Elevating Skincare: The Certified Organic Difference at Sanctum Australia

WellBeing sat with Sanctum to Discover their efforts to become a certified organic, sustainable, and affordable family-friendly skincare option.

Can you tell us more about your organic certification and the standards your products meet at Sanctum Australia?

At Sanctum, we have been making 100% natural skin care since 1992. We followed the rise of organic skin and body care with interest, and in 2005, we reformulated our range to become Certified Organic in 2006.

Our products are Certified Organic.

Our founders, Greg and Jicky Milham, moved to the Byron Shire in 1989 – searching for a cleaner, more peaceful lifestyle to raise a family. It was here they found their Sanctum. In this space, the inspiration to start researching, developing and creating naturally-derived skin and personal care products made sense. Having witnessed first-hand the chemical side of the industry while running a manufacture and fill business in Sydney, Australia, Greg was determined to produce a range of products that remain true to their promise of natural, carry meaningful levels of active ingredients and really work.

While we began making 100% natural skincare in the 1990s, in 2005, we took this one step further and certified our manufacturing complex (one of the first of its kind in the cosmetic industry in Australia) and reformulated our entire Sanctum range to be Certified Organic in 2006.

In doing so, we have made sure not to jeopardise the efficacy and enjoyment of the products we produce. We have found that some organic products do not feel, smell or look like mainstream skin and body care products. And many don’t perform. Sanctum is different.

Sanctum has certification through the ACO and proudly displays the ACO COSMOS logo on our products, which gives you the confidence that you are buying a truly organic product.

OUR FORMULAS EXCLUDE NASTIES SUCH AS Petrochemicals, animal by-products, fragrances and dyes of synthetic origin, Alkyl Sulphates (e.g. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sodium Coco Sulphate, Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate).

What inspired you to focus on creating a line of certified organic products, and how does this commitment set you apart from other brands in the market?

Our commitment to organic skincare stems from a deep concern for the environment. We recognised the negative impact that conventional farming and synthetic chemical production had on our planet. By sourcing organic ingredients, we not only support eco-friendly agricultural practices but also reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Not only do we prioritise the environment, but we are also dedicated to offering families an affordable skincare solution free from harsh chemicals, pesticides, and synthetic additives, ensuring the safety of their skin and total wellbeing. We firmly believe that organic ingredients provide a healthier option for skincare, and we wanted to share these benefits with others.

The quality of our products is unparalleled and yet so affordable. We offer a genuine range for all the family – from skin, hair, body, men and baby products. Certified care for the whole family that won’t harm the planet, your health or your pocket. Even our most potent skincare formulas (with high levels of actives) are priced at under $41 and contain upwards of 86% Certified Organic ingredients.

Could you share some insights into the sourcing of organic ingredients for your products and how you ensure their quality and authenticity?

We have scanned the world for organic ingredients. We try to buy locally first, but we also buy from Asia, South America, South Africa, Europe, and Australia. Where possible, we purchase from FAIR TRADE producers in underdeveloped communities.

Sanctum products are formulated with over 70% Certified Organic ingredients, with many over 95%. All other ingredients are naturally derived. We have not sacrificed any quality in achieving this, just time and careful formulation work. We chose organic raw materials thoughtfully and have maintained therapeutic levels of active properties selected for functionality in our products.

Certification to the highest standards is what ensures the quality of our products and the ingredients that are blended to create them.

In addition to skincare, does Sanctum Australia offer organic products in other categories, such as haircare or cosmetics?

Yes, in addition to our Certified Organic skincare line, we also feature a range for haircare and baby care and a range specifically designed for men. This ensures that everyone in the family can find certified care within the Sanctum range.

Sustainability and eco-friendliness are closely linked with organic products. Can you tell us about your brand’s environmental initiatives and how they align with your organic focus?

Sustainability is at the forefront of every decision we make at Sanctum. Here are some initiatives we employ;

CARBON FOOTPRINT

We have been (and continue to be) on a journey to actively reduce our carbon impact and have been awarded for our efforts by both the NSW Sustainability Department of the state government and the Organic Industry.

SUSTAINABLE POWER SOURCE

Our factories are powered by our solar panels. These solar panels also charge and power all machinery.

PACKAGING

We are committed to making sustainable packaging choices. All our tubes are made from 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. This means that they are both recycled and recyclable.

Additionally, we use and reuse recyclable cardboard boxes and packages with eco-friendly Enviro Flow™, corn-based packing when shipping our products.

TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

At Sanctum, we know that every tree can have an enormous effect on regeneration efforts – to protect the future of our planet and our health. This is why, for every bottle sold, we will plant a tree.

How do you educate and inform your customers about the benefits of using certified organic products, both for their well-being and the environment?

We don’t have a large marketing budget to regularly talk to customers and potential customers, but at every opportunity, we will educate on the values of Certified Organic and what it means for the planet and our people. It’s a muddy marketplace and still a disappointing amount of greenwashing, and it’s hard for consumers to navigate through what is genuine and what is sell or fluff. The single biggest piece of advice we can give to consumers is to look for the logos. Certification badges reinforce the credibility of a product or range. Without an accredited badge of certification, brands can call themselves ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ while containing little to no organic ingredients. These terms are not regulated in Australia, so you have to be switched on when shopping for skincare (and food) products.

Are there any new and innovative certified organic products or initiatives that we can look forward to from Sanctum Australia soon?

We recently re-branded the sanctum range, bringing a more contemporary and appealing aesthetic to Australian bathrooms. Much energy has gone into this, but we are always working on product innovation. We are currently formulating a new deodorant product that is (naturally) Certified Organic and really works. We are excited about this one! Watch this space.

Affordable Organic Skincare for Families

Certified Organic Skincare doesn’t have to be a luxury. We believe that using organic skincare should be accessible to everyone. However, the cost factor often makes it challenging for families to afford organic skincare for the whole household. That’s why we’ve created a skincare brand that offers organic and affordable products, including a full range of skincare, baby care, men’s care, and haircare.

Visit their website to shop! https://sanctumaustralia.com/