Every issue, GRAZIA Singapore highlights a Game Changer who inspires, educates and celebrates individuality, beauty and style. This month, meet Toh Ziling, the co-founder and COO of homegrown skincare brand Re:erth, which champions minimalism, wellness, and the art of thoughtful beauty.
GRAZIA Singapore (GS): What does beauty mean to you personally?
Toh Ziling (TZ): I see beauty as health made visible. A healthy person naturally exudes radiance and confidence, which starts with self-care through the fundamentals: nourishing food, regular exercise, restful sleep, and resilience in facing life’s challenges.
GS: What inspired you to launch a brand focused on minimalism, especially in an industry that often prioritises trends and elaborate routines?
TZ: Japanese minimalism has always been a profound inspiration for me. Philosophies like mottainai (もったいない), which promotes reducing waste, and danshari (断捨離), the art of decluttering, emphasise focusing on the essential—what truly matters. In skincare, where trends often push excess and quick fixes—sometimes at the expense of skin health—I wanted Re:erth to stand for balance and simplicity, transforming skincare from a complex, lengthy task into an effortless, nourishing ritual.
GS: Congratulations on Re:erth’s 7th anniversary! Looking back on the past seven years, what do you think has been the biggest game changer for the brand?
TZ: Thank you for celebrating this special milestone with us! One of the biggest game changers for RE:ERTH has been our commitment to formulating multitasking, science-driven products with unique, nature-derived ingredients that are luxuriously light and made in Japan.
Our focus on improving skin health (hello mochi skin!) across diverse skin types and climates has resonated globally. We’ve now shipped to over 45 countries, which is especially meaningful for us as a direct-to-consumer independent brand. Thanks to the support of our loyal community, we’ve also recently expanded into Kuwait and the Middle East, marking an exciting new chapter for RE:ERTH!
GS: Running a beauty brand is no easy feat—how do you balance the demands of entrepreneurship with your own self-care?
TZ: I’m incredibly thankful for my co-founders who constantly uplift me and make our work so meaningful and exciting. Self-care matters to me because I can give so much more to the business and my family when I’m the best, healthiest version of myself. To be more intentional with my time, I use the Eisenhower Matrix during my journaling sessions once a month to review tasks— determining what to schedule, delegate, or eliminate to protect my mental space. I also heavily rely on productivity tools like Notion to streamline both work and personal life to help me stay organised!
Entrepreneurship often comes with a steep learning curve. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since co-founding Re:erth, and how has it shaped you both professionally and personally?
In 2019, I dealt with chronic hives for an entire year, which made me realise how stress can show up in unexpected ways. This experience really opened my eyes to the importance of taking care of myself—I learnt that I can’t pour from an empty cup. It became clear to me that our health and life goals are interconnected, and it’s essential to pay attention to both. Instead of viewing health as either good or bad, I now see it as a continuum. The same goes for skincare. Instead of just categorising skin types, I think it’s more helpful to look at skin health as a whole. I’ve come to appreciate that establishing consistent, good habits pays off in the long run. When it comes to skincare, it’s less about how many products you have and more about focusing on quality and creating a routine that suits your unique needs, schedule, and preferences.
GS: Given that the beauty industry continues to evolve with emerging trends, how do you balance innovation with Re:erth’s commitment to simplicity and nature-inspired formulations?
TZ: I love the dynamism of the beauty industry, with new ingredients and technologies constantly being developed! To stay true to our values, we focus on craftsmanship, science, and true innovation to create timeless, transformative formulas that support well-aging. The longer you use our products, the better the results. It’s not about constantly switching products, but about finding what works and staying consistent with your skincare ritual to maximise effectiveness. In fact, our community knows we don’t launch new products often, so it’s a significant event when we do! Each new addition is thoughtfully considered, with a focus on sustainability, the uniqueness of our nature-derived ingredients, safety, effectiveness, and our commitment to minimalism, ensuring that every product delivers real value without excess.
GS: What does success mean to you now, compared to when you first embarked on this journey with Re:erth? Has your definition of success changed?
TZ: At the beginning, a wise mentor told us that brand longevity is rooted in repeat business. We set out to build a legacy brand, grounded in deep respect for nature, our farmers, formulators, and our dedicated teams—both internal and external. Today, I’m truly grateful for the trust our community places in us, as it signifies that we are not just creating products but fostering lasting relationships. Success to me, is defined by steadfastness—remaining committed to our values and our community over time.
GS: As a woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry, what has been your most valuable lesson learned, and what advice would you give to others looking to make their mark?
TZ: We’re all on the same journey in the pursuit of excellence, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming when you’re up against bigger players. It helps to stay focused on how you’re uniquely addressing the needs of your community. Trust in the value of your solutions and be confident in your work without dimming your own light. Hustle and shine on!
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