At Merindah Botanicals, we believe in radical transparency. That means using ingredients that support your skin's health—not just ones that sound good on a label.
In the world of natural skincare, it’s easy to assume that if something is plant-based or nature-derived, it must be good for you. But not all “natural” ingredients are created equal. Some are outdated, overhyped, or simply too harsh for your delicate skin barrier.
We’re here to make clean beauty simpler, not more confusing. So today, we’re sharing five ingredients you’ll never find in our formulations—and why we chose better alternatives.
1. Glycerin
Let’s start with one of the most common skincare fillers out there: glycerin.
While glycerin can act as a humectant (meaning it draws moisture into the skin), it’s often used in large amounts as a cheap way to bulk up a formula. The result? That overly sticky or tacky feeling you may have experienced after applying some products.
In high concentrations—or when not properly balanced—glycerin can actually disrupt your skin's moisture barrier instead of supporting it. We believe your skin deserves more than a filler. That’s why we opt for botanically-rich ingredients that hydrate and protect, without the stickiness.
2. Honey
Yes, it’s natural. Yes, it’s antibacterial. But honey is an ingredient you’ll never see in our products—for one simple reason:
👉 We’re proudly vegan and cruelty-free.
Honey is an animal byproduct, and we’ve made a conscious decision to exclude all animal-derived ingredients from our range. Our products are powered by plants—pure and simple—so you can glow without compromising your values.
3. Coconut Oil
We love coconuts… just not on your face.
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in many DIY and store-bought “natural” skincare products, but it’s also highly comedogenic, meaning it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts—especially for those with sensitive, acne-prone, or combination skin.
Rather than coat your skin in heavy oils, we focus on lightweight, nourishing plant-based oils that absorb beautifully and support your skin’s natural balance.
4. Alcohol
Often found in toners or “oil-control” products, alcohol gives that fresh, tingly feeling that makes you think your skin is super clean.
But here’s the truth: that tingle is your skin barrier being stripped.
Alcohol-based formulas can lead to dryness, irritation, redness, and premature aging—especially with daily use. At Merindah Botanicals, we’re all about nurturing your skin’s protective layer, not disrupting it. That’s why you’ll never find harsh alcohols in our formulas.
5. Walnut Shell Powder
We believe in gentle exfoliation—not microtears.
Walnut shell powder is often used in scrubs as a “natural exfoliant,” but the truth is, it’s far too rough for the sensitive skin on your face. The jagged edges can create tiny tears in the skin’s surface, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even long-term damage.
Instead, we recommend our Konjac Sponge for a soft, daily exfoliation ritual, or our Sugar Body Scrub for a smooth, invigorating body polish—without the harshness.
Your Skin Deserves Better
We know how overwhelming it can feel trying to decode skincare ingredients.
That’s why we make our promise simple:
✅ No fillers.
✅ No animal byproducts.
✅ No compromises.
Just honest, effective, cruelty-free skincare that fits into your life and leaves your skin feeling calm, nourished, and radiant.
Ready to experience skincare without the fluff?
✨ Explore our Go-To Glow Set—your gentle, 3-step ritual for healthy skin, made with ingredients you can actually trust.