Natural, Natural Ingredients, Ingredient of Natural Origin or Chemical?

The terms "natural," "natural ingredients," and "ingredients of natural origin" are often used in marketing, but they have distinct meanings that can vary depending on context, regulations, and industry standards. Here's a breakdown:

1. Natural

• Definition: Refers to substances or products that come directly from nature without significant alteration.

• Key Features:

  • Minimally processed, if at all.

  • Typically does not contain synthetic chemicals or artificial additives.

  • Often associated with raw, unrefined materials like raw honey or untreated mineral salts.

• Regulation: The definition of "natural" is not universally standardized. For example, in the U.S., the FDA does not strictly define "natural" for cosmetics or skincare products, which can lead to ambiguity.

  
  

2. Natural Ingredients

• Definition: Ingredients derived from natural sources like plants, minerals, or animals. They may undergo processing to be used in products, but their natural origin remains recognizable.

• Key Features:

  • Processing is typically limited to methods like extraction, drying, or grinding.

  • Examples: Essential oils, dried herbs, or cold-pressed oils.

• Regulation: Often more transparent, as many certifications (e.g., COSMOS, ECOCERT) require documentation of the ingredient's source and processing.

• 
  

3. Ingredients of Natural Origin

• Definition: Ingredients that are derived from natural sources but have been chemically processed or modified to achieve desired properties.

• Key Features:

  • The ingredient’s source is natural (plants, minerals, etc.), but the final product may no longer resemble the original material.

  • Examples: Coco-glucoside (a surfactant derived from coconut oil and sugar), sodium citrate (processed from citric acid in fruits).

  • Typically expressed as a percentage of natural origin (e.g., "95% of ingredients are of natural origin").

What is Chemistry?

Chemistry is the branch of science that studies matter: its composition, properties, and how it interacts, transforms, and combines with other substances. It explores everything from the atomic and molecular level to larger-scale processes, making it central to understanding the natural world and creating new materials. Chemistry encompasses a wide range of fields, such as organic, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry.

What is a "Chemical"?

A chemical is any substance with a defined molecular composition. This includes everything that exists, whether natural or synthetic, living or non-living. For example:

• Natural chemicals: Water (H₂O), oxygen (O₂), and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).

• Synthetic chemicals: Plastics, synthetic fragrances, and certain pharmaceutical drugs.

  
  

What is a "Chemical" Ingredient?

A chemical ingredient is a substance used in a product, often defined by its molecular structure or functional role. The term "chemical" in this context does not distinguish between:

• Natural chemicals: Derived from nature with minimal modification (e.g., citric acid from citrus fruits).

• Synthetic chemicals: Man-made or highly processed to achieve desired properties (e.g., parabens as preservatives).

  
  

Misconceptions About "Chemicals"

1. All substances are chemicals. Whether it’s water, air, or table salt, everything is made up of chemicals. The idea that "chemicals are bad" often stems from misunderstanding.

2. Synthetic ≠ Harmful. Synthetic chemicals can be safe, just as natural chemicals can be harmful (e.g., cyanide in apple seeds or arsenic in minerals).

3. Natural ≠ Safe. Just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it is non-toxic or risk-free.

Synthetic or natural, is one safer than the other?

The safety of an ingredient—whether synthetic or natural—depends not on its origin but on its chemical composition, concentration, and how it is used. Both synthetic and natural ingredients can be safe or harmful depending on these factors. Here's a breakdown to help understand this better:

Natural Ingredients

• Definition: Substances derived directly from nature with minimal processing, such as plant extracts, minerals, and animal by-products.

• Examples: Aloe vera, coconut oil, honey, and essential oils.

• Pros:

  • Often perceived as gentler and environmentally friendly.

  • Rich in bioactive compounds that can offer multiple benefits (e.g., antioxidants in green tea extract).

  • Biodegradable in many cases.

• Cons:

  • Can trigger allergies or sensitivities (e.g., poison ivy, essential oils).

  • Natural variability can lead to inconsistent performance or potency.

  • Can spoil or degrade faster without synthetic preservatives.

    
    

Synthetic Ingredients

• Definition: Man-made substances created through chemical synthesis, often designed to mimic or enhance natural compounds.

• Examples: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), retinol, parabens.

• Pros:

  • Highly consistent in quality and performance.

  • Often designed to be stable, long-lasting, and effective.

  • Can provide benefits not easily achieved with natural alternatives (e.g., advanced sun protection filters).

• Cons:

  • May be perceived as less "clean" or eco-friendly.

  • Some synthetic compounds can cause irritation or environmental harm if improperly formulated or disposed of.

  • Overuse or misuse in high concentrations can be harmful.

At N.E.W. Skincare, we are dedicated to creating products that prioritize your well-being and the environment. Our formulations feature ingredients that are plant-based, naturally derived, or of natural origin, reflecting our commitment to harnessing the power of nature.

Fragrance Oils: While our fragrance oils are synthetic, they are carefully selected to be free from parabens and phthalates, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable sensory experience.

Surfactants: Both our Facial Cleanser and Body Wash are crafted using surfactants of natural origin. This approach allows us to maintain optimal pH levels for your skin, delivering gentle yet effective cleansing without compromising on quality or sustainability.

With N.E.W. Skincare, you can trust that every product is thoughtfully designed to combine the best of science and nature for healthy, radiant skin.

Polymers and Carbomers: Both our facial serums and toners may contain eco-friendly polymers or synthetic carbomers.