At MĒNOS, we believe you have the right to know exactly what is going on your skin — where it came from, why we chose it, and what it is doing once it gets there. This page is our commitment to full transparency.
Every ingredient in every MĒNOS formula has been deliberately selected, rigorously researched, and thoughtfully combined. There are no fillers here. No cheap emollients dressed up with a good INCI name. No compromises made for the sake of cost or convenience.
What you will find is organic skincare that works in deep harmony with your skin biome, your skin barrier, and the nervous system that underlies it all.
Formulated by Sarah — A Story of Loss, Courage, and Taking the Reins
MĒNOS began with a collaboration. In the early days of building this brand, I worked alongside Keith — a gifted, deeply knowledgeable formulator whose passion for clean, intentional skincare matched my own. He understood what I was trying to build, and he helped me build it with precision and care.
In October 2025, Keith passed away.
It was a loss that shook me — personally, and for this brand. Keith was not just a formulator. He was a collaborator, a teacher, and someone who genuinely believed in the vision of MĒNOS. Losing him was heartbreaking.
"Grief has a way of making things very clear. I knew I had to carry this forward — for Keith, for the brand, and for every woman waiting for these products."
In the months that followed, I made a decision. Rather than search for a replacement — someone who could never quite replicate what Keith and I had built together — I chose to take formulation into my own hands. I enrolled in the Advanced Natural Skincare Formulation Certificate programme at Pacific Rim College, one of the most respected natural health and formulation institutions in North America.
I immersed myself completely. I studied cosmetic chemistry, skin biology, ingredient science, preservation systems, and the art of blending active botanicals into stable, effective, genuinely transformative formulas. I learned not just how to make skincare — but how to make skincare that heals.
Every MĒNOS formula you use today has been conceived, developed, tested, and refined by Sarah — in her apothecary, by hand, according to strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. No outsourcing. No white-labelling. No compromises.
This is skincare made the way it should always have been made — with full accountability, deep knowledge, and genuine love for the person it is made for.
The MĒNOS Apothecary — Small Batch, GMP Standards, No Exceptions
MĒNOS products are formulated and produced in Sarah's dedicated apothecary — a clean, controlled environment built specifically for the purpose of making skincare that meets the highest possible standards.
We follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines at every stage of production. This means strict hygiene and sanitation protocols, precise measurement and documentation of every ingredient and batch, rigorous testing for stability, pH, and microbial safety, full traceability from raw ingredient to finished product, and consistent, repeatable formulation processes that guarantee the same quality in every jar and every bottle.
- Small batch production is not a limitation for us — it is a deliberate choice. It means fresher formulas, greater quality control, and the ability to respond to seasonal ingredient availability in ways that large-scale manufacturing never could.
Where Our Ingredients Come From — and What We Will Never Compromise On
Every ingredient that enters the MĒNOS apothecary is held to the same non-negotiable standard. We source exclusively from certified USDA Organic suppliers, ensuring that our botanicals, oils, and actives are grown and processed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers that could compromise their purity — or yours.
→ USDA Certified Organic — all plant-based ingredients sourced from certified organic farms and suppliers
→ Cruelty-Free — no animal testing, ever, at any stage of development or production
→ Toxin-Free — no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs, SLS, SLES, formaldehyde donors, or endocrine disruptors
→ Sustainably Sourced — we prioritise suppliers who practice ethical harvesting, fair trade, and environmental stewardship
→ Highest Grade Available — we specify cosmetic or food-grade ingredients only, never industrial or technical grade
We read every certificate of analysis. We know our suppliers by name. We do not cut corners because the woman using our products deserves to know that every choice was made with her health — and the health of the planet — in mind.
THE INGREDIENTS
The Ingredients We Choose — and the Ones We Never Will
Each ingredient in the MĒNOS apothecary is chosen because it works in intelligent harmony with your skin biome, your skin barrier, and your nervous system. Here is why we love what we use.ADAPTOGENS — NERVOUS SYSTEM & SKIN ALLIES
Adaptogens — Because Your Skin Needs Support at the Cellular Level
Adaptogens are a class of natural substances — most often fungi or botanical herbs — that help the body adapt to physical and emotional stress. They work by modulating the stress response at a hormonal and cellular level, reducing the impact of cortisol on the body's systems. For skin that is stress-reactive, inflamed, or compromised, adaptogens are one of the most powerful ingredients we can use — because they address the underlying biology, not just the surface symptom.
Snow Mushroom (Tremella fuciformis)
Origin & Source: Certified organic, sustainably cultivated. Used for centuries in Norwegian and East Asian botanical medicine.
Snow Mushroom is nature's answer to Hyaluronic Acid — and in many ways, it outperforms it. Its polysaccharide molecules are smaller than those of standard HA, allowing for deeper penetration into the skin. It holds up to 500 times its weight in water, delivering profound, long-lasting hydration. As an adaptogen, it also supports the skin's ability to regulate its stress response, calming inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier over time. Rich in antioxidants, it protects against oxidative damage caused by chronic cortisol and environmental stressors.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Origin & Source: Certified organic, sustainably cultivated. Revered in traditional Nordic and East Asian wellness practice.
Cordyceps is one of the most researched adaptogenic fungi on earth. In skincare, it works by enhancing cellular energy production — supporting the skin's natural renewal and repair mechanisms at a mitochondrial level. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, helping to calm cortisol-driven skin reactivity, and has been shown to support collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity. As a nervous system ally, cordyceps supports adrenal health and helps modulate the body's stress response — making it a deeply aligned ingredient for the MĒNOS formulation philosophy.
IN-HOUSE BOTANICAL GLYCERINES — SEASONAL & HANDCRAFTED
Seasonal Glycerines — Made In-House, By Hand, With Intention
One of the most distinctive aspects of MĒNOS formulation is our in-house botanical glycerines. Rather than sourcing standard vegetable glycerin from a bulk supplier, Sarah crafts her own seasonal glycerin infusions in the apothecary — drawing on the same philosophy of slow, intentional preparation that runs through everything we do.
Glycerin is a humectant — it draws moisture from the environment and from the deeper layers of the skin up to the surface, keeping the skin barrier supple, hydrated, and resilient. When infused with fresh, certified organic botanicals, it carries the active compounds of those plants directly into the formula and onto the skin.
Raspberry Glycerin (Current Season)
Origin & Source: Certified organic raspberries, cold-infused in-house at the MĒNOS apothecary.
Raspberry is extraordinarily rich in ellagic acid — a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that protects against UV-induced skin damage and supports an even, radiant complexion. It contains natural salicylates which gently support cell turnover without disrupting the skin barrier, and is deeply soothing for reactive, stressed skin. Our raspberry glycerin is made fresh each season, ensuring maximum potency and the most vibrant concentration of active compounds.
Strawberry Glycerin (Current Season)
Origin & Source: Certified organic strawberries, cold-infused in-house at the MĒNOS apothecary.
Strawberry is one of the most vitamin C-dense fruits in nature, making it a powerful brightening and antioxidant ingredient for the skin. It supports collagen production, helps to fade stress-related hyperpigmentation, and has a natural gentle exfoliating quality that encourages the skin to renew. The folic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids naturally present in strawberry work synergistically with the glycerin base to hydrate and resurface simultaneously — giving the skin a clarity and luminosity that reflects genuine inner health.
Our glycerin infusions change with the seasons — reflecting the availability of fresh, organic botanicals and honouring the connection between the natural world and our skin. Current season availability is always noted on our product pages.
COLD PRESSED OILS & EMOLLIENTS
Meadowfoam Seed Oil — The Skin Barrier's Best Friend
Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes alba)
Origin & Source: USDA Certified Organic, cold-pressed. Sourced from sustainable meadowfoam cultivation.
Meadowfoam is one of the most stable plant oils in natural skincare formulation — and one of the most skin-identical. With a fatty acid profile almost uniquely suited to the skin's own lipid structure, it absorbs beautifully without greasiness and acts as a natural preservative booster, extending the shelf life of our formulas without the need for synthetic stabilisers. Meadowfoam is deeply emollient, sealing moisture into the skin barrier and protecting against transepidermal water loss — a key concern for stressed, cortisol-compromised skin. It also enhances the delivery of other active ingredients, acting as a carrier that helps everything around it work harder.
Oleic Acid (Omega-9)
Origin & Source: Derived from certified organic, cold-pressed plant oils — primarily organic olive and rosehip.
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid that is structurally similar to the skin's own sebum — making it one of the most biocompatible ingredients in our arsenal. It penetrates deeply into the skin to nourish at a cellular level, supports the repair of a compromised skin barrier, and has potent anti-inflammatory properties that are particularly valuable for stress-reactive skin. Oleic acid also enhances the absorption of fat-soluble active ingredients — including our liposomal vitamins and CoQ10 — acting as a vehicle that drives these compounds where they are needed most.
CELLULAR ENERGY & ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVES
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
Origin & Source: Pharmaceutical-grade, biofermentation-derived CoQ10. Vegan and certified clean.
Coenzyme Q10 is one of the most important molecules in human cellular energy production — and one of the first things we lose under chronic stress and with age. In the skin, CoQ10 powers the cellular machinery responsible for collagen synthesis, barrier repair, and renewal. As an antioxidant, it neutralises free radical damage caused by cortisol, UV exposure, and oxidative stress — protecting the skin's structural integrity at a fundamental level. When applied topically in a well-formulated base, CoQ10 has been shown to meaningfully improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and restore the skin's natural radiance. For women whose skin has been depleted by burnout and chronic stress, CoQ10 is a deeply restorative ingredient.
HYDRATION ARCHITECTURE
High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid (HMW-HA)
Origin & Source: Vegan, biofermentation-derived. Pharmaceutical-grade purity.
Not all Hyaluronic Acid is created equal — and at MĒNOS, we are deliberate about the molecular weight we use. We have chosen High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid specifically because of how it behaves on the skin. Where low molecular weight HA penetrates more deeply, HMW-HA works at the surface — forming a lightweight, breathable film that locks moisture in, plumps the skin barrier, and creates an immediate sensation of relief for dehydrated, stressed skin. It is also profoundly soothing and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for skin that is reactive or compromised. Used in combination with our Snow Mushroom polysaccharides and seasonal glycerines, HMW-HA creates a multi-layered hydration system that works across every depth of the skin.
ADVANCED DELIVERY — LIPOSOMAL TECHNOLOGY
Liposomal Vitamins — Active Delivery That Actually Works
One of the most significant challenges in skincare formulation is delivery. Many active ingredients — vitamins, antioxidants, peptides — are too large or too unstable to penetrate the skin effectively in their standard form. They sit on the surface, provide minimal benefit, and often oxidise before they can do anything meaningful.
Liposomal technology solves this. A liposome is a microscopic lipid sphere — structurally similar to the skin's own cell membranes — that encapsulates active ingredients and carries them directly through the skin barrier, releasing them at the cellular level where they can actually make a difference.
At MĒNOS, we use liposomal encapsulation for our key vitamin actives — including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and B-complex compounds — ensuring that these potent antioxidants and skin-regenerating nutrients reach the layers of the skin where they are needed, at the concentration required to produce real, visible results.
- Liposomal delivery is one of the most significant advances in natural skincare formulation. It means that the active ingredients on our label are not just present in the formula — they are being delivered where they can do their best work.
THE PRESERVATIVES CONVERSATION
Let's Talk About Preservatives — Honestly
They have a complicated reputation. Here is the truth — and why the ones we use are nothing to fear.Why Preservatives Get a Bad Name
The word 'preservative' has become one of the most misunderstood terms in clean beauty. When people hear it, they often think of the infamous parabens — a class of synthetic preservatives that have been the subject of significant controversy due to their potential endocrine-disrupting properties. And that concern is not unfounded. Certain parabens have been detected in human tissue, and their ability to mimic oestrogen in the body is a legitimate reason to avoid them.
The clean beauty industry's response to this, however, has unfortunately created a new problem — the rise of 'preservative-free' claims on products that contain water. And here is what every skincare consumer needs to know:
- Any formula that contains water — a serum, a toner, a cream, a mist — will grow bacteria, mould, and yeast without an effective preservation system. No exceptions. A truly preservative-free water-based formula is not a safer product. It is a potentially dangerous one.
Contaminated skincare is one of the most common — and least discussed — causes of skin infections, breakouts, and barrier disruption. When a brand removes preservatives from a water-based formula without a robust alternative system, they are prioritising a marketing claim over your safety.
At MĒNOS, we will not do that.
The Preservatives We Have Chosen — and Why
We have spent significant time researching, testing, and selecting preservation systems that do their job effectively — without compromising the integrity of the skin barrier, the skin biome, or your long-term health. Our chosen preservatives for water-based formulas are:
Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate (used in combination)
Origin & Source: Food-grade, naturally derived. Approved by Ecocert and COSMOS organic standards.
This combination is one of the most widely used preservation systems in certified natural and organic skincare — and for good reason. Sodium benzoate is derived from benzoin resin and occurs naturally in many fruits and spices. Potassium sorbate is derived from sorbic acid, found naturally in mountain ash berries. Together, they provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection against bacteria, yeast, and mould at very low concentrations — typically under 1% combined. Unlike parabens, they do not mimic hormones, do not accumulate in tissue, and are well-tolerated by even sensitive skin types. They work with the skin barrier rather than against it, and their safety profile is among the best documented of any preservation system in cosmetic science.
Gluconolactone (Polyhydroxy Acid — PHA)
Origin & Source: Naturally derived from fermentation. Gentle, skin-microbiome-compatible preservative with added skincare benefits.
Gluconolactone is a PHA — a next-generation hydroxy acid — that serves a dual function in our formulas. As a preservative, it creates an environment that inhibits microbial growth through gentle pH modulation, without any of the harshness associated with AHAs. As a skincare active, it is a powerful humectant and antioxidant that supports skin barrier function, improves moisture retention, and has been shown to be compatible with even rosacea-prone and eczema-compromised skin. It supports the skin's microbiome rather than disrupting it — making it a deeply aligned choice for the MĒNOS formulation philosophy.
We challenge every preservation choice against the most current cosmetic safety data available. Our systems are tested for efficacy and skin compatibility, and we are always reviewing the latest formulation science to ensure our choices remain best-in-class.
OUR COMMITMENT
This Is What Integrity in Formulation Looks Like
Every choice made in the MĒNOS apothecary begins with the same question: is this the best possible thing I can put into this formula for the woman who will use it? Not the cheapest. Not the most convenient. Not the most marketable.
The best.
That commitment — to certified organic sourcing, GMP production, advanced delivery systems, and honest preservation — is our promise to you. It is the promise Keith helped us begin, and the promise Sarah carries forward with everything she learned, and everything she continues to learn, in his honour.