Guardian Malaysia pharmacists now certified as Derma Experts with AI-powered Skin Health Check available nationwide
GUARDIAN Malaysia has elevated its skincare consultation services to professional levels, announcing that its pharmacists nationwide are now Certified Derma Experts equipped to provide specialized guidance on derma skincare and sensitive skin concerns.
The initiative, unveiled on November 15, 2025, positions Malaysia’s No. 1 Health & Beauty Retailer as the country’s first health and beauty retail chain to champion pharmacist-led dermatological expertise.
Professional Skincare Consultation Comes to Retail
The announcement represents a significant shift in how Malaysians can access professional skincare advice. Guardian pharmacists have undergone comprehensive training to professionally consult and address shoppers’ skincare questions, with particular emphasis on specialised areas including eczema, acne, hyper-pigmentation, and sensitive skin needs.
To showcase this enhanced capability, guardian Malaysia held a private preview event attended by nearly 150 media representatives, influencers, and invited shoppers.
The event offered guests personalised one-on-one consultations with the newly Certified Derma Experts, complemented by skin health check counters, skincare solution booths, and an accompanying workshop session.
“As the trusted and preferred go-to-destination for everything skincare, guardian Malaysia is proud to be the first health & beauty retailer in this country to champion the need for pharmacists to be derma skin experts,” said Priscilla Wu, Managing Director of guardian Malaysia.
AI-Powered Technology Meets Expert Knowledge
Guardian’s enhanced consultation experience pairs pharmacist expertise with cutting-edge technology. The retailer is rolling out an AI-powered Skin Health Check tool across stores nationwide, offering shoppers unprecedented insights into their skin condition.
The Korean-designed device analyzes skin across 12 comprehensive metrics including wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, pores, and acne—delivering complete results in just three minutes. This technological capability, combined with professional pharmacist consultation, creates a comprehensive skincare assessment experience previously available only in specialized clinics.
The integration of AI technology with human expertise addresses a critical gap in skincare retail. While technology provides objective data analysis, certified pharmacists interpret results within the context of each individual’s unique needs, lifestyle, and concerns.
Guardian’s Radiance Academy: Structured Learning for Skin Health
The certification programme operates through guardian’s Radiance Academy, developed in collaboration with brand partners to create a structured curriculum addressing Malaysia’s most pressing skin health concerns. The academy focuses specifically on the increasing prevalence of eczema, acne, hyper-pigmentation, and sensitive skin issues affecting Malaysians.
Pharmacists receive training through curated topics delivered by expert speakers and trainers, including representatives from brand partners and Malaysia’s leading dermatologists. This ensures pharmacists gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights directly applicable to customer consultations.
As part of guardian’s commitment to continuous professional development, participating pharmacists earn CME points (Continuous Medical Education) through the programme, ensuring their expertise remains current with evolving dermatological science and skincare innovations.
Expert Perspective: The Critical Role of Skin Health
Dr. Ch’ng Chin Chwen, a dermatologist present at the launch event, emphasized the often-overlooked importance of skin health in overall wellbeing. “Many Malaysians ‘forget’ that the skin is our body’s largest organ. It acts as an important ‘shield’ for the individual’s protection, sensory organ, synthesis of Vitamin D and regulation of the body temperature. Therefore, it is important to care for the skin given its critical and multi-faceted role in supporting an individual’s health and wellbeing.”
Dr. Ch’ng highlighted the value of professional guidance in an era of information overload. “Access to expert-level advice can be further enhanced and knowledge is power. When skin consultation and analysis is done right, the awareness of what’s not right with the health of the skin will then enable the selection of the right solution to improve it.”
Addressing Information Overload and Misinformation
The initiative responds directly to a growing challenge facing skincare consumers: navigating an overwhelming landscape of conflicting information and recommendations.
“There is information overdose. And, there is also misinformation. Shoppers are either confused or misguided,” explained Priscilla Wu. The proliferation of skincare advice from internet sources, social media influencers, and well-meaning friends and family has created a environment where consumers struggle to distinguish credible guidance from potentially harmful suggestions.
Guardian’s solution provides accessible, professional advice from certified experts conveniently located in neighborhood stores. This democratizes access to expert-level skincare consultation, removing barriers of cost, location, and intimidation that might prevent individuals from seeking dermatological guidance.
Personalised Consultation Experience
The enhanced service model centers on personalized, one-on-one consultations that combine technological analysis with human expertise. Shoppers can visit guardian stores for complimentary skin health checks using the AI-powered device, followed by detailed consultation with Certified Derma Experts who interpret results and recommend appropriate solutions.
This personalised approach recognizes that effective skincare extends beyond identifying problems—it requires understanding each individual’s lifestyle, preferences, budget, and commitment level to create sustainable skincare routines that deliver genuine results.
“The roll-out of our AI-powered Skin Health Check and your pharmacist’s certification of Derma Expertise underline guardian Malaysia’s commitment to empowering YOU with the right knowledge and guidance towards healthier skin,” concluded Priscilla Wu.
Enhanced Benefits for MYguardian Rewards Members
Guardian has integrated the new derma consultation services with its existing loyalty programme. MYguardian Rewards members receive additional benefits including guardian Malaysia reward vouchers and sample kits when consulting with Certified Derma Experts, incentivizing engagement with professional skincare services.
This integration reinforces guardian’s commitment to building long-term relationships with customers centered on ongoing skin health management rather than one-time transactions.
Malaysia’s Leading Health & Beauty Retailer
Guardian Malaysia’s innovation builds on its established position as the country’s premier pharmacy, health, and beauty retail chain. From humble beginnings as a 200-square-foot pharmaceutical retail outlet serving the expatriate community 58 years ago, guardian has grown to operate more than 550 stores nationwide, serving over 33 million customers annually.
The retailer’s excellence has been recognized through multiple awards. At the Retail Asia Awards 2025, guardian Malaysia won Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year (Malaysia), along with Health & Wellness Initiative of the Year (Malaysia) and Supply Chain Innovation of the Year (Malaysia). The company also secured seven awards at the Employee Experience Awards 2025, reflecting its commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture.
Accessing Derma Expert Consultations
Shoppers with derma skin concerns can now visit any guardian Malaysia store to speak with Certified Derma Experts. The consultations are complemented by the AI-powered Skin Health Check, providing comprehensive analysis and personalized recommendations.
More information about guardian Malaysia’s Derma Skin Lab services is available at: https://guardian.com.my/skin-care/derma-lab.html?page=1
The initiative represents guardian Malaysia’s continued commitment to elevating healthcare and beauty retail beyond transactions to become a trusted partner in customers’ ongoing journey toward healthier skin and enhanced wellbeing.
