Updated: February 2026
At Scenturie, our philosophy is simple: high-performance skincare should never come at the cost of our planet’s vital ecosystems. As a proud New Zealand company, we operate with a palm-free-first mandate. This means we prioritise 100% palm-free ingredients—such as our native NZ botanicals and rapeseed-derived waxes—to ensure our formulations reflect our deep respect for global biodiversity.
While palm oil is an industry “pariah” due to the devastation caused by unsustainable production, we believe in total transparency. This guide explores the “ugly truth” of conventional palm oil and how Scenturie is pioneering a more ethical, restorative path for natural beauty in Aotearoa.
The Scenturie Promise
“We are proud to be a palm-oil-free focused brand. We prioritise 100% palm-free ingredients, such as our native NZ botanicals and Brassica alcohols. In the rare instance where a functional derivative is required for product stability, we mandate that it is strictly RSPO-certified sustainable. We never use conventional, unsustainable palm oil.” — Tania Cibulskis, Founder & Formulator
At a Glance: The Scenturie Sourcing Standard
100% Palm-Free Oils: We use zero crude palm oil in our formulations.
100% Palm-Free Glycerine: Unlike most brands, our humectants are derived from alternative plant sources to ensure zero reliance on the palm industry.
Innovative Alternatives: We utilise Brassica alcohol (derived from the cabbage family) as a 100% palm-free structuring agent.
Strict RSPO Oversight: Where a functional derivative is required for stability (such as our olive-derived emulsifiers), we mandate that it is strictly RSPO-certified sustainable.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Our commitment to ethics extends to every living being.
1. Why “Palm-Free First” is the New Standard for NZ Beauty
Most people are unaware that palm oil is hidden in nearly 70% of all beauty products. Derived from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), it is the most land-efficient oil crop in the world. However, its popularity has driven critical environmental and social challenges.
The Environmental Necessity
The unsustainable clearing of rainforests for palm plantations is a primary driver of habitat loss for endangered species and a massive contributor to global carbon emissions. By choosing a palm-free-focused brand like Scenturie, you are directly supporting:
The Protection of Biodiversity: Saving the habitats of the Bornean orangutan and Sumatran tiger.
Climate Resilience: Preventing the burning of carbon-rich peatlands.
Human Rights: Ensuring your beauty ritual is free from the human rights abuses often linked to unregulated plantations.
2. Navigating the “Hidden” Names of Palm Oil
One of the biggest challenges for a conscious consumer is identifying derivatives. Palm oil is rarely listed plainly; it is often hidden within over 200 different chemical names.
Common Palm-Free Heroes in Scenturie Products
We intentionally select ingredients that bypass the palm industry entirely:
Brassica Alcohol: A luxurious, 100% palm-free thickener.
Native NZ Extracts: Harakeke, Kawakawa, and Pōhutukawa (naturally 100% palm-free).
Upcycled Grape Seed Oil: Repurposed from the NZ wine industry.
Palm-Free Glycerine: Sourced from non-palm plant bases for ethical hydration.
Derivatives We Audit for RSPO Sustainability
In the cosmetic industry, some high-performance ingredients require a fatty acid carrier. If you see these on a label, ensure the brand specifies they are RSPO-certified:
Cetearyl Olivate / Sorbitan Olivate: These olive-derived emulsifiers provide incredible biomimicry, mimicking the skin’s surface for deeper absorption. We use only RSPO-certified versions to ensure they never come at the cost of primary rainforests.
3. Navigating Sustainable Solutions: The RSPO Standard
Established in 2004, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) developed a certification system to promote ethical sourcing.
Is a Total Boycott the Best Solution?
Interestingly, many environmental organisations (including the WWF) suggest that a total boycott could inadvertently cause more harm. Because palm oil is so efficient, replacing it with less productive crops (like soy or coconut) would require significantly more land. The objective is to transition the global supply chain toward 100% RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil, ensuring production without deforestation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Palm Oil and Ethical Skincare
What is the difference between conventional and sustainable palm oil?
The primary difference lies in traceability. Conventional palm oil is often linked to unregulated deforestation. In contrast, RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil is produced under strict standards that protect primary forests, preserve wildlife corridors, and ensure fair labour practices.
Is Scenturie skincare 100% palm-oil free?
We prioritise a palm-free-first formulation strategy. We utilise 100% palm-free ingredients like Brassica alcohol and Palm-free Glycerine. Where a functional derivative is required for product stability—such as in our olive-derived emulsifiers—we mandate the use of certified sustainable (RSPO) sources.
How do I identify “hidden” palm oil on ingredient labels?
Look for the “palm” root in words like Palmitate. Other common derivatives include Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Stearic Acid. In New Zealand, generic “Vegetable Oil” labels often refer to palm oil if not otherwise specified.
Conclusion: Becoming a Conscious Consumer
Sustainable skincare is a journey of continuous improvement. By choosing products that are either palm-oil-free or use strictly RSPO-certified sustainable sources, you are sending a powerful message to the industry that ethics and environment must come before profit.
Join the movement toward transparent, ethical beauty.
