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‘Natural’ and ‘clean’ have become buzzwords in the skin care industry, with countless products claiming to be both. However, the term remains unregulated, and its meaning varies widely, especially among many emerging small-batch skincare brands as well as large commercial brands, ready to capitalize on what they believe is a trend.
In today's beauty industry, it's crucial to scrutinize skincare labels carefully. Many brands employ marketing strategies like 'greenwashing,' presenting their products as 'clean' or 'natural' while including ingredients that may not meet stringent safety standards. Terms such as 'sustainable' are often loosely defined, and potential adverse effects of certain components are minimized, leading to a softened portrayal of ingredient risks.
This trend is prevalent among companies capitalizing on the 'clean beauty' movement, sometimes overlooking the endocrine-disrupting potential of specific substances. For consumers concerned about both skin and overall health, it's essential to investigate ingredients that frequently appear in 'natural' and 'clean' skincare products.
Understanding what constitutes a truly natural skincare product is vital. 'Greenwashed' products not only mislead consumers but can also negatively impact personal health and the environment. A report by ChemForward highlights that one-third of the 318,000 ingredients in beauty and personal care products lack public toxicological profiles, with around 45 chemicals categorized as 'high hazard' commonly used, potentially causing health issues such as hormone disruption and cancer. theguardian.com
By critically evaluating product labels and being aware of misleading marketing practices, consumers can make informed choices that benefit both their well-being and the planet.
WHAT’S in a NAME? Exposing the Deception: Why Labeling Skincare with Harsh Chemicals as 'Natural' is Misleading.
Let’s consider what Gareth Després, co-founder of the School of Natural Skincare says about all things natural. “To me natural means free from harmful, harsh or synthetic chemicals. Natural ingredients work with the body to nourish the skin and help it function better,” he says. “Natural carrier oils, for example, can be used as emollients, but also have other properties, such as antioxidant or barrier repair, whereas the synthetic petroleum-based equivalent would just be an emollient, nothing more, nothing less.” It would also be a petroleum -based ingredient with endocrine disrupting potential.
The issue is that many of the synthetic ingredients found in ‘natural skin care products, act not only as preservatives, stabilisers, and anti-microbials, but also claim to ‘benefit’ to the skin. Harsh chemicals are also used for their emollient, conditioning, moisturizing or barrier support properties, for example.
Now, here’s the dilemma. Admitting that there are skin penetrating benefits means that the synthetic ingredient is being absorbed, and if it is being absorbed, then what are the implications to the overall health of the customer, over time? You cannot have it both ways.
Many manufacturers say that synthetic ingredients, when lab formulated are harmless and they try to make a case for ‘sustainability’ saying that directly sourced biological ingredients are not sustainable. But, a synthetic is a chemical and more often than not, not bio-degradable.
They neglect the sad truth that non-biodegradable synthetics accumulate in our water ways and again, if they are not bio-degradable, what are the long term effects of use on the skin? Additionally, it is truly difficult to appreciate the argument of ‘more sustainable’ when synthetics are produced in heated or air conditioned buildings, powered by electricity and coal while using chemicals to extract or create a synthetic ingredient.
“Truly natural and organic ingredients are all biodegradable,” says Després, [and] so as long as they are cultivated in ways that work with nature, they are also better for the planet. “Organic farming methods support valuable ecosystems without depleting the soil,” he explains. “Subsequently, when these biodegradable ingredients eventually get washed off, they return to the soil and become part of that natural life cycle again.” At Sohma, we agree with Gareth. And that’s the full circle that mother nature loves.
As the body's largest organ and primary filtration system, the skin plays a vital role in overall health. At Sohma Naturals, we are committed to maintaining health by formulating our skincare products with authentically natural and organic ingredients, consciously minimizing the use of synthetic substances.
Our formulations are free from harsh chemicals and endocrine disruptors, ensuring they are low in comedogenicity and suitable for most skin types. We believe that by thoughtfully selecting and ethically sourcing our ingredients, we can support the well-being of both your skin and body.
In the next blog, we will be looking at a commonly used synthetic ingredient in natural and commercial skin care called Phenoxyethanol, followed by Butylene Glycol, another curious synthetic in ‘clean beauty.’ More to come!!
© February 21, 2025 Nella Pidutti