Conscious Values: Where Science Meets Ethics
At Scenturie, our “Science-Led, Nature-Inspired” philosophy is a commitment that extends beyond the laboratory. We believe high-performance skincare should never come at the cost of the planet or its inhabitants. Every decision we make is measured against our three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purity.
Pillar 1: For the Planet
Sustainability & Ethical Practice
Sustainability isn’t a trend at Scenturie; it is our primary design constraint. We are deeply inspired by the pristine landscapes of Aotearoa and feel a profound responsibility to protect them.
1) Biodiversity & Ecosystem Protection
We recognise our profound responsibility to protect the world’s delicate ecosystems. This commitment guides every choice we make, ensuring our growth never comes at the cost of global biodiversity.
The IUCN Red List Standard: Every botanical in our range is meticulously researched against the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species to ensure we only use abundant, renewable sources.
A key example is our choice to use Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil, a sustainable by-product of the lumber industry, rather than essential oil from the endangered Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), which suffers from overharvesting and habitat loss.
2) Innovation Through Upcycling
To minimise agricultural waste, we prioritise ‘circular beauty’ by integrating high-performance upcycled ingredients into our formulas. A key example is our antioxidant-rich Grape Seed Oil, cold-pressed from seeds leftover from the port wine industry. By transforming this nutrient-dense byproduct into luxury skincare, we reduce environmental load while delivering potent polyphenols and fatty acids directly to your skin.
3) Free from Unsustainable Palm Oil
At Scenturie, sustainability is our primary design constraint, not a trend. We are strictly free from unsustainable Palm Oil, ensuring our formulations do not contribute to the deforestation or habitat loss that threatens global ecosystems.
The “ugly truth” of the industry is that unsustainable production drives mass destruction of biodiverse forests, contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, and is linked to severe human rights abuses. We refuse to let our products be part of this cycle. By ensuring we are free from unsustainable palm oil, we protect the habitats of endangered species and support the integrity of the world’s most delicate ecosystems. We prioritise long-term ecological responsibility over the short-term convenience of unregulated sourcing.
4) Sustainable Packaging
Our products are housed in reusable and infinitely recyclable amber glass bottles and jars with aluminum lids to protect botanical potency and eliminate plastic waste. To close the loop, we offer a Return-and-Reward program. Customers can return their clean ’empties’ via post or to our official Auckland drop-off point at Howick House Pharmacy to earn Eco-Points, transforming potential waste into a tangible local solution. Learn more about The Scenturie Loop HERE.
5) Minimising Waste
We take a minimalist approach to packaging by eliminating unnecessary external product boxes, which saves thousands of trees and reduces shipping volume. All orders are dispatched from our Auckland studio in plastic-free, compostable or paper courier bags sealed with paper tape to ensure our postal materials can safely return to the earth.
Pillar 2: For the People & Animals
Social Responsibility & Community
Ethical sourcing and community resilience are the cornerstones of our brand. We foster positive social impact from the communities that grow our ingredients to our neighbours here in Auckland.
1) Empowering Global Communities via Fair Trade
We source organic Shea Butter from local suppliers who purchase from a Ghanaian women’s collective supporting over 1,000 families, and organic Argan Oil from Moroccan partners dedicated to sustainable development.
2) Championing Animal Welfare
Scenturie is 100% vegan and strictly cruelty-free. We never use animal-derived ingredients—such as tallow, beeswax, honey, or lanolin—and we never test on animals.
Beyond formulation, we are proud supporters of the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS), and we feature in their cruelty-free guide, advocating for an end to animal testing nationwide. This unwavering standard was recognised with the 2023 Cruelty-Free NZ Award. When you choose Scenturie, you’re supporting a brand that puts compassion at the heart of skin health, ensuring your pro-ageing routine aligns with your values.
3) Community-Led Circularity
At Scenturie, we prioritise a “Local-First” philosophy. As a New Zealand-owned and operated brand, I meticulously source raw ingredients, design services, and packaging from New Zealand-based companies to support our local economy.
To close the loop on waste, I’ve established a unique circular economy programme called:The Scenturie Loop. Customers can return their clean “empties” to me via post or at the official drop-off point at Howick House Pharmacy in East Auckland to earn Eco-Points. This initiative transforms potential waste into a tangible local solution, ensuring our packaging stays out of landfills and remains within a sustainable cycle.
Pillar 3: For Your Skin
Uncompromising Purity & Potency
Our commitment to ethical sourcing leads us to the most powerful and pure ingredients nature has to offer—pairing Aotearoa’s native heroes with world-renowned scientific botanicals.
1) Intentional Small-Batch Manufacturing
By handcrafting our range in small batches in our Auckland studio, we maintain precise control over inventory and resources, ensuring maximum botanical potency and zero overstock waste.
2) Aotearoa’s Potent Natives
We use sustainably harvested botanicals revered in Rongoā Māori, including ultra-hydrating Harakeke, calming Kawakawa, antioxidant-rich Pohutukawa Bark, cleansing Kumerahou, and purifying Kānuka and Mānuka.
3) Clinical Botanicals
We pair these natives with clinically-proven botanicals like Bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative) and Cacay Seed Oil to ensure clinical efficacy.
4) The “No” List
Our products are free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, and synthetic fragrances.
Your Questions on Conscious Skincare, Answered
What is the difference between “natural” and “sustainable”? “Natural” refers to an ingredient’s origin. “Sustainable” refers to its entire lifecycle—how it’s grown and processed in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. We prioritise ingredients that are both.
What are upcycled ingredients? They are high-quality materials created from the nutrient-rich byproducts of another industry, like grape seeds from wine production. It is an innovative way to reduce waste while creating high-performance skincare.
How do you verify your suppliers are ethical? We partner with suppliers who provide certifications like Fair Trade or who can demonstrate a clear, transparent commitment to community development and fair labour practices.
Are your ingredients locally sourced? Whenever possible, we celebrate the botanical riches of New Zealand. We take pride in using native extracts like Harakeke, Kanuka oil, Manuka oil, and Pohutukawa bark, which allows us to support local ecosystems and reduce our carbon footprint.
Is your shipping packaging plastic-free? Yes! We believe the packaging experience should be as kind to the earth as the products inside. We use plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable materials to ensure your order arrives safely without unnecessary waste.
