In the world of skincare ingredients, there is one topic that people always seem to be divided on – the effectiveness of natural active ingredients.
In this article, we’ll be giving you an overview of the arguments for and against natural ingredients, so you can decide whether you want to include them in your beauty formulas or not
Arguments for Natural Active Ingredients
Many beauty consumers swear by natural active ingredients, but here are some of the reasons why they are popular.
1. A Holistic Approach
Natural ingredients often contain a larger range of compounds that work together compared to isolated synthetic compounds.
For instance, plant extracts may have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and vitamins working together, which can be beneficial for the skin.
2. You May Observe Less Side Effects
A lot of people think that natural ingredients are less likely to cause reactions compared to synthetic ingredients.
Although this isn’t exactly true (it all depends on the formulation), some people may find that natural ingredients work better with their skin and can be more gentle.
3. Can be More Environmentally Friendly
A lot of beauty consumers care a lot about sustainability, and see natural ingredients as the eco-friendly option.
Cultivating and harvesting plants for skincare products can have a lower environmental impact compared to the energy-intensive processes involved in synthesizing chemicals.
Arguments Against Natural Active Ingredients
Although some people claim that natural ingredients are better, here are some arguments that suggest this may not be completely true.
1. Issues With Standardization and Consistency
Achieving consistency with natural ingredients can be a challenge as it’s impacted by things like climate, soil conditions, and harvesting methods.
In contrast, synthetic ingredients allow for precise control, ensuring uniformity in formulation and efficacy.
2. Limited Shelf Life
Natural ingredients, especially those free from synthetic preservatives, have a shorter shelf life than synthetic products – which is a big issue for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in terms of product stability and longevity.
3. Issues With Allergens and Sensitivity
Just because an ingredient is natural, doesn’t mean that it won’t cause any reactions – you’re just as likely to be allergic to natural ingredients as you are to chemical ingredients.
Things like pollen, essential oils, or plant proteins can all trigger allergic reactions in consumers.
4. Not Effective For All Consumer Needs
In some areas, natural ingredients may not deliver the same level of efficacy as their synthetic ingredients – particularly when it comes to certain skin conditions or medical treatments that need specific treatments.