its rose scent. B490.
6/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd. www.erbasia.com

Gla

From The Body Shop-style packaging you might think this was yet another imported brand, but Gla skincare products are 100% Thai and made from Asian herbs and natural essential oils. Their best selling items are their shampoos, designed for four different hair types, a body moisturizer with shea butter and rice bran oil and an aloe vera lip balm.
BK pick: A rice bran oil nurturing lip cream that helps soothe dry lips, thanks to its rich Shea butter extract. B280.
Available at Lemon Farm organic stores, try: G/F, 31 Soi Langsuan, 02-652-1973 or get a full list of branches at www.lemonfarm.com. www.glanature.com

Harnn

Starting out with a range of natural rice bran oil soaps a decade ago, Harnn is Thailand’s leader in spa/skincare products. While they still sell soaps, their product range has now expanded to include massage balms and bath oils, shampoos, conditioners and more, all utilizing natural ingredients from pepper and green tea to jasmine and lavender.
BK pick: The Cymbopogon collection B9,385, especially the shower gel B650 and lotion B980, offers up an impressive oriental-style scent.
2/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-664-9935. BTS Phrom Phong. See website for branches. www.harnn.com

Pañpuri

Available at luxury spas and stores across the world and featured in top magazines, including Vogue, Pañpuri’s success comes from blending centuries-old Thai wellness traditions with fine ingredients and elegant design. The result is a wide range of world-class spa products. Exclusive body and facial treatments are also offered in two private rooms hidden in their flagship store at Gaysorn.
BK pick: Its perfume candles in any scents. We’d say they hold their own when compared with the much pricier Diptyque candles. From B1,200.
Lobby Level, Gaysorn, Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-1199. BTS Chit Lom. See website for a full list of branches. www.panpuri.com

Soap Villa

Handmade and chemical free, Soap Villa’s range of soaps contain rice bran and coconut oils and are made using a cold process which takes up to six weeks but ensures the finished product is long-lasting and creates a rich lather. Current options include tomato, mung bean and mangosteen. They also do body lotions and lip balms and some nice gift sets.
BK pick: A shampoo bar; yes, a bar, like your soap. They promise you get the most out of the extracted ingredients, unlike a liquid-based shampoo. B120
10/110 Chaengwattana Rd., Laksi, 02-573-7028, 083-612-4654, 086-810-3776, [email protected]. Products are also available online at www.soapvilla.com

Thann

Initially known for its aromatherapy-focused spa products, like scented candles and oils, Thann has now expanded to include skincare products, facial serums, lip balms and even their own range of herbal teas.
BK pick: Shiso lip butter that nourishes your lips with cocoa butter and green tea extracts. B550.
Thann Sanctuary, 3/F, Gaysorn, Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-1399. BTS Chit Lom. See website for a full list of branches. www.thann.info