There's no general answer as to whether natural or chemical skincare is better, as both can offer benefits and drawbacks, and the best option depends on skin type and individual needs. Some natural ingredients may be beneficial, while others can cause irritation or allergies, and the same is true for synthetic ingredients.
Natural skin care is
derived from ingredients that are found naturally in nature. On the other hand, synthetic or medical-grade skincare is artificial or changed.Natural skin care sounds wonderful to many consumers because many of us have negative beliefs surrounding the terms medical or synthetic. The truth is that ingredients can be ineffective or harmful if they are natural or synthetic. It really depends on the ingredient in question. Often, synthetic ingredients are created to mimic natural ingredients; they have only been modified to be more effective.
For example, some natural ingredients may have a molecular size that is too large to penetrate and act on the skin. Or they may be too unstable to remain effective once formulated in a skin care product. When you apply skin care products, their ingredients gradually enter the bloodstream and affect body processes. Natural skin care products use beneficial and gentle ingredients, which minimizes possible adverse effects.
By choosing natural skin care products, you reduce the risk of negative health impacts, leading to healthier, more radiant skin. Natural skin care is often more environmentally friendly than conventional options. Many natural ingredients are biodegradable, meaning they break down into harmless substances without polluting the environment. It's important to note that many skincare products are water-based, and since water can't be certified as organic, it's nearly impossible to find a 100% organic skincare product.
Simply choosing products labeled “natural” doesn't guarantee optimal results, and it's not advisable to leave your skincare routine to chance. Chemical skin care, also known as medical skin care, is often more powerful because it's designed to be so. Manufacturers of natural skin care products often avoid animal testing, allowing you to support ethical practices and avoid contributing to animal cruelty. Some chemical ingredients are harmful, and if there are people who mislead them naturally, a good skincare company will find those alternatives and use them instead of ingredients harmful.
Laboratory skin care products are formulated by replicating substances that are natural to the body, such as hyaluronic acid, making them easily absorbed and processed by the body when applied. You can formulate a skincare formula that contains natural and synthetic ingredients, and still call it “natural”. Many people passionately believe that natural skincare ingredients are better for the skin, but the truth is that this belief has no factual basis or scientific legitimacy. The best skincare companies out there today are finding the balance between using natural ingredients and chemicals.
In a nutshell, it's not enough to label a product as “natural” for the best results; your natural skincare products must also be organic and ethically sourced. Let's dive deeper into why choosing natural skincare is good for you and the planet, and why supporting small, independent brands makes it even better. With a wide variety of natural and synthetic skin care products to choose from, it's important to understand what ingredients you apply to your skin so you can make informed decisions.