Beauty may be skin deep, but the products you use can interact with your skin in ways that go beyond the surface. If you're like the average person, you may use around a dozen different products on your skin each day. The skin can absorb some of what is applied to it, which is why it’s worth being mindful about ingredients in skincare. Just as many people think carefully about what they eat, it also makes sense to consider what goes onto the skin. Chemically formulated cosmetics have been widely used for only a few decades, and some ingredients remain the subject of ongoing safety debates.
So, do you simply shop for natural beauty products?
Consumers are increasingly aware of natural-origin skincare and look for products that feel safer and gentler. Still, it isn’t always easy to identify what is truly “clean” or “natural.” The European Union helps by maintaining a list of over 1,300 banned cosmetic substances, plus many more ingredients recommended for avoidance.
Some conventional brands highlight claims like “paraben-free” or “aluminium-free” to align with natural expectations, but removing a few ingredients doesn’t automatically make a formula natural. Genuine natural formulations focus on higher levels of plant-based ingredients and avoid synthetic additives wherever possible.
Because “natural” is not always strictly defined, labels can be confusing. Some products use the term even when only a small portion of the formula is natural. A helpful approach is to look for transparency in labelling, such as the percentage of natural-origin ingredients. Some experts suggest that products described as natural should contain at least 80% natural ingredients, though even then small amounts of synthetic stabilisers may still be present.
Independent resources like the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database from the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org/skindeep) can be useful for checking ingredient ratings and safety information.
Why are natural beauty products often more expensive?
It’s easy to assume natural skincare is priced for the luxury segment, but there are practical reasons behind higher costs.
Synthetic ingredients are widely used in conventional cosmetics because they are inexpensive, stable, and easy to produce at scale. Achieving similar textures, shelf life, and performance with natural-only ingredients requires more research and care.
For example, vitamin C is valued for its brightening and protective qualities, but it is unstable on its own. Research has shown that combining it with natural compounds like ferulic acid and vitamin E helps stabilise it and extend its effectiveness. Hyaluronic acid, known for its hydrating properties, also needs careful formulation to remain effective without interfering with other ingredients. Developing these solutions requires expertise and often more investment in research.
Raw materials can also be costly. Some natural ingredients are seasonal or require large quantities of raw plant matter. For example, producing rose essential oil requires many kilos of petals for a small yield, which makes it expensive and challenging to source sustainably.
Natural brands also often invest in eco-friendly packaging, such as glass jars or solid formats that reduce plastic use. These choices reduce environmental impact but can increase production costs.
Environmental considerations
Conventional synthetic ingredients, while considered safe in low concentrations, can raise environmental concerns when used at scale and washed off into waterways. Substances like phthalates, triclosan, or plastic microbeads have been linked to issues such as aquatic pollution and resistance in microbes. Choosing natural formulations helps minimise these risks by avoiding environmentally persistent chemicals.
Natural skincare can therefore be both a personal and environmental choice. While no option is perfect, natural and plant-based cosmetics are generally seen as a more sustainable alternative for long-term health of both skin and planet.
Conventional vs. Natural Skincare at a Glance
| Conventional Skincare | Natural Skincare |
|---|---|
| Often relies on synthetic ingredients for stability, texture, and cost efficiency | Uses plant-based or naturally derived ingredients as the main focus |
| Generally easy to produce at industrial scale, consistent in quality | Ingredient quality can vary with season and harvest, requiring more careful sourcing |
| May include preservatives or additives that raise environmental concerns (e.g. microbeads, triclosan) | Aims to avoid environmentally persistent substances, often packaged in eco-friendly formats |
| Widely available, often lower price point | Higher research and sourcing costs, often reflected in price |
