Gentle on the skin as they are on the environment
Tan Yet Mee, founder of Maypreen, didn’t set out to revolutionise the detergent industry. But her journey—from sourcing specialist to entrepreneur—has led her to create a brand that challenges conventional norms and prioritises sustainability, safety, and wellness. Maypreen’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to creating the EcoMINIM line of products that are as gentle on the skin as they are on the environment.
From Buyer to Business Owner, the Genesis of Maypreen
Tan’s career began in sourcing, where she honed her skills as a buyer. However, the entrepreneurial spirit always burned within her. “I always thought I would do my own business,” she recalled. Her first venture, Gifeart Marketing Sdn Bhd, a trading company, laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Maypreen.
A pivotal moment came when she collaborated with SC Johnson to create an after-laundry care product. “We started a factory from scratch, manufacturing exclusively for them for almost 13 years,” Tan shared. This partnership was a crash course in managing a factory, passing global audits, and understanding the importance of sustainability. “SC Johnson was already very environmentally responsible at the time.
They were concerned about the ingredients we used, their safety, and their environmental impact. That shaped us.” But Tan did not want to put all her eggs in one basket. With a stable production facility in place, she began exploring other opportunities. “I didn’t want to create just another detergent. I wanted something meaningful.”
The Green Revolution, a Journey of Discovery
In 2010, as the world began buzzing about sustainability, Tan saw an opportunity. “Green was the new buzzword,” she recalled. “We started looking at green products—what could we do that was different?” This exploration led to an eight-year research, experimentation, and innovation journey.
The process was far from easy. “We had to call suppliers, asking, ‘Do you have this? Do you have that?’” said Tan. “We were searching for ingredients that met our benchmarks.” But the real turning point came when Tan experienced a severe allergic reaction. “My whole body was covered in rashes. It was a major life-changing moment.”
This personal crisis forced her to reevaluate her lifestyle and her approach to product development. “I became Tester101,” she joked. “I had to learn chemistry 101. What’s an anionic surfactant? How do formulations work? I wasn’t a chemist, but I had to convey my vision to my team.”
Breaking the Mold, Formulating for Sensitivity
Traditional detergents rely on harsh ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Lauryl Ester Sulfate (SLES), a common surfactant known for its cleaning power but also for causing skin irritation, more so for persons with sensitive skin.
We do not use SLS or SLES. It’s a pollutant and a major cause of skin sensitivity.
Tan Yet Mee, Founder, EcoMINIM line of products
Replacing these ingredients was no small feat. “Many formulations in the market use the same base. We had to start from scratch, testing new ingredients, experimenting until we found something that worked,” she explained.
The result was a line of products that use plant-based surfactants, food-grade ingredients, and IFRA-certified perfumes free from parabens and skin irritants.
“Our products are safe for everyone, but they’re especially designed for people with sensitive skin,” said Tan. “We want to improve lives, not just clean clothes.”
Challenges and Triumphs, Building a Niche Brand
Launching ecoMINIM was not without its hurdles. The detergent industry is largely unregulated, with many brands greenwashing their products. “Many brands say that they are ‘gentle on skin,’ but won’t claim ‘safe for sensitive skin,’” Tan noted.
“We’re different. We’re transparent about our ingredients and their benefits.”
But we also recently saw a lot of awareness in other new green brands that use plant-based surfactants, which is somewhat similar to us now. We would like to think that we, in some small way, created that awareness. However, we would caution consumers to learn about the ingredients, to ensure it is really safe. Names of ingredients can be deceptive, the formulation is important. Just because it is used in cosmetics does not mean it is safe for sensitive skin in the long run.
Despite the challenges, Maypreen has found its footing. The EcoMINIM brand is now available online through platforms like Shopee and Lazada and in retailers such as Village Grocer, B.I.G, and Qra. “It took persistence,” Tan admitted. “But retailers are starting to see the value in what we offer.”
A Vision for the Future, Wellness and Sustainability
Looking ahead, Tan envisions Maypreen as more than just a detergent brand. “We want to be a brand that improves lives,” she says. “We’re moving towards wellness, creating inclusive and beneficial products for everyone.”
This vision extends beyond consumers to businesses. “We’re encouraging companies and SMEs to use our hand and dishwasher detergents,” Tan explains. “Workers in these industries often suffer from hand allergies due to constant exposure to harsh chemicals. Our products can help.”
Tan also advocates for greater transparency in the cleaning industry. “I’d like to see full ingredient declarations on all products,” she says. “Consumers deserve to know what they’re using.”
A Legacy of Care
For Tan, Maypreen is more than a business—it’s a mission. “We’re a small company, but we would like to make a meaningful impact,” she said. “We’re proving you can create effective, safe, sustainable products without compromising quality.”
As Maypreen grows, Tan remains committed to her core philosophy of no SLS or SLES, no harsh chemicals, no compromises. “We’re here to make a difference and we’re just getting started.”
