Frequently Asked Questions
What is special and unique about mukti that makes it stand out from other organic/beauty brands?
Not only is Mukti (mooktee) the name of the brand, Mukti is the founder and formulator. We are proud to say that Mukti even manufactures the range and is hands-on in all aspects of the business. The basis of all Mukti products are plant based with the incorporation of Australian native ingredients. The majority of our raw materials are sourced in Australia. Our 2 key ingredients include Australian macadamia nut oil and aloe vera which have a very close affinity to the skin. In fact, the chemical composition of macadamia nut oil is very similar to the natural oil (sebum) that the skin excretes. We use:
- Medicinal grade botanical extracts
- Fortification with active and potent natural vitamins and antioxidants
- Therapeutic grade pure essential oils
- A natural preservation system containing a synergistic blend of herbal extracts
- Members of Choose Cruelty Free (CCF)
- Fair trade ingredients wherever possible
- Carbon neutral policy
- Biodegradable ingredients
What does the name Mukti mean?
Mukti is derived from Sanskrit and means liberation and freedom. In Hindu, it means rebirth. The principle of Mukti is about freeing and liberating oneself as a consumer. Asking questions and not just accepting everything at face value. It is as much about your own personal journey. We believe that it is the innate right of every sentient being to experience freedom and liberation especially when it comes to buying products you know you can trust.
Is Mukti a certified organic brand?
Our products are certified by the Australian The Organic Food Chain (OFC) which is one of the strictest and superior standards in the world. Most other standards are diluted by comparison. Our OFC logo assures and instils consumer confidence that our products have been produced in a responsible, ecological and harmonious way. No synthetic chemicals have been used, crops have been grown using sustainable methods and products are GMO free.
The majority of our products are certified organic which means that 95% of the content is certified organic origin. The other products are over 70% certified organic content and are classified as containing certified organic ingredients. The balance of the formulations excluding water and non agricultural ingredients such as minerals and salt must be from natural origin. The organic percentage is clearly stated on the front of our packaging and on our website. To maintain our certified organic status our products are free of the following ingredients:
- Petrochemicals and other synthetic substances
- Non organic products of animal origins
- Talc
- Fragrances and other colour components of non-organic or synthetic origin
- Anti-microbial agents not produced from organic sources
- Chelating agents based on EDTA and its salts
- Fatty chain source material of petrochemical origin
- Sulphonation, ethoxylation and propoxylation
- Alkyl Sulphates (eg Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Coco Sulphate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate)
- Alkyl Ether Sulphates (eg Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Ammonium Laureth Sulphate)
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEGS)
- Polysorbates (eg Polysorbate 20)
- Ethanolamides (eg Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA)
- Chemically synthesised sunscreens
- Potentially harmful preservatives such as parabens, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.
Are eco-cosmetics just a trend?
Just like our forebears, we are returning to our roots. Our ancestors relied on the bounties of nature. Every plant, flower, fruit and berry that is utilised has a unique gift, quality and effect. Many people are becoming conscious of minimising our impact on the earth and wanting to improve their overall health and well being. On that basis we do not believe that it is a trend but a commitment to a change of lifestyle.
What age group are Mukti products created for?
Mukti skin care is not age or gender defined and is suitable for anyone who cares for themselves, their loved ones and for the world around them. Those who are committed to their overall health and well being as well as the environmental foot print that they leave behind. Mukti is for everyone who has had enough of false advertising and marketing claims promising unrealistic and untruthful results. Mukti is for everyday people from all walks of life who are comfortable with being themselves and not afraid to be part of the organic movement.
Our products are suitable for all ages and skin types. Plant based cosmetics work in the same way that nutrients work in food. Basically our bodies will absorb what they require. The younger the skin the less is required. More mature skin will tend to consume more of the active ingredients. Antioxidants and vitamins assist with skin maintenance and cellular regeneration and in this way act as aging deterrents creating a sustainable impact upon the entire organism.
Because of the very nature of beauty products - for example shampoos often contain a synthetically created foaming agent - can organic beauty products ever be 100% organic?
All skin care products contain items from the following categories in some combination or another. Emollients - to prevent dryness and protection of the skin acting as barrier and healing agent; humectants; emulsifiers; preservatives and surfactants (surface-active-agents or foaming agents). These components could be synthetic or natural. In certified organic cosmetics you will find only natural or nature derived components. All ingredients used in our products meet the OFC requirements and are derived either from plants or from organic sources. For example, in the Mukti range we use gentle cleansing agents extracted from plants and fragrances made from essential oils. Please click here to view more information on our Mukti Preservation System
What is cocobetaine?
Cocobetaine is a combination of cocamide and glycine betaine and is derived from coconut oil. It's main function is to act as a foaming agent and surfactant and acts by gently cleansing the skin and hair by assisting water to mix with oil, dirt and residues so that they can effectively be rinsed off the surface of the skin and hair. It emulsifies and thickens and is considered to be one of the most effective and gentlest of surfactants as it produces an additional fatty layer on the hair to reduce static and enhances manageability and emollience minus any residual build up.
Due to its well known foaming and moisturising properties, we have incorporated this ingredient into our shampoo, hand and body washes, gentle foaming cleanser and gentle facial exfoliant. It is regarded as mild and safe in wash off products and any allergic reactions are often associated with other by products (i.e. amidoamine and dimethlyaminopropylamine) that we do not incorporated into our manufacturing processes.
Do natural ingredients really work?
Natural active ingredients that are of a medicinal standard effectively care for the skin on a cellular level. It would be ignorant to think that only cosmetics created by the newest technologies can achieve great results. Our bodies work in the same way as plants to fight harmful free radicals with the assistance of antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamins. The active ingredients in skin care work in the same way when they enter the human body. They assist with improving the wellbeing of cells and supply them with energy. Our organism recognises and readily assimilates the active ingredients from plant cells, rather than treating them as synthetic foreign bodies. In this manner, these substances biologically engage in skin cell life processes and effectively improve both cellular wellbeing and overall health. Furthermore, plants contain composites of active ingredients in which the active elements are ideally integrated and proportional, rather treated as a separate substance. The skin cells receive a balanced source of energy in which every component is complementary to the whole thus improving cell vitality.
I do not have allergies to regular skincare, why should I switch to organic?
The long term effects of using chemicals and their combinations is unquantifiable and impossible to define. What we do know is that more of us are experiencing allergies and sensitivities as well as terminal illnesses as a direct result of the environment that we live in. The more we can minimise exposure to chemicals and toxins the better off we are collectively. Most mainstream products create further pollutants and environmental damage, so we believe it is our responsibility to choose organic with all of our purchases to alleviate our impact on this precious earth.
Some reasons why you should avoid chemical cosmetics:
- Our skin is extremely permeable. It transpires as well as absorbs. Especially leave-on products like facial creams, hair dyes and make-up. One scientific study showed that 13% of the cosmetic preservative butylate hydroxytoluene (BHT) and 49% of the carcinogenic pesticide, DTT (found in cosmetics containing lanolin) is absorbed through the skin!
- If you use a small amount of a toxic chemical everyday for your entire life, it's going to accumulate in the tissues and organs of your body. Why are there more people suffering from allergies, sensitivities and cancer?
- Recent scientific studies show that these chemicals are toxic even at very low doses.
- Some of these chemicals may be the culprits of this vast epidemic of infertility. If you are concerned about infertility, you're better off avoiding personal care that is chemically based.
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, your baby is exposed to the chemicals you place on your body and can effect a young, developing organism. Mother Nature always has and always will provide us with everything we need. By seeking out truly natural and organic products we are making a positive difference to our own health as well as respecting our environment.
What is the most common misconception about organic skincare?
A common misconception is that they are more gentle for the skin but not as effective as synthetic main stream brands. Naturally derived and organic skin care programs don't generally give an instant effect, but have a balancing, detoxifying effect which is a deep and long-term program with ongoing results. Within in two weeks you should notice a difference and within six weeks you will notice a change in the texture, feel and overall health of your skin.
Each natural component has various properties including antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids which encourage the skin to regenerate, hydrate, tone, stimulate, heal, nourish, relax, and tighten. Our skin is able to utilise the ingredients that it requires to obtain homeostasis. The wide range of plants in nature allows us to select the most suitable ingredients for each product. These active ingredients are effective due to our similar metabolic processes and affinity with nature. We also believe that in order to obtain healthy, clear skin you need to balance your internal system through correct diet and nutritional intake to obtain optimum results.
What are some important points to consider when changing to organic cosmetics?
Do not assume that because a product uses the word 'organic' in their company name, on their label or in their marketing that the product content is actually organic. Make sure the product carries the label "certified organic" by a recognised and reputable certifier with standards that have a strict criteria in regard to allowable inputs.
- Always check the percentage of the organic content on the back of the label. This is usually found in the ingredients panel.
- Pricing is usually indicative of quality. If a product is cheap then it is highly likely that it is not certified organic.
- Only buy what is necessary. Organic products have a shorter shelf life because there are no synthetic preservatives. Products that are in jars should be used within 3 months of opening. Always use a spatula to dispense product and replace the cap after use and keep water tight.
- To guarantee a longer shelf-life we recommend storing all products below 30ºC. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. If you live in an area where outside temperature is higher or consistently humid, store sealed product in your refrigerator.
- Organic cosmetics can sometimes have an unusual plant based scent. This is because synthetic and chemical fragrances are never used in production of organic cosmetics. Instead, combinations of natural essential oils are used which can evaporate and do not give a strong lasting scent.
- Due to the natural idiosyncrasy of plant based ingredients, there may sometimes be a slight variation with each batch.
Why is it important to use a cleanser?
If the skin is not sufficiently clean, dead skin cells remain causing the skin to become dull, flaky and prone to clogged pores and congestion. Cleansing also prepares the skin for the application and penetration of further products. Most cleansers on the market today contain harsh surfactants that strip the skin of its natural oils further exacerbating existing skin conditions. Our plant-derived cleansers are mild and gentle and are conveniently designed to use in the shower.
Do I need a toner?
A toner will remover debris, residual soap and purify the complexion, balancing sebaceous activity and restoring the acid mantle. They assist with improving skin elasticity and providing an additional layer of nutrients and moisture. Most toners are based on synthetic alcohol and harsh chemicals and should be avoided.
When should I moisturise?
Moisturisers should be used after cleansing and toning to re-hydrate and deeply nourish the skin. Our facial cremes and moisturisers are formulated to create a protective barrier against oxidants and moisture loss. Additional botanical ingredients such as essential fatty acids, pure vitamins and essential oils have both healing and rejuvenating qualities and offer maximum hydration. It is recommended to use facial cremes sparingly and apply to damp skin.
How should I apply a moisturiser?
Note areas of dryness/oiliness on particular areas of the face. Also note the menstrual cycle when fluctuating hormones may result in increased sebaceous activity. Areas where the skin is producing sufficient oil, for example the t-zone and along the jaw line, do not necessarily require extra moisture and can be omitted from application. Rather concentrate on the drier areas of the face.
Is it necessary to exfoliate?
The skin has its own cycle of shedding (desquamation) although this is not always efficient. To aid in the removal of dead skin cells it is recommended to exfoliate the skin at least twice a week. Our jojoba facial exfoliant is a gentle dermabrasive that will friction off the skin and dissolve the dead skin cells whilst removing impurities. It is important to allow the Exfoliant to do the work without the necessity of added pressure.
What are the benefits of exfoliating?
- Leaves the skin looking and feeling fresh and clean.
- Erases minor blemishes and helps prevent their formation.
- Rids the skin of surface flakiness leaving it smoother.
- Evens the tone and colour of the skin.
- Rids the skin of build up around the follicles allowing a more thorough cleanse, resulting in the refinement and appearance of open pores and scar tissue.
- As a result of removing surface build up the skin will more readily absorb the following treatments and cremes.
How often should I use a facial mask?
We recommend that you use a mask 1-2 times per week. They assist with toning, balancing re-mineralising and deeply cleansing the skin. What are the benefits of using clay masks?
The use of clay in masks is well renowned for its healing properties and has been used by civilizations for thousands of years both externally and internally. Therapeutic clays are brilliant to use in regenerative skincare as they have a very strong affinity to water. A clay mask will produce excess heat, which increases blood circulation and induces perspiration allowing wastes and other toxins to be eliminated. The active surfaces of clay act to absorb the toxins that are eliminated from the skin.
What are the benefits of essential oils in skin care?
Derived from flowers, fruit, grasses, seeds, bark, wood, roots, leaves, balsam & resin, essential oils have been utilised for thousands of years. They are invaluable as they have the ability to work both medicinally and therapeutically. They are readily absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream whilst having a balancing and regulating affect on sebum production. The essential oil synergies in our formulations have been chosen for their beneficial qualities on the skin such as:
- Trans-dermal penetration
- Potency
- Natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and fungicidal properties
- Anti-aging and wound healing
- Lipolytic (fat dissolving)
- Circulatory stimulants
How can you ascertain the purity of essential oils?
To be considered as 100% pure and natural an essential oil must not have been tampered with by either natural or synthetic components. The majority of essential oils sold in Australia have been adulterated to some degree. Unlike many products that may contain these oils we guarantee that our essential oils and base oils are of the highest quality and purity available anywhere in the world. For each of the oils in our range they are verified with comprehensive data including the precise definition of the botanical species, country of origin, method of production, the part of the plant used, and organic verification.
Are pure essential oils contraindicated?
Some citrus oils are photo sensitising when used in conjunction with direct sunlight. It is advisable that certain oils are avoided during pregnancy, especially during the 1st trimester. All essential oils that are contraindicated are used in synergistic blends and are less than 1% of the total formulation.
Are Mukti products suitable for babies?
Absolutely! Some favourites include: bath & shower gel, body lotion, body oil and calendula crème for babies with nappy rash or eczema.
Are Mukti products suitable for men?
Certainly! We consider our products to be unisex. We have a specific men’s starter pack which includes the shaving gel, deodorant and aloe vera moisturiser. The most popular products used by men include the following:
Body: bath & shower gel, deodorant, botanique shampoo and conditioner and hair wax.
Face: gentle foaming cleanser which can also be used as a shaving gel, refreshing hydrating mist toner as an effective aftershave, aloe vera moisturiser (oil free) and antioxidant facial serum (age defying) for moisturising.
Does Mukti use natural preservatives to ensure its product shelf life?
YES! We utilise several natural preservative systems dependent on the product. This includes small concentrations of natural plant alcohol made from grain, CO2 extracts, native Australian essential oil blends, vitamin E, natural antioxidants & grapefruit seed extract.
What is the expiry date for Mukti products?
All products have a guaranteed shelf-life of 18-30 months unopened. All the Mukti facial care products are packaged in airless pump dispensers which assist with prolonging the product shelf-life.
- Oxidation is minimised as no air comes into contact with the products.
- External contamination is limited as bacteria and microbial contamination from the hands is removed.
- Non-transparent packaging protects the products from the UV rays.
- Airless technology allows you to use every last drop of the product. Lids on airless serum pump dispensers are made from PCR (post consumer recyclable) material.
- Organic Certification guarantees that all products are packaged in recyclable packaging. Allowable types of plastic include: PP, PET, PE, HDPE, and LDPE.
- Our brochures are printed using waterless printing technology which is the most environmentally friendly printing process available.
- Paper and cardboard are FSC certified which means they come from renewable forestry and are recyclable.
Where are Mukti products manufactured?
All our products have been loving nurtured into fruition by Mukti who has a cosmetic chemistry degree and are manufactured in our factory in Maleny. Maleny is a small country town in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland Australia.
Do Mukti products protect from the sun and exposure to UVA & UVB radiation?
We have a specific daily moisturiser with sunscreen. The active ingredient is nanoparticle free zinc oxide. It has an estimated SPF of 15 which means that you can stay out in the sun 15 times longer than you would without protection. Even though the moisturiser is tinted, it is non-oily and becomes invisible once absorbed by the skin.
Most of our other products have a natural SPF of 2-4 because of the oils and butters which are incorporated into the formulations. We do not specify this as the minimum labelling requirement in Australia is SPF 15.
I suffer from anaphylaxis, what products would you recommend?
For basic facial care we recommend the gentle foaming cleanser and the calendula crème. Both products are free of nuts.
How do I unblock my serum pump dispenser?
Sometimes an air bubble is created when the product is being bottled and this can occasionally results in a blockage in the airless pumping mechanism. If this occurs please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience and follow these steps:
- Use a straightened paper clip and insert into the small hole at the base of the dispenser
- Keeping product upright, remove the lid and unscrew the fixture so that product is visible
- Gently push upwards and towards the centre until product reaches just inside the neck
- Screw on fixture and pump as normal
If you are experiencing any further difficulties please call us toll free on 1300 306 554
