How a Lifetime of Unpredictable Skin Inspired a Beauty Brand With a Different Philosophy

For many of us, the search for healthier-looking skin begins with a new cleanser, moisturiser or serum. But for the founder of Singapore beauty brand The Fundamental, years of living with unpredictable skin led to a different perspective on what it really takes to achieve healthier-looking skin.

Rather than focusing on topical skincare alone, her experiences inspired a holistic philosophy centred on caring for the Skin, Gut and Mind together.

As The Fundamental celebrates its third anniversary this National Day, here’s how that belief continues to shape every product it creates.

How years of skin struggles shaped The Fundamental

Since childhood, founder Vanessa Chen had struggled with unusually dry skin that did not retain moisture well. Her skin was often sensitive and uncomfortable, and at times became so dry that it cracked and bled. These early experiences taught her from a young age how important hydration was in keeping the skin barrier healthy.

As she grew older, her skin became even more difficult to manage. Overactive sebaceous glands led to acne, while eczema flare-ups, pigmentation and melasma added further complexity.

After years of trying different skincare products and treatments, she began to realise that topical care was only one part of the picture.

Discovering food intolerances, along with the effects of bloating, stress, anxiety and poor sleep, helped her understand how closely the Skin, Gut and Mind were connected.

That realisation became the foundation of The Fundamental, a brand built around the belief that lasting skin health starts by caring for all three through simple, thoughtful formulations designed for consistent daily care.

Why The Fundamental takes a slower, quality-first approach to beauty

In an industry where new beauty launches seem to appear almost every week, The Fundamental has chosen to take a different path. Rather than prioritising speed or constantly introducing new products, the brand focuses on developing formulations that it believes are ready only when they meet its own standards for quality, safety and performance.

Every product is made in Japan by carefully selected GMP and HACCP-certified manufacturers, with an emphasis on meaningful ingredient selection, rigorous testing and long-term daily use.

The brand’s skincare also undergoes safety and efficacy testing in Japan, followed by an independent safety testing in Singapore. This additional layer of testing reflects the brand’s commitment to making safety a top priority.

This measured approach also means taking the time to refine products before they reach consumers. For instance, The Fundamental has spent more than two years developing its sunscreen – carefully testing and refining the formula to ensure it delivers the level of sun protection and efficacy it claims to provide.

While this means the brand may introduce fewer products than others, it reflects its belief that thoughtful formulation matters more than keeping up with trends.

A beauty supplement designed to support Skin, Gut and Mind

The brand’s holistic philosophy extends beyond skincare with the The Fundamental Rested Mind Healthy Glow Beauty Supplement, a plant-based formula designed to support the Skin, Gut and Mind in one convenient daily serving.

Rather than focusing solely on skin, the supplement is formulated to complement topical skincare by supporting multiple aspects of wellbeing that can influence how skin looks and feels.

Alongside promoting skin radiance and hydration, it also supports bowel regularity, relaxation and better sleep quality, reflecting the brand’s belief that healthy-looking skin starts from within.

Carefully formulated with HITHION™ YH-15, a premium Japanese yeast extract naturally rich in glutathione, the supplement also features a blend of probiotic strains and fermented barley-derived GABA.

Together, these ingredients support the body’s antioxidant defences while reinforcing The Fundamental’s belief that caring for the Skin, Gut and Mind together is the foundation of healthier-looking skin.

What makes the formula stand out

Rather than relying on a single hero ingredient, The Fundamental takes a complementary approach to formulation, bringing together ingredients that support different aspects of the Skin, Gut and Mind philosophy.

At the core of the formula is HITHION™ YH-15, a premium Japanese yeast extract naturally rich in glutathione. An important antioxidant, glutathione helps support the body’s antioxidant defences while promoting a brighter, more radiant-looking complexion.

The supplement also features a blend of three carefully selected probiotic strains – Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Lactobacillus gasseri LAC-343 and Lactococcus lactis H61 – to support gut health and skin hydration. Notably, Lactococcus lactis H61 has been used in Japan for more than 60 years and has been studied for its potential role in supporting skin hydration and healthy ageing.

Completing the formula is fermented barley-derived GABA, an ingredient chosen to support relaxation and better sleep quality. Together, these ingredients reflect The Fundamental’s belief that beauty is influenced by more than skincare alone, taking into account the interconnected roles of the skin, gut and mind.

A homegrown brand committed to long-term skin health

Since its launch, The Fundamental has remained guided by the philosophy that inspired its creation – that healthier-looking skin begins with caring for the Skin, Gut and Mind together. Rather than chasing trends or expanding its range rapidly, the homegrown beauty brand continues to focus on thoughtfully formulated products designed to support long-term skin health.

That philosophy extends across its skincare range, which is developed with sensitive skin in mind and centres on two essential steps in a skin barrier care routine – cleansing and moisturising.

Formulated with meaningful concentrations of active ingredients, barrier-supporting lipids and soothing botanicals, the products are designed to strengthen the skin barrier and support comfortable, consistent daily care.

The brand’s commitment to quality has also earned industry recognition. At the Daily Vanity Beauty Awards 2024, The Fundamental Moisture Lock Cleanser was named the overall winner in the Clean Beauty Cleanser category, while the Moisture Boost Gel Cream received the Experts’ Choice award for Best Premium Moisturiser for Sensitive Skin.

Celebrate The Fundamental’s third anniversary

This National Day, The Fundamental marks its third anniversary with 15% off storewide until 31 August 2026, making it the perfect opportunity to discover the brand’s thoughtfully formulated range.

Whether you’re looking to build a simple skincare routine or complement it with the Rested Mind Healthy Glow Beauty Supplement, The Fundamental offers a holistic approach to supporting healthier-looking skin from the inside out.