Q&A with the founder of Mukti

OFS: Going back 25 years, tell us about the main driver behind founding your own natural skincare brand in the early days.

Mukti: There are so many reasons why I continued to push forward all those years, but I think the main driver was conviction – I just knew I could do things differently. Back when I first launched Mukti Organics in 2000, skincare brands were firmly defined by the category they sat in, meaning they were either ‘natural’ but did not have the efficacy of cosmeceuticals, or they were ‘cosmeceutical’ but laden with potentially harmful ingredients. As a skin therapist with a background in complementary medicine, I was looking for an Australian brand that I could recommend to my clients, but realised that available options in the Australian market that were truly clean were limited. For me, creating my own range was the natural next step.

OFS: How has your perspective on wellness changed since the inception of Mukti Organics?

Mukti: I don’t think my perception of wellness has changed, more that I’ve realised how pervasive harmful ingredients are (and that they can be found in anything)! This idea was cemented when I was doing research for my book Truth in Beauty, when I came to understand just how many harmful ingredients humans come in contact with on a daily basis. We are exposed to hundreds in the personal care products we use, but also in our food and cleaning products. My perception has always been that knowledge is power when it comes to what we are exposed to, and yet I realised that the general public wasn’t being offered that knowledge openly. This realisation was the impetus for writing my book, and that journey opened my eyes to what was really happening in the beauty industry.

OFS: You advocate for a more holistic approach to beauty, as per your wonderful book, Truth In Beauty. How would you summarise this philosophy of wellness to a newcomer just discovering natural beauty?

Mukti: My philosophy is really embedded in ‘mindful beauty’, which is about empowering people to make informed choices about what they’re putting on their skin and also the impact that producing and disposing of those ingredients have on the environment. Today, the beauty industry is filled with confusing claims, marketing buzzwords, and a lack of clear scientific support. What began as a positive shift toward safer, more transparent products has become increasingly difficult to navigate. That’s why we’ve chosen to move beyond labels and focus on ‘mindful beauty’, ensuring that people have access to information and can learn to understand exactly what’s in their products.

OFS: What’s one thing that sets Mukti apart from other natural skincare brands that isn’t something you often share?

Mukti: When we first introduced our products featuring scientifically backed Australian native ingredients and bioactive indigenous superfruits in 2012, it was quite ground-breaking for the industry and still is. From the start, we’ve been dedicated to blending nature with science and promoting health-conscious beauty routines. Now, 25 years later, we’ve seen countless brands try to adopt similar approaches, contributing to a global clean beauty industry valued at over $11 billion. Yet we continue to be a leader when it comes to our dedication to ingredient selection and formulation as we emphasise functionality, effectiveness, and safety. This commitment to quality, sustainability and transparency has positioned us as a leader in the organic skincare industry.

Many people also don’t know that we have an in-house formulation and manufacturing facility that creates all our wonderful products. This approach ensures complete control over quality, potency, performance and sustainability – guaranteeing that every product meets the highest standards of excellence.

Our brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices is also something that resonates deeply with consumers (but many people don’t know about it)! From ethically sourced raw ingredients to utilising eco-friendly packaging (98% of Mukti Organics’ packaging is recyclable), environmental responsibility is woven into the very fabric of our brand. As the industry moves towards refillable packaging options, we’re also bucking this trend since there is an assumption it is the more environmentally friendly alternative, yet there is still a lot of waste involved (and the risk of contamination makes it unfeasible). We’ve also moved away from single-use plastics, introducing glass sample pots even though they come at a higher cost.

OFS: We’d love for you to walk us through your personal beauty regimen and how you achieve such beautiful, glowing skin.

Mukti: I start off with a cleanse using our Hydrating Cleansing Lotion, followed by a spray of our Rose Blossom Hydrating Mist. I typically cycle through serums depending on the skin concerns I’m trying to target, but right now I’m using our Vital C, and an everyday staple is the Barrier Repair Serum. I then follow that with our new Solar Veil, which is a high-performing 3-in-1 daily moisturiser. This product is really paving the way in ‘solar-smart skincare’ by fusing cutting-edge mineral protection with the nourishing power of Australian native botanicals. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and science-backed bioactive ingredients, it delivers a hybrid of skincare benefits with mineral-based SPF support. Its application is multipurpose as it works as a primer, moisturiser and environmental protection. Most zinc sunscreens are sticky, thick and chalky.

It was crucial for me to ensure it was something a consumer would want to use every day, so the sensorial aspect was paramount in the end product. Then it’s onto my body care, which I hate to say I used to neglect! Now I am strict, ensuring that I apply our Red Velvet Body Oil daily. This gives my skin the protection and glow it needs!

OFS: Beyond skincare and inner beauty products, what other wellness practices do you swear by to look and feel your best?

Mukti: My personal beauty routine starts the moment I wake up, as I prioritise my physical self well beyond the products I use. Creating a structured morning routine can help to foster a positive mindset for the rest of the day (which, for me, helps create a sense of balance). Without sounding like a cliché, I really believe the early bird gets the worm. I start my day early at 5 am so I can practise meditation, have a sauna and cold shower, followed by exercise. Three times a week, I train with a combination of resistance, weights and cardio. On alternate days, I walk barefoot on the beach with no sunglasses or phone for an hour, making sure I get a dose of sunlight. This structured morning routine helps me to set intentions for the rest of the day, whilst also giving me a chance to get organised.

OFS: What are some non-negotiables when it comes to taking care of yourself?

Mukti: I try to take care of myself using the power of nature, as it allows me to feel aligned and connected to myself and the world around me. I try to ensure that I can spend time outdoors each day (even if it’s standing barefoot on the grass to reconnect). This practice not only enhances my mental well-being but also gives me some time to focus on the here and now. I truly believe that regular exposure to nature can contribute significantly to anyone’s overall well-being (not to mention the way it can help to balance the demands of a professional working life).

OFS: What advice would you give women who are transitioning into perimenopause, menopause or post menopause who are struggling to feel confident in their skin and bodies?

Mukti: Don’t be afraid of change. I often meet women who are going through this transition and yet still doing the same practices and using the same products that they did in their 20s. The truth is, our skin really does change during these years, so it requires a different approach. The other advice I would give is to empower yourself with knowledge about your skin, but also the products you use and are exposed to. We are exposed to hundreds of chemicals daily, sometimes over 500 – perfume alone can contain up to 50 chemicals. Our bodies lack the enzymes to process this level of exposure, leading to chemical storage in fat cells and adipose tissues.

Fragrances can contain thousands of chemicals, pulled from a database of 3,000+ approved substances, with no legal requirement to list them on labels.

A major concern? Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), which interfere with our hormone systems. These chemicals are found in cosmetics, skincare, and personal care products, which we apply directly to our skin.

Cumulative exposure allows these chemicals to accumulate in the body, potentially leading to long-term health effects.

Even low doses, when used repeatedly, can build up over time and cause harm.

The effects linger in the body, interacting with hormonal systems for extended periods.

Repeated daily exposure, such as using perfume or skincare, contributes to potential long-term risks.

Your skin care needs will likely change during this time as the skin becomes thinner and decreased estrogen levels may impact the barrier. Normal skin can become very dry or exhibit rosacea so opt for a simplified routine using actives and exfoliants sparingly. Monthly facials are a great way to support this transition and are a great way to relax and destress.

Make sure you talk to girlfriends who are going through the same thing, so you know you are not alone. Also, minimise alcohol and sugar or cut it out completely. Exercise, meditate and avoid overindulging. This transition period is all about balance and putting yourself first.

OFS: Describe your perfect day.

Mukti: My perfect day typically balances time in nature with time feeling productive! While I love spending time at the beach, my brain also likes to get a workout, so balancing the two would be perfect.

OFS: And finally… what Mukti products can you not live without?

Mukti: Our Solar Veil! It’s one of those products that I couldn’t find on the market until we developed it, and now I can’t live without it. It’s a certified organic SPF 30 moisturiser that wears like skincare – it hydrates, supports, and disappears into your skin, regardless of your skin tone. With a sheer finish that plays perfectly under makeup, it promises no white cast or chalky residue, instead leaving me with a naturally luminous glow.

At night, use the Barrier Repair Serum followed by the Queen of the Night for deep hydration with the addition of ceramides and peptides. This is a must-have evening routine.

 

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