Skin Care Labelling: Difference Between ‘Natural’, ‘Organic’, and ‘Clean’
Find out whether your skin care brands and products are accountable and transparent to you and your skin.
Are You ‘Greenwashed’ by Your Skin Care?
As consumers, we often rely on labels to gauge whether a product is a “good” product. Buzzwords like “natural,” “organic,” and “clean” have a powerful decision-making impact on consumers — especially when its value is associated with a price markup.
If you find yourself gravitating towards products with the “green” label, you’re not the only one! It is no hidden fact that we want the best for our skin since it’s the largest organ on our body.
Despite the lack of regulation for these buzzword terms, not all brands are out there to deceive us. However, the interpretation and genuineness of those “green” and healthy-sounding words are the concern. This is where marketers try to trap us by ‘greenwashing’ products.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘greenwashing,’ here’s a quick definition from the Environmental Health Perspect Journal:
“The term for ads and labels that promise more environmental benefit than they deliver is ‘greenwashing.’”
In the skin care, cosmetic, and personal care industry, ‘greenwashing’ is where brands use imagery and words on labels that claim their products are environmentally friendly, organic, natural, clean, sustainable, and chemical-free.
It is a far too common sales tactic marketers play on the consumer’s growing need for eco-friendly alternatives and, most importantly, to tap into our wallets.
Fun fact: Not all skin and beauty products can claim to be 100% natural. Ultimately, ingredients found in nature require preservatives and stabilization to avoid mould, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. This is to ensure safe usage and storage.
After you read this article, we hope you learn:
- The difference between “natural,” “organic,” and “clean”
- How to check skin care labels
- Where to find credible information for skin care products
- Understand what really is best for your skin and wallet
Skin Care Vocabulary 101 — Natural, Organic, and Clean
What is ‘Natural’ Skin Care?
When you think of the term “natural,” you might envision plants, oils, fruits, seeds, nuts, and foods produced from Mother Nature bottled up. However, there is a catch.
Ingredients used in skin care products are defined under three categories, naturally occurring, naturally derived, or nature-identical.
- Naturally occurring ingredients are found in nature, extracted without chemical processing; like honey
- Naturally derived or plant-derived ingredients undergo physical or chemical processing that enhances or alters the starting material state, such as cold-pressed, distilled oils and butters.
- Nature-identical ingredients are reproduced in the lab as the natural state requires harsh chemicals for extraction, but it exists in nature.
It is common for customers not to know the technicalities because let’s face it, we all expect natural = from nature.
Remember when we mentioned earlier, there’s a lack of regulation when labelling products — the biggest red flag of a brand ‘greenwashing’ over using the term ‘natural’ as it is an unregulated term.
Yes, you heard that right.
Skin care brands can use the label ‘natural’ if their products contain 50–70 % natural ingredients (we wish it were a higher requirement). Natural skin care products are often sold as ‘plant-based or ‘mineral-based without synthetics and parabens. However, it’s a general scope. It doesn’t imply that a “natural” product is organic, vegan, cruelty-free, toxin-free, or that it’s any better than a product labelled without “natural.”
It all depends on how you interpret regulations and the meaning of those words. We all interpret our criteria for “natural” differently, and for some, natural ingredients may refer to their purest, original form or be processed minimally without chemicals.
What is ‘Organic’ Skin Care?
Organic refers to ingredients grown under farming practices without GMOs, pesticides, and herbicides, while products have to follow specific formulation or labelling standards. Any product sold in the United States or imported bearing the “organic” label must qualify and follow strict regulations by FDA and USDA.
Oddly enough, compared to food products and cosmetics, organic skincare products are less regulated under the FDA’s Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.
In fact, there are different organic terms on labels that may trick you into buying the product.
For example, “made with organic ingredients” can appear on product labels with only 70% certified organic ingredients. This is why looking for the USDA Organic label will ensure you found an organic product because it requires products to contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients in the formulation.
95% down to 75% — that’s a huge difference!
Bear in mind; skin care can be organic but not vegan or cruelty-free. So, always read the label!
What Does “Clean” Skin Care Mean?
“Clean” or “safe” skin care is expected to be free from chemicals and toxins such as sulphates, silicones, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colouring.
As with the word “natural,” “clean” is not regulated either. Yet, “clean” holds more credibility since consumers can identify ingredients while manufacturers must list potential irritants and allergens. On the other hand, claiming chemical-free can be false because water is a chemical too.
So, don’t believe everything on the label.
How to Authenticate Skin Care
The internet is a powerful tool that helps us find information instantly. So grab your smartphone and see if your products are qualified.
Check for certifications
Certified logos found on the product packaging often indicate the product was tested and meets their standards. For Organic certification: USDA certified organic and Ecocert.
- For Clean standards: Sephora, Target, Credo Clean Standard have created clean, in-house initiatives with formulation and ingredients standards
Check the ingredient list; specifically, the first 5–6 ingredients
Ingredients are listed based on the greatest amounts used, descending to the least used amounts. The first five to six ingredients will determine the bulk of the product, so pay attention to any fillers, fragrances, and colours.
- If you are unsure about which ingredients to avoid, do a quick online search on toxic ingredients in beauty products or look into scientific ingredients.
- Europe has an extensive ban on over 1000 beauty ingredients, whereas the USA only has 11. If you want even more details, the EU’s regulations are a great source.
Take your time, do more research!
If you’re hesitant to rely on labels, you can access information on apps dedicated to uncovering ingredients using Skin Deep and Think Dirty.
- Look for complete ingredient lists — many lists do not include everything that went into the production process, including additional toxic, harmful and inorganic ingredients. You may have to dig deeper into lab reports if you are still unsure.
- To find lab reports or scientific research, search the ingredient + “science.” If the article is restricted, try using your local library’s digital portals to access the journal.
Now You Know the Truth
Skin care products that claim to be “natural,” “organic,” and “clean” need more investigation. As much as we want to nourish our skin, we need to evaluate the brand’s integrity in addition to its label, packaging and certification.
We often tend to buy into brand experiences, like visuals, advertising and reviews, which can overshadow the truth behind ingredients and formulation.
At The Fresh Skin Edition, we are raising awareness and increasing transparency surrounding ingredient and skin care research.
Find easy to understand ingredient breakdowns, skin care routines and beauty news on cruelty-free, sustainable and ethical brands and products.
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