Understanding the Differences: 100% Natural, Natural, and Not Natural Skincare Products - by Eya Konstantin.
With so many skincare brands claiming to be "natural," it’s essential to understand what these labels truly mean. Not all “natural” products are created equally, and some contain hidden synthetic ingredients that can be misleading.
100% Natural Skincare Products
- These products are made entirely from naturally derived ingredients, meaning every component comes from plants, minerals, or other natural sources without any chemical alterations.
Characteristics of 100% Natural Products:
- Texture: Feels soft but raw, often with a harder texture that melts when rubbed into the skin.
- Color & Appearance: May vary slightly due to natural ingredients
- Scent: Often mild, herbal, earthy, or oil-based with no artificial fragrance.
- Composition: No artificial preservatives, fragrances, or synthetic additives.
- No artificial preservatives, fragrances, or synthetic additives
- No lab-made chemicals – only ingredients found in nature
- Cold-pressed, steam-distilled, or naturally processed oils and extracts
- Safer for sensitive skin since they lack harsh chemicals
Why Choose 100% Natural?
- Gentle on the skin and suitable for all skin types
- Free from toxins that can disrupt hormones or cause allergies
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
- Allows the skin to function naturally without synthetic interference
2. " Natural" Skincare Products ( not Always 100% Natural ! )
Many brands label their products as "natural," but this term is not strictly regulated. Some products contain a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients, meaning they might include:
How to Spot These Products?
- Texture: Feels smoother and more uniform than raw natural products.
- Color & Appearance: May look more refined but still slightly variable.
- Scent: May contain both natural and synthetic fragrances.
- Naturally derived ingredients that have been chemically processed
- Preservatives and emulsifiers to extend shelf life
- Synthetic fragrances or stabilizers to improve texture and scent
Be cautious! Always check ingredient lists. Some brands use only a small percentage of natural ingredients while still marketing themselves as “natural.”
3. Not Natural ( Misleading " Natural " Claims )
Products that claim to be “natural” but contain synthetic or harmful ingredients fall into this category. These include:
How to Recognize Synthetic Skincare?
- Texture: Very white, smooth, and uniform, similar to yogurt. Often has a silky or slippery feel due to artificial emollients.
- Color & Appearance: Bright white, perfectly consistent, and artificially appealing.
- Scent: Strong, often sweet, floral, or fruity due to synthetic fragrances.
Common Synthetic Ingredients to Avoid:
- Petroleum-based ingredients (e.g., mineral oil, paraffin)
- Artificial preservatives (e.g., parabens, phenoxyethanol)
- Synthetic fragrances and colors (e.g., parfum, FD&C dyes)
- Silicones and sulfates (e.g., dimethicone, SLS, SLES)
These chemicals can cause irritation, disrupt hormones, clog pores, or lead to long-term skin issues. Many of them are also harmful to the environment.
Why You Should Choose 100% Natural Skincare?
Free from harmful chemicals and toxins
Safer for sensitive skin and long-term use
Helps your skin function naturally without artificial interference
Better for the environment and cruelty-free
Tip: Always read ingredient labels! If you can’t recognize or pronounce an ingredient, it’s likely not natural.
By choosing 100% natural skincare, you ensure that your skin receives only the purest and most beneficial ingredients without the risks associated with synthetic additives.