Ecominim stands as a trailblazing Malaysian brand reshaping the home care landscape through eco-conscious, skin-safe cleaning solutions. Founded by Tan Yet Mee in response to her own battle with chemical-induced skin sensitivities, the brand champions a powerful “less is more” philosophy. This ethos informs every stage of product development—where only essential, plant-based, and biodegradable ingredients make the cut. Notably, all formulas are completely free from harmful agents such as SLES/SLS, parabens, phthalates, phosphates, and formaldehyde.
What truly sets Ecominim apart is its unwavering commitment to radical transparency. Every single ingredient is clearly listed. Each product is rigorously tested, certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, and validated by SIRIM for both performance and sustainability. The product line spans across laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, surface and bathroom cleaners, handwashes, and sanitisers—each designed to deliver powerful cleaning without compromising human or environmental safety. They’re gentle enough for babies and pets, yet safe for aquatic ecosystems.
Beyond formulation, Ecominim reinforces its sustainability promise through thoughtful packaging—offering BPA-free bottles and biodegradable refill pouches. In doing so, the brand not only ensures efficacy but also promotes environmental integrity. Every purchase encourages Malaysians to adopt a cleaner, greener lifestyle—one mindful choice, one “miniME” at a time.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Tan Yet Mee—Founder of Ecominim—delves into the inspiration that sparked her entrepreneurial journey. She outlines the superior efficacy of her toxin-free, cruelty-free, and biodegradable products, discusses responsible sourcing practices, and reveals exciting new launches on the horizon. Most importantly, she articulates a bold vision for scaling Ecominim’s impact globally.
Here are the key takeaways from her compelling dialogue.
Q: What inspired you to start Ecominim, and how did your personal journey influence the brand’s commitment to toxin-free and sustainable home care?
A: We launched Ecominim with a clear purpose: to build a home care brand that goes beyond sustainability. We wanted to create products that are not only eco-friendly but also gentle and safe for people with skin sensitivities. Through personal experience and extensive observation, we realized that many individuals suffer from skin issues—often triggered by harsh, chemical-laden detergents.
As someone who lives with skin sensitivities myself, I’m deeply committed to using only safe, non-irritating ingredients. That commitment is the foundation of Ecominim.
Our customers include a growing number of people who experience itching, irritation, or “dishpan hands” after washing dishes. Even those with conditions like dystrophic eczema trust our formulations. They can use our products with confidence—knowing that safety, gentleness, and effectiveness are at the heart of everything we make.
Q: Many eco-friendly home care products compromise on performance. How do Ecominim products maintain cleaning efficacy while remaining free of harmful chemicals like SLS, SLES, and parabens?
A: We spent eight years conducting extensive research before launching Ecominim. Our goal was clear: to develop a formulation that strikes the perfect balance between safe ingredients and high cleaning efficacy.
Ease of use and superior performance have always been non-negotiable for us. We don’t just compare our products with others in the market—we go further. We rigorously test them through in-house cleaning trials to ensure they meet our exacting standards.
Moreover, we validate our claims through third-party testing. We submit our products to SIRIM, Malaysia’s leading certification body, for independent performance assessment. This multilayered approach ensures our products deliver what they promise—safe, effective cleaning you can trust.
Q: How do you ensure your ingredients and production methods remain cruelty-free, biodegradable, and responsibly sourced?
A: We begin with the most critical step: ingredient selection. We approach this process with absolute precision and care. Our team has reviewed thousands of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), meticulously filtering out any substances that fail to meet our stringent standards. We exclude ingredients that are not biodegradable, that may cause skin sensitivities, or that pose toxicity risks to aquatic life.
Today, the majority of our ingredients are HALAL and food-grade—including even our preservatives. Our surfactants are certified organic and vegan. We intentionally keep our formulations simple, focusing only on what’s essential and effective.
We never test on animals. Instead, we opt for the safest, most ethical testing methods available—ensuring zero harm to people and the planet. Our commitment to safety, sustainability, and transparency remains unwavering.
Our products have successfully passed rigorous testing by SIRIM (Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia), including Ecocert evaluations. We’re also proud to carry the MyHijau Mark—Malaysia’s official green certification endorsed by the government.
Q: Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming product innovations or categories Ecominim is planning to venture into?
A: We are now integrating natural extracts into our formulations to elevate both cleaning performance and user comfort. These enhancements not only boost efficacy but also make the washing experience noticeably gentler and more enjoyable.
Q: Where do you envision Ecominim five years from now in terms of product range, customer base, and global footprint?
A: Over the next five years, we aim to make our products accessible to people across many more countries. With one in three individuals experiencing sensitive skin, the need for safer, skin-friendly cleaning solutions is urgent. We aspire to play a much larger role in preventing irritation and easing the discomfort faced by millions worldwide.
More broadly, we envision a shift in how people approach cleaning—one that prioritizes both human health and environmental well-being. Our mission is to drive that change, inspiring a new standard of care for the skin and the planet.
