Yen Vo, founder of Reme Beauty, spent three years building her brand during the COVID-19 pandemic – driven by a desire to create skincare for sensitive skin that didn’t compromise on sustainability or inclusivity.
As a woman of colour, Yen is deeply committed to being a voice for the underrepresented. Just six months into business, Reme Beauty has already received a wave of five-star reviews, proving that ethics, accessibility, and performance can coexist.
In the ever-evolving world of beauty – where high expectations and tight budgets meet ethics – Reme Beauty is carving out space as a brand designed to genuinely support your skin and your values.
Meet Yen Vo, the founder behind Reme Beauty, a skincare brand focused on sensitive skin, sustainability, inclusivity, and making people feel confident in their own skin.
Yen Vo’s Journey to Founding Reme Beauty
“My name is Yen Vo, and I am the founder of Reme (pronounced REE-MEE) Beauty. I’m a first-generation Australian-born Vietnamese woman who grew up in Sydney, now calling Singapore home for the past four years – and currently not sure where I’ll live next.”
Navigating the balance between fitting into Australian culture while staying true to her Vietnamese heritage, Yen’s fondest memories centre on family gatherings – moments where love, food, and laughter transcended cultural boundaries.
Inspired by her mum’s own entrepreneurial journey, Yen pursued business after studying Medical Science at university. She later worked for global science-based company DSM, gaining deep knowledge of raw materials, sustainability, and the complexities of running a business.
“My motivation for sustainability grew when I was selected as a One Young World Ambassador in 2018. I worked alongside other young leaders who wanted to make a global impact. My husband and I moved from Australia to Singapore in 2020 – and that’s where my entrepreneurial journey with Reme began.”
Why Reme Beauty Was Created During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yen invested three years building Reme Beauty from scratch. It was during this period that she identified a clear gap in the sustainable beauty market.
Consumers were increasingly interested in eco-conscious beauty, yet many believed sustainability came with a hefty price tag. At the same time, the beauty industry was only beginning to grapple with inclusivity, sustainability, and diversity.
“While data showed that people wanted more ‘eco-friendly’ beauty products – and I say this term loosely – many were hesitant to spend more because sustainability often comes with higher prices. Plus, the beauty industry was still in its early days of awareness around sustainability, inclusivity, and diversity. My goal was to change that.”
Sustainable Beauty Without the Luxury Price Tag
Yen’s goal was clear – to bridge the gap by creating beauty products that were environmentally conscious, inclusive, and accessible.
Drawing from her lived experience as a woman of colour, Yen positioned herself as a voice for those who felt underrepresented. This commitment flows through every aspect of Reme Beauty, from marketing representation to product formulation.
Reme Beauty isn’t just about skincare. It’s about building a community of conscious consumers who understand that small, everyday choices can add up to meaningful impact.
Not Backing Down on Her Values
Sustainability as a Core Brand Commitment
Reme Beauty actively walks the talk by sourcing sustainable packaging and high-performing upcycled and lab-engineered active ingredients, reducing waste and energy use wherever possible.
- Reme Beauty is currently a plastic-neutral brand
- The goal is to become plastic-negative by 2027, funding programmes that collect and reuse double the plastic they produce
- Partnered with the rePurpose Global Plastic Neutral Coalition
- Targeting Climate Neutral certification by 2025
- Uses RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil
- Supports initiatives including Waste4Change and Re>Pal
Inclusivity and Representation in Beauty
As a woman of colour, Yen became the voice for those who felt underrepresented – extending representation beyond marketing and into formulation, messaging, and brand values.
Building a Community of Conscious Consumers
Yen firmly believes that small, daily decisions can create significant change when people act collectively – a philosophy that sits at the heart of Reme Beauty.
Why Reme Beauty Focuses on Sensitive Skin
“From a skincare perspective, we focus our products on sensitive skin. This was inspired by my husband’s eczema journey.
When he stopped using topical steroid creams, his skin barrier was compromised – causing itching, flaking, and leaking for two years straight. With a minimal and gentle skincare routine, alongside patience, his skin began to heal on its own.
I realised we often do too much to our skin. What we really need is to go back to basics – to simplify and uncomplicate routines, focusing on three key essentials: hydration, moisturisation, and protection.”
Quickly becoming cult favourites, Reme Beauty’s double cleanse has gained traction among beauty bloggers and sensitive-skin advocates alike.
RE-BASE Makeup Cleansing Balm – Gentle Double Cleanse
Reme Beauty’s RE-BASE Makeup Cleansing Balm is one of the brand’s standout hero products. In a crowded market of cleansers and makeup removers, RE-BASE offers a luxurious yet effective cleansing experience.
The balm smells of calming green herbs like rosemary and melts effortlessly into the skin, dissolving makeup and impurities without stripping.
Formulated with sustainably sourced avocado, grapeseed, and fermented argan oils, RE-BASE moisturises while cleansing – turning makeup removal into a nourishing ritual rather than a chore.
G-HYDRA Cleansing Gel – Hydrating Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
The G-HYDRA Cleansing Gel is a bouncy, juicy gel cleanser that leaves skin clean without feeling tight or squeaky.
Infused with kiwi fruit extract, rich in vitamin C and minerals, it supports long-term radiance. Centella Asiatica extract delivers soothing, hydrating benefits, while Rose of Jericho extract helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
The result is a gentle yet effective cleanser that leaves skin feeling bouncy, calm, and comfortable.
The Launch and Reviews
Yen’s commitment to inclusivity was reflected in her launch campaign, featuring creators Flex (@flex.mami) and Brandon (@itsbybrandon) – a purposeful celebration of individuality and diversity in the beauty space.
“I wanted to create beauty products that were environmentally conscious and more accessible than what’s already on the market, without sacrificing effectiveness.
As a WOC, being a voice for those who feel underrepresented mattered to me – because I was there once.”
What the community is saying:
- “Incredibly moisturising, chill to use both day and night, and made with ingredients your skin actually likes.” — @flex.mami
- “The Reme Beauty cleansing balm is lovely – and I really appreciate the built-in spatula holder. Brilliant.” — @hannahcollingwoodenglish
- “Did I… just find my new favourite gentle cleanser?” — @davis.atkin
- “The RE-BASE cleansing balm is the clear standout. A beautiful sorbet-like texture that melts and emulsifies instantly.” — @infirmofpurpose_skincare
Three Questions for Yen Vo
What Would You Tell Other WOC Starting in Business?
“Dig deep and find your why – what you’re good at, what you love, and what you want to solve. That’s the foundation of a sustainable business and a fulfilling life.”
What’s One Thing You Wish You Knew Before You Started?
“To connect with other founders earlier. Building alone for three years during COVID led to burnout. Community and shared experience make a huge difference.”
What Is Your Business’ Hero Product?
“Our RE-BASE Makeup Cleansing Balm gets a lot of love, but the G-HYDRA Cleansing Gel has truly become an everyday essential.”
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