Essential Layer + Cottonique

Builttoservepeople.Drivenbypurpose.

Essential Layer is incorporated in San Francisco, California and in the Philippines. Through our brand Cottonique, we manufacture certified organic garments in the Philippines inside a PEZA zone in Carmona, Cavite — serving people whose lives are improved by better clothing.

Our Impact→Visit Cottonique

US + Philippines

Dual-country incorporation and operations.

PEZA Carmona, Cavite

Purpose-built garment manufacturing in the Philippines.

B Corp + GOTS

Certified standards for impact, accountability, and organic quality.

Why We Exist

Cottoniquehaschangedlives,andthatkeepsusimprovingeveryday.

The people who rely on our products are the reason we exist. Customer stories and reviews from Cottonique users reflect real life-changing outcomes. That impact gives our founders and employees a clear mission: keep improving products so we can serve even better.

We are proud to wave the flag of a Benefit Corporation and show that business can be built around service, dignity, and long-term value for people.

Verified Standards

Certifications that back our commitment.

We believe certifications should be verifiable. Click through to confirm our standing with each certifying body.

B Corp

B Corp Certified

Essential Layer is B Corp Certified and operates as a Benefit Corporation with accountability to people, community, and purpose.

Verify on B Corp Directory
GOTS

GOTS Certified

Cottonique products are made under GOTS-certified standards, ensuring our organic garments meet the highest global textile criteria from raw material harvesting through manufacturing.

Verify on GOTS Database
Charter

Benefit Corporation

Beyond B Corp certification, Essential Layer is legally registered as a Benefit Corporation — meaning our purpose-driven mission is written into our corporate charter.

How We Operate

From San Francisco to the Philippines, one mission.

Essential Layer connects global leadership with hands-on manufacturing in the Philippines. This structure gives Cottonique speed, quality control, and alignment with our values at every step.

We design and produce garments for people who experience meaningful daily benefits from what they wear, and we continue to refine every product based on real customer needs.

0Founding brothers
0Countries incorporated
0Purpose: to serve people better

Supply Chain Transparency

Where our garments come from, and how they're made.

Materials Sourcing

Cottonique garments are made from 100% organic cotton, sourced under GOTS-certified supply chains. We trace our materials from farm to finished product to ensure every fiber meets our standards.

Manufacturing

Our garments are produced in our own facility inside a PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) zone in Carmona, Cavite, Philippines. Operating our own facility gives us direct oversight over working conditions, quality, and environmental practices.

Labor Practices

As a B Corp Certified company, we meet rigorous standards for worker well-being. Our team in the Philippines works in safe, dignified conditions with fair compensation. We believe the people who make our garments deserve the same care as those who wear them.

Environmental Responsibility

GOTS certification covers not only the organic status of our materials but also our environmental practices — including water treatment, energy use, and waste management throughout production.

Founders

Nikhiel, Vinesh, and Shawn Genomal.

Three brothers united by one responsibility: build products that improve lives and keep raising the standard.

Nikhiel Genomal

Co-Founder

Nikhiel leads the company's long-term vision, purpose alignment, and impact strategy. He ensures that Essential Layer's growth always stays connected to the people we serve.

Vinesh Genomal

Co-Founder

Vinesh drives product excellence at Cottonique, working directly with customers and the production team to ensure every garment meets the highest standards of quality and comfort.

Shawn Genomal

Co-Founder

Shawn oversees day-to-day operations and manufacturing quality, ensuring our facility in the Philippines runs efficiently while maintaining our commitment to worker well-being and continuous improvement.

Impact & Customer Stories

We exist for the people who benefit from our products.

Cottonique users consistently share how our garments make day-to-day life more comfortable and manageable. Their stories shape our roadmap, our standards, and our responsibility to keep improving.

“I have extremely sensitive skin and Cottonique is the only brand I can wear without irritation. These garments have genuinely changed my daily life.”

— Cottonique Customer

“After years of searching for clothing that doesn't trigger my allergies, I finally found Cottonique. I can't recommend them enough.”

— Cottonique Customer

“The comfort is unreal. I have eczema and these are the only garments that don't make me itch all day.”

— Cottonique Customer

“After chemo I needed something gentle on my skin. Cottonique was a lifesaver during a really hard time.”

— Cottonique Customer

“I have extremely sensitive skin and Cottonique is the only brand I can wear without irritation. These garments have genuinely changed my daily life.”

— Cottonique Customer

“After years of searching for clothing that doesn't trigger my allergies, I finally found Cottonique. I can't recommend them enough.”

— Cottonique Customer

“The comfort is unreal. I have eczema and these are the only garments that don't make me itch all day.”

— Cottonique Customer

“After chemo I needed something gentle on my skin. Cottonique was a lifesaver during a really hard time.”

— Cottonique Customer
Read more customer stories on Cottonique

Get In Touch

We'd love to hear from you.

Whether you're a customer, partner, retailer, or just curious about what we do — reach out. We believe in open communication and we'll get back to you promptly.