Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo on Beauty, Balance, and Bioten as the Golden Combo

At Bioten’s Golden Hour event, the official unveiling of Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo as the face of the Hyaluronic Gold line signaled a renewed message of authenticity, grace and timeless beauty. Bioten’s Hyaluronic Gold is the brand’s most premium innovation to date: vegan, dermatologically tested, and thoughtfully designed for women aged 35 and up. 

But for Judy Ann, the partnership came as both a surprise and a deeply personal milestone

“I never imagined myself as a skincare endorser,” she admitted. “At 47, I thought those days were long past. I was never really known for having perfect skin. I knew my limits. I knew my kind of beauty. So this was suntok sa buwan.”

Known more for her acting or cooking, she admitted that while the dream of fronting a beauty brand was always there, it faded over time as younger, fairer, and smoother-skinned faces emerged in the industry.

“But there are still whispers of wishes,” she said. “Maybe, somehow, I’d still be seen. And Bioten did. Suntok sa buwan nga, pero tinamaan.”

With that quiet wish fulfilled, Judy Ann approached the opportunity with gratitude and honor. She told Bioten she couldn’t accept the offer without first trying the products herself because she didn’t want to be unfair to the brand and to those who might trust the line based solely on her endorsement. 

“So I asked for time. And by the sixth or seventh day of using the Hyaluronic Gold line, I was relieved. Thank God it worked perfectly. From then on, I knew I could be their endorser both as a celebrity and as someone who truly believes in it.”

Having long struggled with sensitive skin, Judy Ann had once had a complicated routine where she kept adding more products without really knowing what she was doing. She ended up mixing and matching whatever products were compatible with her reactive skin, with no specific line from A to Z. 

But Bioten helped her streamline her routine and reconnect with what truly matters. It features a potent blend of five types of hyaluronic acid that penetrate multiple layers of the skin, ensuring deep, long-lasting hydration, improved skin elasticity, and a smoother, plumper appearance. All without the complexity or harshness of actives that don't suit sensitive skin.

“When I started using Hyaluronic Gold, my routine got cut down, and my skin felt cared for. I suddenly had more time for myself, for my kids, and for my husband. That’s when I realized that aside from being right for my skin. It was also the right fit for my life.”

Bioten realigned her lifestyle. With a philosophy rooted in doing more with less, the brand reflected her own journey of learning to live more intentionally, more mindfully, and with greater compassion for herself.

During a symbolic commitment ceremony at the launch, Judy Ann shared the vow she had written: “I committed to taking care of myself more. I lived by the belief that you can’t care for the people around you if you don't take care of yourself. You have to love yourself first to be able to love others better. ” She started to listen to her body by detoxing, eating better, and making space for how she feels—not just how she looks.

The Hyaluronic Gold line is infused with golden proteins, which support collagen synthesis and enhance skin radiance, making it more than just a hydrator, but a holistic age-support system. So when asked about which dish Hyaluronic Gold would probably be, she answered: “Probably the viral carrot salad—because carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body turns into Vitamin A and supports collagen production. I’d even top it with gold flakes to match the product,” she joked. 

This commitment to self-care is not about vanity, but about longevity and sustainability. She found a way to integrate wellness into her life as a wife and mother without feeling guilty for it. “I want to be with my family—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. I want to have the energy, the clarity, and the presence to really enjoy these moments with them. And that means also putting my well-being first without guilt, finally allowing myself the time and care I know I deserve.”

Thanks to Bioten’s simplified yet effective routine, she can now do just that: carve out space for herself without compromising her other priorities. It’s a full-circle kind of truth: by putting herself first, she’s able to give more to others, proving that self-love isn’t separate from how we love, but the root of it. In that same way, beauty isn’t just seen on the surface but shaped by how we treat others and move through the world.

“For me, beauty is not just about physicality. It’s how you treat people, how you help others, how you give back,” she says. “I think it’s important not to compare yourself to others. Because our beauty isn't measured by how few lines you have or how smooth your skin is. It’s why I embrace aging. It shows how much wisdom I’ve gained, how many mistakes I’ve learned, and how much kindness I’ve given out there.” 

This perspective aligns perfectly with Bioten’s campaign: radiance that comes from within, anchored in holistic care. The Hyaluronic Gold line embodies this philosophy by offering not just skin-deep results, but a restorative ritual women can turn to every day. In the end, beauty isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s really about the grace that comes from growing and being true to who you are. 

And while Judy Ann’s clarity didn’t come overnight, it’s hard-earned. Looking back, she recalls how little access there was to skincare education or inclusive beauty standards.  “Back in the day, there weren’t many products or enough information about how to care for your skin. I didn’t wear makeup during Mara Clara until I got chickenpox and started covering up the scars. That’s when the teasing started, and that’s when insecurity crept in.”From navigating insecurities to now grounded in self-worth, she imagines what the younger Mara would say seeing her today: I’m proud of how far you’ve come. You’ve grown. You’re finally taking care of yourself.