Surmanti - Our NO-WAY EVER INGREDIENTS LIST!!!!!

Our Giant Big Fat NO List
Really No Nasty Chemicals. Ever.
Hi, I’m Maxim - founder of Surmanti.
After 29 years as a mum and navigating my own hormone changes, I became exhausted by how many everyday personal care and household products were full of hidden nasties. So over 23 years ago, in my New Zealand kitchen, I started making something better - and we’ve never compromised.
For over 23 years we have fiercely protected our customers’ health by saying a very loud NO to ingredients linked to hormone disruption, irritation, long-term health concerns, or harm to the environment.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ - what you apply can start leaching into your bloodstream in minutes. But what washes down the drain also matters deeply.
The Surmanti NO List
|
Ingredient / Category |
Why We Say NO (Known or Linked Concerns) |
|
Hormone Disruptors & Endocrine Disruptors (BPA, Phthalates, Parabens, Oxybenzone, Resorcinol, Octinoxate) |
Mimic or block hormones; linked to reproductive issues, early puberty, thyroid disruption, endometriosis, and increased breast cancer risk. |
|
Synthetic Fragrances (“Fragrance” or “Parfum”) |
Often hide phthalates and hundreds of undisclosed chemicals; linked to hormone disruption, allergies, migraines, and respiratory issues. |
|
Synthetic Dyes & Artificial Colouring |
Can contain heavy metals and coal tar derivatives; linked to skin irritation, allergies, and potential carcinogenicity. |
|
Triclosan & Triclocarban |
Hormone disruptors (especially thyroid); contribute to antibiotic resistance and are toxic to aquatic life. |
|
Formaldehyde Releasers |
Slowly release formaldehyde (a known carcinogen); linked to skin irritation, allergies, and cancer risk. |
|
Sulfates (SLS, SLES) |
Harsh surfactants that strip natural skin oils and are toxic to fish and marine organisms. |
|
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols) |
Often contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane (potential carcinogens). |
|
Mineral Oil / Petroleum Derivatives |
Can block pores and are non-biodegradable; pollute waterways. |
|
Microplastics & Plastic Beads |
Harm marine life and enter the food chain. |
|
Silicones |
Non-biodegradable; accumulate in oceans and harm aquatic species. |
|
BHA & BHT |
Possible carcinogens and toxic to aquatic life. |
|
Phenoxyethanol |
Skin irritant and persistent in waterways. |
|
DEA / TEA / MEA |
Can form carcinogenic nitrosamines; toxic to aquatic environments. |
|
Propylene Glycol |
Skin irritant and penetration enhancer. |
|
Nanoparticles & PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”) |
Persistent, hormone-disrupting, and damaging to ecosystems. |
|
Fillers & Cheap Diluents |
Watered-down formulas - we choose maximum plant power instead. |
|
Animal Testing |
We are proudly cruelty-free. No testing on animals - ever. |
|
Cheap Conventional Plastic Packaging |
Leaches toxins and sheds microplastics. |
What Goes Down the Drain Matters - Protecting Marine Life & Our Planet
Many conventional ingredients do not break down in wastewater treatment. They flow into rivers, lakes, and oceans where they disrupt hormonal systems in fish and marine mammals, damage coral reefs, and accumulate in the seafood we eat.
That’s why we say no to so many harsh chemicals.
We also offer a range of natural cleaning products that are non-toxic, plant-based, and safe for septic tanks. They are formulated to break down naturally without harming waterways, greywater systems, or marine life - so you can clean your home with the same clean conscience as you care for your skin.
Detailed Glossary -
The Science Behind Our NO List
- Hormone Disruptors (EDCs): Strongly linked by the Endocrine Society to reproductive and developmental problems in both humans and marine species.
- Triclosan & Microplastics: Bioaccumulate in fish and disrupt entire aquatic food chains.
- Silicones & Mineral Oil: Non-biodegradable and build up in marine sediments.
- PFAS: “Forever chemicals” that never fully break down and contaminate water systems globally.
We go further than most “clean” brands. While some claim “natural” with as little as 80% natural-origin ingredients (excluding water), we deliver maximum levels of active natural and organic ingredients: no fillers, just pure plant power.
Our Promise
We refuse to use cheap conventional plastic. We refuse to put profit over people or the planet. We are here for a customer for life. No gimmicks. No slick marketing. Just honest transparency and results you can trust.
This is who we have always been.
Ready to choose truly clean for your body and your home? → Shop Our Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Surmanti cruelty-free? Yes - 100%. We have never tested on animals and we never will. We do not sell into markets that require animal testing.
2. Are your products vegan? Almost all of them are. We are proudly vegan with the exception of ethically sourced beeswax in our balms.
3. Do you offer refills to reduce waste? Yes! We offer refill options on many of our popular products to help limit single-use bottles and reduce packaging waste. Contact us or check the product page for current refill availability.
4. Are your cleaning products safe for septic tanks? Yes. Our natural cleaning range is specifically formulated to be non-toxic and septic-safe. They break down naturally without harming your septic system or waterways.
5. Why don’t you use synthetic preservatives? We use the minimum effective amount of gentle, plant-derived or nature-identical preservatives needed for safety. Because we make small batches, we don’t need the heavy synthetic preservatives found in mass-produced products.
6. Are your products safe for sensitive skin or hormone concerns? Yes. We specifically formulate without known hormone disruptors, synthetic fragrances, or harsh ingredients. Many customers choose Surmanti for exactly these reasons.
7. Can I use Surmanti if I (or a family member) am immunocompromised? Yes - our formulas are exceptionally gentle and clean. We always recommend checking with your doctor before introducing any new personal care product.
8. Why is Surmanti more expensive than supermarket brands? We use maximum levels of premium, active natural and organic ingredients with zero fillers. Small-batch production in New Zealand, protective black glass, and ethical standards all cost more - but deliver far better long-term value and results.
9. Is your packaging sustainable? Yes. Our black glass is infinitely recyclable and reusable. We offer refills where possible, and all outer boxes and packing materials are recyclable or made from recycled content.
10. What makes Surmanti different from other “clean” brands? We were one of the original clean beauty brands in New Zealand and have never deviated from our high standards. Everything we do is guided by real-life experience and a genuine desire to protect your health and the planet.