Skin Scientist · Singapore
Dr. Erah Anwar, PhD
Skin scientist with a PhD in Regenerative Medicine and 16+ years across academic research and the world's biggest skincare brands — from the lab bench in Melbourne to leading skin science for Neutrogena, Aveeno and Dr.Ci:Labo across Asia Pacific. Now building products and digital tools that make evidence-based skin health accessible to everyone.
- 16+yrs academic & industry experience
- 8scientific publications
- 16media features
- 2digital skincare tools built
About
From wound-healing research to everyday skin health
My career began at the lab bench in 2009 — cartilage regeneration and cancer research at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, then bone regeneration research at A*STAR in Singapore. Awarded the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship, I completed my PhD in Regenerative Medicine at the National University of Singapore as an A*STAR PhD Scholar; my research on heparan sulphate technology for accelerating skin regeneration in non-healing wounds contributed to patented technology and won a best oral presentation award. I also hold a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with First Class Honours from Monash University and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology — every qualification earned under scholarship.
For over six years at Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, I led scientific and medical affairs for the Skin Health portfolio — Neutrogena, Aveeno, and Dr.Ci:Labo — across Asia Pacific. My work sat at the intersection of science and communication: advisory boards that co-created new products with dermatologists, medical education platforms reaching thousands of healthcare professionals, and consumer science education reaching millions. Today, as founder of Oumi Labs, I build digital tools and products that bring that same evidence-based rigour to parents and everyday consumers.
Also published as Siti Shahera Anwar, PhD.
Experience
16 years, from bench to brand
- Apr 2025 – PresentFounderOumi Labs Pte Ltd (Singapore)
Science-driven skincare innovation studio. Built and launched three products: Oumi Kids (children's skincare formulated for sensitive skin), eczemachecker.com and sunscreenchecker.com (free ingredient-analysis tools used by visitors from 50+ countries). Featured at Codechella 2025, an AI innovation showcase by ChatandBuild; invited speaker on children's skin health at the People's Association Mother's Day Wellness Fiesta 2026.
- May 2023 – Oct 2024Medical Affairs Manager, Skin Health APACKenvue
Led medical and scientific affairs strategy for Kenvue's Skin Health portfolio in Asia Pacific. Led Kenvue's inaugural participation at the 25th World Congress of Dermatology (Singapore 2023): 12,000 global attendees and scientific symposia in paediatric dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Budget setting and strategic decision-making on the Skin Health R&D Leadership Team.
- Jun 2018 – May 2023Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health, APACSep 2021 – May 2023Scientific Engagement Manager, Skin Health
Led medical and scientific affairs strategy for the full Skin Health portfolio; orchestrated the scientific strategy for Dr.Ci:Labo's new aesthetic clinic in China; launched Neutrogena SkinU consumer education (6M impressions across APAC); expanded and mentored the Scientific Engagement team.
Aug 2019 – Sep 2021Scientific Engagement Principal Scientist, Skin HealthFounded the Neutrogena Pre-Aging Institute (100K+ consumers in China) and Skin Health Lab medical education platform (2,000 healthcare professionals across 10 markets); regional dermatologist advisory boards co-created 5+ new skincare products; 20+ livestreams, media interviews and PR launches.
Jun 2018 – Aug 2019Scientific Engagement Liaison, Baby & BeautyBuilt dermatologist advocacy across Asia Pacific; launched Skin Care Circle medical education hub; led co-creation of Neutrogena Lab's cleanser; conducted a baby dry skin study for Johnson's Baby in India.
- Feb 2018 – Apr 2018Patent ScientistSpruson & Ferguson (Asia)
Patent filing, drafting and client advisory across Asia Pacific jurisdictions; comprehensive analysis of Singapore's regenerative medicine landscape (market, regulatory, clinical trials, R&D).
- Aug 2013 – Aug 2017A*STAR PhD ScholarNational University of Singapore
Pre-clinical research on heparan sulphate technology for accelerating skin regeneration in non-healing wounds; contributed to patented technology; best oral presentation award.
- Apr 2012 – Jul 2013Research OfficerA*STAR (Singapore)
Bone regeneration research using patented heparan sulphate technology with bone morphogenetic protein-2; pre-clinical animal studies; awarded the A*STAR Graduate Scholarship.
- Jul 2011 – Apr 2012Academic AssociateRepublic Polytechnic (Singapore)
Taught cell culture to tertiary students through problem-based learning.
- Mar 2009 – Jun 2011Research AssistantHudson Institute of Medical Research (Melbourne)
Developed a cell-based product for cartilage regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells and pentosan polysulfate; established primary cancer cell lines and ran high-throughput screening of anti-cancer drugs.
Speaking & Engagements
Congresses, panels, and cameras
From the World Congress of Dermatology to national TV and shoppable livestreams — I translate skin science for every audience.
Building
Oumi Labs — skin science, made accessible
SunscreenChecker
Paste any sunscreen's ingredient list and instantly see its UV filter type, fragrance status, and whether it's suitable for eczema-prone and sensitive skin.
sunscreenchecker.comEczemaChecker
Free ingredient checker and validated POEM severity score for eczema-prone skin, with an evidence-based knowledge hub.
eczemachecker.comOumi Kids
Children's skincare formulated by a skin scientist and clinically tested for sensitive skin, made in Singapore.
oumikids.comPress
Featured in
- Neutrogena's scientist debunks 4 top myths surrounding retinol and how to best use itYahoo! Life · 2023
- Quench your skin's thirst this summer with Neutrogena Hydro Boostwheresrr · 2021
- A Skin Irritation And Flare Up Guide: Will Baby Lotion For Sensitive Skin Help?theAsianParent · 2021
- A Scientist Shares Two Important Tips When Choosing A MoisturizerThe Philippine Star L!fe · 2021
Research
Selected publications
- 01Perception, understanding, and association between psychological stress and skin aging: Quantitative surveys of Asian women aged 18–34 years, dermatologists, and psychologists in China and Japan. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023. Read →
- 02Evaluating the mildness of glycinate-based cleanser through in vitro methodologies and computational modeling. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2022. Read →
- 03Understanding mental stress and skin aging connection among dermatologists and psychologists through real world evidence. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2022. Read →
- 04Preageing of the skin among Asian populations. JEADV Clinical Practice, 2022. Read →
- 05A scoring method to assess the gentleness of cleansers. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2020. Read →
- 06Sugar Fix for Skin Wound Healing. TERMIS Asia-Pacific Meeting, 2016.
- 07A novel marker of human endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells. Cell Transplantation, 2011. Read →
Contact
Work with me
I'm available for consulting, scientific advisory, speaking engagements, and media commentary on skincare science, dermatology-adjacent product development, and digital health.