From colourful star-shaped to delicate floral designs, Pretty Patch is a homegrown skincare brand that creates pimple patches made to be both effective and empowering.
Founded in 2024 by co-founders Raihaanah Adis and Nurimanina Sazali, the local brand began not with a formal business plan, but through a shared sense of curiosity and connection.
“We launched the brand with a simple belief: breakouts happen, and dealing with them shouldn’t be stressful or shameful,” they shared.
Designed for all skin types and tones, Pretty Patch offers gentle, skin-friendly solutions that help treat pimples quickly and discreetly. The patches are lightweight, comfortable, and made to blend into your everyday routine, giving users the freedom to go about their day with ease and confidence.
For the duo, the brand’s message goes beyond skincare. “What sets Pretty Patch apart is our commitment to skin positivity. We are not here to promote the idea of flawless skin. We are here to support real skin through real moments,” they added.
At the heart of the brand, it is about changing the conversation around acne. The duo is determined to reduce the pressure surrounding skincare and offer products that feel kind, not clinical, not intimidating and never full of empty promises.
“Our mission is to normalise breakouts and remind people that taking care of your skin can be simple, gentle and even joyful,” they shared.
From coffee breaks to breakout ideas
What started as a casual idea between two friends soon grew into a passion project rooted in purpose and pimple patches.
Best friends Raihaanah and Nurimanina first met while working at the same company in 2022.
Rai, who works offshore on a rotational schedule, spent alternating months at sea and onshore. Nina was based in the office full-time, balancing her career with being a devoted mother of three.
Despite their different routines, the two quickly bonded. Friendly conversations over coffee breaks and project deadlines evolved into deeper discussions about life, goals, and creative pursuits. Their connection was natural, and it did not take long for friendship to turn into collaboration.
By mid-2024, the idea of starting a business together began to take shape. Both were looking for a side venture that could bring in extra income without overwhelming their already full schedules. With limited capital and little spare time, they needed something manageable and meaningful.
“Pimple patches came up because it was something I’ve always used and spent a lot of money on growing up. It was personal, but also practical,” Rai shared.
They also noticed a gap in Brunei’s skincare market. While acne products were available, few felt fun, accessible, or locally relevant. It was a chance to create something with purpose – not just a product, but a positive message.
Turning ideas into a breakout moment
From the start, the vision for Pretty Patch was clear. The product needed to work well, look good and make people feel seen.
“We wanted to take something as common as a breakout and turn it into a moment of care, not embarrassment,” Nina said.
The name Pretty Patch came up naturally during their brainstorming sessions. It sounded simple and memorable while reflecting their brand’s essence, a patch that does its job while helping people feel just a little bit better about themselves.
Once the name was settled, the branding quickly followed. Gone were the sterile, overly medical designs. In their place came soft colours, cheerful shapes, and packaging that felt playful, gentle, and proudly display-worthy.
Even without a formal background in skincare or science, the duo took a hands-on approach. They immersed themselves in researching hydrocolloid technology, sourcing manufacturers, and testing samples on themselves and volunteers.
“We tested everything on ourselves and even got feedback from volunteers. We wanted to be sure the patch stayed in place, reduced inflammation, and helped clear spots gently overnight,” Rai explained.
After multiple rounds of testing, they found a manufacturing partner who aligned with their standards of safety, transparency and performance.
Since its launch, the online-based business has received encouraging support from the public, with positive feedback continuing to grow.
“We joined our first Ramadhan expo and managed to sell our first 20 boxes in just two days. Although it seemed like a small number, we were so happy,” Rai shared.
“We also started receiving purchases through our Instagram page and the feedback was really positive,” she added.
Today, Pretty Patch is no longer just an online find. You can now spot their cheerful patches stocked across all Paloma stores, as well as at Mas Grocery Store and Hopson, making the product even more accessible to skincare lovers around Brunei.
Building a clear future with Pretty Patch
Running a business while juggling full-time jobs, parenting, and an offshore schedule is no small challenge.
For Rai and Nina, building Pretty Patch has always been about keeping things realistic and sustainable; not just for their customers, but for themselves too.
They manage operations with intention, planning restocks a month in advance, setting aside time for regular inventory checks, and maintaining communication even when Rai is working offshore.
“We made it manageable by design. That’s how it’s been sustainable for us,” Rai explained.
Both founders bring different strengths to the table. Rai leads the creative direction, tech, and finance side of the business, while Nina focuses on customer support, retail partnerships, and outreach. Despite their different schedules, they have developed a working rhythm rooted in trust, structure, and mutual support.
As for the future, the duo is quietly working behind the scenes on new ideas.
“While pimple patches are where Pretty Patch began, we’re really excited about exploring more within the patches space,” Rai shared
“There’s so much potential in delivering skincare and wellness benefits in a convenient, targeted format. We have a few exciting things in the pipeline, so stay tuned. For now, let’s just say we’re not stopping at pimples,” she added.
From wellness-inspired patches to other gentle skin solutions, the duo are excited about what lies ahead. Their vision remains clear, to continue building a brand that is thoughtful, effective, and uplifting.
When opening a business, the duo advises budding entrepreneurs to start small, stay consistent, and build something that fits into their lives.
“You don’t need a perfect plan to begin. Just a purpose, and someone who believes in it as much as you do,” they said.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
