The Surmanti No List: What We Refuse to Use & Why It Matters
At Surmanti, we believe real clean beauty starts with what we say No to.
While many brands focus on trendy ingredients and pretty marketing, we’ve always focused on what we refuse to put in our products - because your long-term health, your family’s wellbeing, and the planet deserve better.
This is our strict, non-negotiable No List. It has guided every formula we’ve made for over 23 years.
Why This List Exists
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. What you apply can be absorbed into your bloodstream and reach your organs faster than many people realise.
Renowned researcher Dr Philippa Darbre has shown through her pioneering work that many chemicals in personal care products can penetrate the skin and act as endocrine disruptors. This is especially important for people who are immune-compromised, babies and young children, or anyone with heightened sensitivity - their bodies are even more vulnerable to these exposures.
We refuse to add to that burden.
Our No List – What We Will Never Use
- Parabens & Oestrogen-Mimicking Preservatives - linked to hormone disruption
- Phthalates & BPA - common in plastics and synthetic fragrances
- Sulphates (SLS/SLES) - harsh surfactants that strip skin and harm waterways
- Synthetic Fragrances (“Fragrance” or “Parfum”) - often hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals
- PEGs & Synthetic Emulsifiers
- Mineral Oils & Petroleum Derivatives
- Triclosan & Harsh Antimicrobials
- Silicones & Microplastics
- BHA/BHT & Suspected Carcinogens
- Nanoparticles & PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
- Conventional Plastic Packaging - we choose glass where safe and practical because plastic can leach hormone disruptors.
We also avoid fillers, cheap diluents, and anything tested on animals.
The Power of Fresh, Small-Batch Production & Kanban Stock Control
We use a Kanban method for stock control. This means we typically hold only 3 to 4 months of each stock line before making a fresh new batch in our Onehunga workshop. Fresh really is best.
Performance Is What Truly Delights Customers
Performance is key to delighting the customer. We focus on creating products that deliver real, noticeable results.
Who We Are: A Small Family-Owned Business
We don’t use big PR companies or marketing agencies. We are a small family-owned company with deep roots and a strong heritage, built across three generations. We have grown almost entirely through word of mouth.
The Bottom Line
We don’t just say we’re clean — we prove it by what we refuse to use.
Ready to choose truly clean? Shop the Full Range
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is your No List stricter than most brands?
A: Because we believe in protecting your long-term health - especially hormones, sensitive skin, and family wellbeing. We refuse to use ingredients linked to endocrine disruption, irritation, or environmental harm.
A: Because we believe in protecting your long-term health - especially hormones, sensitive skin, and family wellbeing. We refuse to use ingredients linked to endocrine disruption, irritation, or environmental harm.
Q: Are all your products completely free from the No List?
A: Yes. Every formula we make adheres to this list.
A: Yes. Every formula we make adheres to this list.
Q: Are your products safe during pregnancy, for babies, or immune-compromised people?
A: Yes - we specifically formulate without known hormone disruptors and harsh chemicals. Many customers use our products during sensitive times. Always check with your doctor for personalised advice.
A: Yes - we specifically formulate without known hormone disruptors and harsh chemicals. Many customers use our products during sensitive times. Always check with your doctor for personalised advice.
Q: Are your products cruelty-free and vegan?
A: We are 100% cruelty-free and have never tested on animals. Most products are vegan, with the exception of ethically sourced beeswax in some balms.
A: We are 100% cruelty-free and have never tested on animals. Most products are vegan, with the exception of ethically sourced beeswax in some balms.
Q: Is your packaging sustainable?
A: We choose glass where safe and practical to avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals from plastic. We offer refills where possible and use recyclable materials.
A: We choose glass where safe and practical to avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals from plastic. We offer refills where possible and use recyclable materials.
Q: Are your cleaning products septic-safe and pet-friendly?
A: Yes. Our natural cleaning range is formulated to be non-toxic, septic-safe, and safe around pets and children.
A: Yes. Our natural cleaning range is formulated to be non-toxic, septic-safe, and safe around pets and children.
Q: Why do your products sometimes cost more than supermarket brands?
A: We use premium active ingredients with no fillers, fresh small-batch production, and protective glass packaging. We invest in quality and safety rather than cheap mass production.
A: We use premium active ingredients with no fillers, fresh small-batch production, and protective glass packaging. We invest in quality and safety rather than cheap mass production.
Q: What happens if a product is out of stock?
A: Because we make fresh in small batches, popular items can occasionally sell out. We usually restock within a few days.
A: Because we make fresh in small batches, popular items can occasionally sell out. We usually restock within a few days.
Q: How is Surmanti different from other “clean” brands?
A: We are transparent about our No List, focus on real performance and results (not just trends), and have stayed true to our values for over 23 years as a small family-owned New Zealand brand.
A: We are transparent about our No List, focus on real performance and results (not just trends), and have stayed true to our values for over 23 years as a small family-owned New Zealand brand.
Q: How do you decide what goes on the No List?
A: Through science (including Dr Darbre’s research on endocrine disruptors), customer feedback from our almost 2000 5-star reviews, and our commitment to long-term health over marketing hype.
A: Through science (including Dr Darbre’s research on endocrine disruptors), customer feedback from our almost 2000 5-star reviews, and our commitment to long-term health over marketing hype.
Bottom line - you matter to us.