At Winki Zinc, we’re driven by a core set of values: protecting the environment, fostering transparency, and ensuring our products leave the lightest possible footprint. These values go beyond what we put into our products—they define how we operate as a business. That's why we made the conscious decision to go certified palm oil free. Palm oil is in nearly every sunscreen on the market, but its production causes severe damage to ecosystems and wildlife. For us, avoiding it altogether was a natural next step. We care deeply about all environments, and our mission is to challenge the industry to do better.
What is Palm Oil and Why Does It Matter?
Palm oil is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world and half of all packaged products contain it. Palm oil is a staple in many products, from face cream to ice cream, thanks to its versatility and low cost. However, its widespread use comes at a significant environmental cost.
Palm oil plantations are a major driver of deforestation in tropical regions like Indonesia and Malaysia. Vast areas of rainforests, home to endangered species such as orangutans, tigers, and rhinos, are cleared to make way for palm oil production.
Perhaps one of the most damaging effects is its contribution to global warming. Peatland forests, which store vast amounts of carbon, are often drained and converted into palm oil plantations. When these forests are cleared, massive amounts of stored carbon are released into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
At Winki Zinc, we knew that if we wanted to protect these critical ecosystems and stand by our commitment to sustainability, we had to take a firm stance against the use of palm oil.
The Ripple Effect on Our Oceans
The destruction caused by palm oil plantations goes beyond the rainforests. When forests are cleared, the soil becomes destabilised, leading to a toxic runoff that contaminates freshwater systems, affecting our rivers and oceans. This runoff damages marine life and affects coral reefs—ecosystems we are passionate about protecting. As a brand that advocates for beyond reef-safe products, we knew we couldn’t be part of this problem.
By choosing to go palm oil free, we’re reinforcing our commitment to protecting not just land ecosystems, but also our oceans, ensuring that our products don’t contribute to marine pollution.
What about "Sustainable" Palm Oil?
While the term sounds appealing, the reality is much more complicated. Certifications for sustainable palm oil, while well-meaning, don’t fully mitigate the environmental damage caused by its production. Plantations still contribute to deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.
At Winki Zinc, we don’t believe in shortcuts. We go the extra mile to protect ecosystems, which is why we avoid palm oil entirely.
Navigating Palm Oil in Skincare and Food
The ingredient list might not explicitly state "palm oil," but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearic Acid, and Glyceryl Stearate are all derived from palm oil and many more, making it tricky for consumers to avoid. It’s sneaky, and that's why the certification process is so important. We needed a trusted third-party to ensure that nothing palm-derived found its way into our formulas, no matter what alias it was hiding under.
Palm Oil Free Certification: Why It Matters
We sought out certification from the International Palm Oil Free Certification Trademark (POFCAP). POFCAP’s process is thorough and ensures that no palm oil or palm-derived ingredients are used in any of our products. We believe accountability matters, and this certification gives our customers confidence in choosing Winki Zinc.
You can learn more about POFCAP and their work on their website, and we’re proud to display their trademark on our products as a symbol of our commitment.
How POFCAP Helped Us Walk the Talk
POFCAP’s certification process wasn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it was a deep dive into our entire supply chain, ensuring that every ingredient we use aligns with our values of being palm oil free. The process took time and effort, but it was important to us to uphold the integrity of our mission. Now, we can confidently say that we’re 100% palm oil free.
For us, this certification is more than just a label. It’s proof that we’re living up to our values. We believe that businesses should lead by example. Our commitment to creating a product that protects both your skin and the planet is what drives us every day. And as we continue to grow, we’ll keep raising the bar for ethical standards, one Winki Zinc stick or tube at a time.
SHOP OUR PALM OIL FREE PRODUCTS NOW
To make a real difference, we can start by reducing our reliance on products containing palm oil. By choosing palm oil-free alternatives and supporting brands dedicated to more sustainable methods in personal care, cosmetics, food, and household items, we can drive change and encourage innovation.
