Mukti Takes Centre Stage at The Menopause Summit

Wellbeing

Last weekend in Brisbane, a powerhouse panel of experts came together for The Menopause Summit – a groundbreaking event dedicated to opening up the conversation around perimenopause and menopause.

Among them was our founder, Mukti, who took to the stage to share her deep knowledge on hormonal skin health, endocrine disruptors, and how to care for your skin during life’s most transformative stages.

In a room filled with connection, curiosity, and empowerment, Mukti joined a diverse lineup of thought leaders to help dismantle the stigma around menopause and support women through this pivotal transition with education, empathy, and holistic tools.

What became abundantly clear? Menopause is no longer a taboo topic. Women are talking – and more importantly, supporting each other through it.

Beauty Through the Lens of Hormonal Change

As a pioneer in the clean beauty movement, Mukti has always championed transparency, education, and empowerment. Her session at the summit was a natural extension of this mission – unpacking the impact of hormonal fluctuations on the skin, the dangers of endocrine disruptors, and the importance of choosing non-toxic skincare.

With insights drawn from her book Truth in Beauty and years of experience, Mukti reminded us that what we apply to our skin matters – especially during perimenopause and menopause, when the body becomes more vulnerable to imbalance.

Mukti Organics Founder at the Menopause Summit Brisbane

How Menopause Affects The Skin

Mukti highlighted that perimenopause can begin as early as 35, often without women realising. As oestrogen and other hormone levels decline, the skin undergoes noticeable changes that require a more considered, nourishing approach.

Key skin changes during this time include:

Slower cell turnover (42–84 days), leading to dullness and uneven texture
Dryness from barrier impairment
Increased sensitivity and unexpected rosacea
Larger pores, spider veins, and pigmentation
Fine lines that deepen into expression wrinkles
Vaginal dryness and changes in libido

The takeaway? Your skincare routine should evolve too. Focus on hydration, barrier repair, and collagen stimulation – and above all, avoid harsh ingredients and hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Mukti’s Skin Support Tips For This Life Stage:

Hydrate internally and externally – supplement with essential fatty acids like omega-3s
Use fewer, more targeted skincare products
Support natural testosterone levels
Avoid overuse of exfoliants and strong actives
Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented formulas
Prioritise products that protect and reinforce the skin barrier
Avoid endocrine disruptors at all costs

The Hidden Threat: Endocrine Disruptors in Everyday Products

A key focus of Mukti’s presentation was raising awareness about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – commonly found in skincare, makeup, fragrances, and personal care products. These invisible ingredients mimic or block hormones and accumulate over time, potentially disrupting the body’s delicate hormonal balance.

Even low-dose exposure, repeated daily, can have long-term effects on fertility, thyroid health, and skin function.

Top ingredients to avoid:

PHTHALATES: Often hidden in fragrances, perfumes, shower gels, and nail polish – watch out for ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ on labels.
PARABENS: Preservatives found in moisturisers, shampoos, and makeup. (e.g., methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)
TRICLOSAN: An antimicrobial agent, is commonly found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, and body washes.
UV FILTERS: Such as benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone) and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are frequently used in sunscreens and SPF products.
CYCLOMETHICONE & DIMETHICONE: May trap bacteria and disrupt hormones.
TOLUENE: A known carcinogen found in nail polish.
BISPHENOL A (BPA) & ALKYLPHENOLS: Disrupt oestrogen receptors.
PFAS (‘forever chemicals’): Interfere with hormone function.

Truth in Beauty Book - Physical Copy - Mukti Organics

How to reduce your toxic load:

Start small – pick a room in your house to start making the switch
Read labels and opt for certified organic and natural alternatives
Be wary of synthetic fragrances that hide dozens of unlisted chemicals, and opt for fragrance-free products

The Fragrance Trap

Mukti also addressed the pervasive use of synthetic fragrances in cosmetics and personal care products. These fragrances can contain hundreds of potentially toxic chemicals that may trigger headaches, respiratory issues, or even long-term health problems like infertility and neurological disorders. A typical perfume label only shows a fraction of the real ingredients:

Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B)
Parfum (Fragrance) – which can hide hundreds of chemicals
Water (Aqua)
Limonene, Linalool, Coumarin, Citral – only because they are allergens required to be disclosed in the EU

A full INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) list for a commercial perfume contains more than just fragrance oils which are not essential oils and are generally synthetic – it includes solvents, preservatives, stabilisers, and fixatives that are not disclosed on the label or on any packaging.

Inside the Actual INCI:

Aqua (Water), Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Parfum (Fragrance), Diethyl Phthalate, Benzophenone-3, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial), Limonene, Linalool, Coumarin, Eugenol, Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Isoeugenol, Amyl Cinnamal, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Citral, Farnesol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), Toluene, Styrene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Triclosan, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-15, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin.

Instead, opt for truly natural fragrances or essential oils, always used in moderation and properly diluted.

Knowledge is Power

At Mukti Organics, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in the journey toward holistic health and beauty. Whether it’s through award-winning skincare, our foundational guide Truth in Beauty, or events like The Menopause Summit, we’re here to support you with science-backed knowledge and conscious choices.

Together, we can redefine ageing – not as decline, but as transformation.

For more insights into The Menopause Summit, visit their website here: https://www.themenopausesummit.com.au/

To purchase a copy of Truth in Beauty, visit our page here: https://www.muktiorganics.com/products/truth-in-beauty-book