KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican skincare brand Ettenio is doubling down on science-backed formulations with the introduction of several new products designed to target dehydration, damaged skin barriers and uneven skin tone, which Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Antoinette Palmer-Davis says are becoming increasingly common among consumers.

The latest additions to the brand’s skincare portfolio include a Ceramide-rich Daily Moisturiser, Dew Drops Essence and the C-luminate Brightening Serum, each developed to promote healthier skin over time rather than simply providing cosmetic results.

“I wanted to create skincare that goes beyond surface level beauty, and supporting the skins overall health and resilience. Many customers are dealing with dehydration, damaged barriers, sensitivity, and uneven tone, so the goal was to formulate products that support healthier-looking skin over time, that was intentional,” Palmer-Davis told Observer Online.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Antoinette Palmer-Davis

“For example, our Ceramide-rich daily moisturiser and Dew Drops Essence is the answer to the dehydrated and damaged skin barrier issue while the C-luminate brightening serum tackles the issue of uneven skin tone. I saw a gap for Jamaican-made skincare that combines botanical ingredients with modern cosmetic science,” she continued.

The launch marks the latest evolution for the Jamaican beauty company, which recently earned Best Booth at the Jamaica Beauty Expo, held at the National Arena from June 26-28, further highlighting its growing presence within the local beauty industry.

According to Palmer-Davis, customer concerns, not beauty trends, remain the biggest influence when deciding what products to create.

Ettenio products

“Customer feedback usually comes first, because it tells me what people are actually struggling with. Then I use skin science to solve the problem properly. Trends can inspire ideas, but they do not lead the brand. The formula has to make sense and serve a real need,” Palmer-Davis said.

That philosophy also guides the company’s expansion into new product categories. Rather than launching products simply to keep pace with industry trends, Palmer-Davis says every addition to the Ettenio line must solve a genuine problem.

“Expansion has to be purposeful. When I develop new products, I think of the problems customers share with me, demand and creating unique products and experiences that represent the Ettenio story.”

She explained that conversations with customers played a direct role in shaping the new skincare collection.

“For example, I developed our new skincare line after speaking with customers on the road and learning about their challenges: sensitive skin, uneven texture, signs of aging, and others. With these insights I was able to create a full skincare system for multiple skin types.

“Sometimes the best decision is to refine what we already have. Other times, a new category makes sense because customers are asking for it and we can bring something meaningful to the market,” she said.

Palmer-Davis credits her background in computing and her early exposure to chemistry for helping shape the scientific approach behind the formulations.

Ettenio products

“Science is at the centre of how I formulate. My computing background trained me to think logically, test systems, troubleshoot, and document processes. My early exposure to chemistry helped me respect formulation as both art and science. Every product has to be tested for texture, stability, performance, and customer experience,” she noted.

While the products are rooted in science, Palmer-Davis says the company remains committed to showcasing Jamaican innovation.

“Very intentional. Jamaica is more than sun, sea, and reggae. Our culture, plants, climate, creativity, and people all inspire Ettenio. I want the brand to show that Jamaican beauty products can be sophisticated, science-led, beautifully presented, and globally competitive,” she added.

Looking ahead, she believes the new skincare range is just one step in Ettenio’s wider growth strategy.

“The next phase is about expansion, experience and global reach. I want to grow Ettenio into an immersive beauty brand with consultation-led retail, product experiences, stronger distribution, and meaningful presence in new markets across the Caribbean, South America and the African Continent.

“My hope is that Ettenio’s legacy will be one of Jamaican excellence; a brand that proved we can create world-class beauty products rooted in our own island story,” Palmer-Davis said.