The Problem with "Natural"

nat·u·ral /ˈnaCH(ə)rəl/: existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind.

Sounds simple enough… until you start applying it to skincare.

If you look up “natural” in the dictionary, you’ll find many definitions. In cosmetics, here's the plot twist: “natural” is not a formally regulated term in the U.S. beauty industry. There’s no universal standard, no official checklist, no single definition everyone follows, and no skincare ref handing out penalties.

So what does “natural” mean when it’s printed on a label? Honestly… it depends. On the brand, their values, and sometimes how generous their marketing department is feeling that day.

The Problem with "Natural"

Many brands proudly claim to be all-natural, chemical-free, or synthetic-free. Those phrases sound reassuring and comforting, and that's exactly why they're used. Shopping is emotional. Marketing over substance, I guess.

First things first: everything is made of chemicals. You. Me. Water. Air. A rose. A rock. “Chemical” isn’t a dirty word. It’s just chemistry doing what chemistry does. The fear around chemicals is largely a branding success story, not a scientific one. Looking at you “clean beauty."

Here's the part people don't always love to hear: natural does not automatically mean safer or better. “The dose makes the poison” isn't just a clever phrase, it's reality. It's why we have toxicologists. Even water can be dangerous in excess. The same is true for plenty of natural ingredients.

Essential oils are a perfect example. They’re often marketed as gentle and safer because they came from the earth and while there is some merit in that, they’re actually highly concentrated compounds that require careful formulation. Misused essential oils can cause irritation, sensitization, and other nasty reactions. And no, they should never be ingested. Despite what the internet (and certain MLMs) might suggest, there is no miracle oil that cures cancer, boosts immunity overnight, or replaces medical treatment. Just because we want something to be true, doesn't mean that it is.

Where Science Earns Its Place

Lab-created ingredients and synthetics love to be cast as the villains, but in reality, they're doing a lot of the heavy lifting in modern formulation. In many cases, synthetics actually:

• use fewer natural resources
• offer better stability and consistency
• reduce environmental strain
• avoid unnecessary animal exploitation

Not exactly the evil masterminds they're made out to be.

Take hyaluronic acid, for example. It exists naturally in our bodies, but for cosmetic use it was once derived from animals. Today it’s synthesized in labs, more ethical, more sustainable, and just as effective.

And yes of course, there are dangerous synthetics out there. Just like there are dangerous natural compounds. Cyanide is natural and flows freely off the tongue, yet is wildly toxic. Niacinamide sounds intimidating if you've never heard of it before, but it’s simply vitamin B3 and is awesome for your skin. Turns out, ingredient names aren’t a reliable safety test.

Let's Talk Fragrance

Fragrance might be one of the most hotly debated topics in skincare, and opinions run strong. Some believe fragrance has absolutely no place in skincare. Personally? I enjoy fragrance, when it’s used thoughtfully, responsibly, and without trying to knock you out.

Years ago, I stuck to exclusively essential oils for scent. Then I learned more, and my perspective evolved (wild concept, I know, changing your mind when new information shows up). The reality is some scents simply don’t exist as essential oils, like many fruits, berries, and gourmand notes. Others technically do exist but require an obscene amount of plant matter (and natural resources) to produce, making them expensive and unsustainable. Rose absolute is a great example. It can cost well over $100 for just 5 mL and takes over ten thousand pounds of rose petals to produce a single pound of oil. Romantic? Sure. Practical? Not at all.

Fragrance oils make creativity, accessibility, and sustainability possible, and reputable formulators always use them within established safety guidelines. I personally formulate well below maximum dermal limits and keep scents intentionally subtle. If you can smell me from across the room, something has gone wrong.

Most modern fragrance oils these days are phthalate-free, and some are even USDA-certified organic and derived from plant, fruit, or vegetable sources. As always, transparency matters more than fear based buzz words.

Experience Matters Too

Let's be real. Some raw ingredients smell... not great. One of the emulsifiers I use has a naturally fishy scent. Incredible performance. Zero beachy vibes. If a product smells funky, even if it performs well, you wouldn't be racing to buy it again.

Scent is part of the experience, whether we admit it or not. In fact, consumer surveys consistently show that fragrance is one of the biggest drivers of purchasing decisions, especially when it comes to personal care and beauty. It can feel comforting, grounding, or uplifting. When done well, fragrance doesn't just make a product work, it makes you actually want to use it.

The Takeaway

“Natural” isn’t a guarantee of safety, quality, or effectiveness. It's just a word. Science and nature aren’t enemies. They're far more powerful when they work together.

I'm not here to sell buzzwords or scare you into a purchase. I'm here to make thoughtfully formulated products and be honest about what goes in them. Ask questions. Stay curious. Be skeptical of absolutes. And don't let greenwashing or fear based marketing do your thinking for you.

Nature and science can, and absolutely should, coexist.