Guardian and Mannings Launch Clera Cera, a Dermatologist Developed Skincare Range for Asian Skin

Guardian and Mannings have launched Clera Cera, a new science led dermatological skincare brand developed for Asian skin and designed for everyday use. Co-developed with dermatology experts from Singapore’s National Skin Centre, a member of NHG Health, the range focuses on strengthening the skin barrier, soothing sensitivity and providing hydration suited to hot and humid climates.

The launch marks the first dermatological skincare initiative under a long-term partnership between DFI Retail Group and NHG Health, announced in October 2025. The partnership aims to strengthen preventive care and make everyday health and wellness solutions more accessible to consumers in Singapore and across Asia.

Clera Cera was developed in response to common skincare concerns associated with heat, humidity, pollution and frequent cleansing. These factors can place stress on the skin barrier, potentially increasing sensitivity and moisture loss. Research cited by the brand also suggests that Asian skin has a thinner outer layer, making its barrier more vulnerable to irritants. With approximately one in three people in Asia reported to have sensitive skin, Clera Cera aims to make dermatologist developed skincare more accessible for daily use.

The formulations were co-developed by a dermatology team from the National Skin Centre, led by Associate Professor Tey Hong Liang and Principal Pharmacist Winnie Choo. Associate Professor Tey is ranked among the world’s top two per cent of scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier. The team’s work has received more than 55 healthcare related national and international awards, grants and fellowships.

At the heart of Clera Cera is its Skin Barrier Resilience System, which combines Derma-Clera, a proprietary ingredient powered by Cynanchum Atratum, also known as Bai Wei, botanical extract, with five skin identical ceramides. The botanical extract helps soothe the skin, while the ceramides replenish essential lipids to support hydration, skin barrier repair and strength.

The system is designed around three functions: replenishing moisture with ingredients such as saccharide isomerate, repairing the skin barrier with five skin identical ceramides, and relieving discomfort through the Derma-Clera botanical ingredient.

The brand’s development also incorporated feedback from more than 18,000 consumers across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam through listening sessions and usage tests. The findings helped shape formulas intended to address common frustrations, including artificial fragrances and sticky textures, with products designed for sensitive skin in humid environments.

The nine product range covers body care, facial cleansing and moisturising, targeted serums and sun protection.

For body care, the Gentle Hydrating Cleanser and Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion are formulated for sensitive and eczema prone skin. Both are also suitable for babies from three months old. The cleanser provides up to 24 hours of hydration, while the moisturising lotion offers up to 72 hours, with both using saccharide isomerate to help maintain moisture. In a home user trial involving 104 participants, 89 per cent of panellists agreed that the lotion soothed their skin within three minutes.

The facial care collection comprises the Micellar Water Gentle Makeup Remover, Hydrating Foaming Face Wash and Barrier Hydrating Aqua Cream. Designed for use in humid climates, the products aim to cleanse the skin without compromising its moisture balance. The micellar water removes waterproof makeup, while the foaming face wash and aqua cream provide up to 24 hours and 72 hours of skin balancing moisture respectively.

Consumers looking for more targeted treatments can choose between the B3 TXA Brightening Dark Spot Serum and Retinol Age Defense Serum. Both contain active ingredients intended to address specific skin concerns while supporting the skin barrier.

The sun care collection features two mineral based formulas: the Daily Defense Physical Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA+++ and Tone Up Physical Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA+++. Both use Nano Zinc Oxide to help protect against UVA and UVB rays, offer 40-minute water resistance and are designed to block 95 per cent of blue light.

Clera Cera is available in Singapore exclusively at Guardian Health & Beauty stores and online, as well as selected NHG Health pharmacies. The brand will subsequently expand into Brunei, Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Macau and Vietnam. The planned rollout will bring the range to eight markets across Asia, through more than 1,500 Guardian and Mannings stores and their online platforms.