Terms such as ‘organic’, ‘natural’, and ‘clean’ can sound enticing — but not all products deliver on their promise. Deciphering the meanings of skincare labels can assist you in making better, wiser decisions. Here’s how to identify truly natural skincare in a few easy steps.
1. Begin with the Ingredients List
The best guarantor of a natural product? Its ingredients.
Search for plant-based, mineral-rich ingredients such as:
- Aloe vera
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Essential oils
If the label is filled with ingredients like parabens, sulphates, phthalates, or artificial perfumes, the product might not be as “natural” as it says it is.
2. Crack Scientific-Sounding Names
Most man-made chemicals have fancy, deceptive names. Here are two to keep an eye out for:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) – a harsh cleansing agent
- Phenoxyethanol – a synthetic preservative
Tip: If an ingredient sounds unfamiliar, do a quick online search — it only takes a minute!
3. Check for Trusted Certifications
Genuine natural skincare products often carry authentic third-party certifications like:
- Ecocert
- USDA Organic
- India Organic
Be cautious of green-colored logos that aren’t tied to any recognized certifying body.
4. Beware of Greenwashing
Greenwashing refers to when companies advertise themselves as green but fail to substantiate it.
Terms such as:
- “Pure”
- “Botanical”
- “Chemical-free”
…can be persuasive, yet used loosely without control. Always double-check with ingredient lists and third-party certifications.
5. Familiarize yourself with the Ingredient Order
Ingredients come in a descending order based on concentration.
So if something features aloe vera but puts it near the bottom — after preservatives or artificial colorants — that active ingredient is likely used only in very small quantities.
6. Be Cautious of Artificial Colour and Fragrances
Genuinely natural products employ plant extracts or essential oils for fragrance and color.
If the ingredient label just reads “Fragrance” or “Perfume” with no other description, it’s probably a mixture of chemical synthetics.
7. Investigate the Brand’s Values
A brand that’s really dedicated to natural skincare will be honest about:
- Ingredient sourcing
- Cruelty-free testing
- Sustainable processes
Have a look on their website or social media to check if they do disclose their values and processes.
8. Check Expiry Dates and Storage Instructions
Natural skincare tends to avoid synthetic preservatives, so it only lasts for a shorter time.
Check for logos such as “6M” or “12M” (indicating months after opening).
Follow the storage guidelines to ensure potency and prevent spoilage.
9. Select Brands that Value Transparency
We remain authentic at heart — pure, hand-made ingredients with no synthetics or toxins. You know what you’re getting in your products because we believe you deserve transparency.
Make Every Choice a Conscious One
Reading labels helps you make informed choices to nourish your skin with ingredients that benefit, not just a pretty box.
When shopping for skincare in the future, keep these reminders in mind. Your skin (and the environment) will appreciate it.
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