Through the Noise

The world of skin care ingredients is a complex landscape, often shrouded in marketing hype and claims like “natural,” “organic,” and “synthetic” – these seemingly simple terms carry a weight of consumer perception that often overshadows scientific reality. Unraveling this complexity is crucial for skin care professionals seeking to make informed product choices and empower their clients with knowledge. The skin care industry has become a breeding ground for ingredient buzzwords, so the best way to start is by clarifying the jargon. 

A natural label generally refers to ingredients that are derived from plants, minerals, or animal sources and have not been chemically treated or processed. Many products use ingredients like honey or essential oils that fall in this category. Crucially, the term “natural” lacks a standardized legal definition in the cosmetics and skin care industry. A product labeled as “made with natural ingredients” can still contain processed ingredients and synthetic preservatives. 

“Organic” refers to agricultural (natural) ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Think of organic as a farm-to-face philosophy, prioritizing environmental sustainability and minimizing chemical exposure. All organic ingredients are natural ingredients; however, the opposite cannot be said. Akin to natural ingredients, organic can apply to a singular ingredient’s origin, not necessarily the entire product. 

“Synthetic” ingredients are manmade – produced in a laboratory to mimic or enhance naturally occurring compounds. Synthetic ingredients can be nature-identical, replicating a naturally occurring substance or are entirely novel, using the chemical structure of a natural substance as a basis for a new molecule, producing alternative or enhanced effects. 

Breanna Brown is a highly accomplished licensed aesthetician, certified laser technician, and cosmetic scientist with over eight years of experience in the beauty industry. Her passion lies in merging advanced aesthetic treatments with her deep understanding of skin care science. Her expertise has garnered national recognition, including an appearance on the Steve Harvey talk show.” Driven by a passion for education, Brown serves as a sought-after speaker at industry events and mentors aestheticians globally. Currently, she is an aesthetics training manager at SkinCeuticals, where she leads advanced education for medical providers and aestheticians. Balancing her flourishing career with rigorous academics, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in cosmetic science. Brown’s career is a testament to her dedication to cutting-edge treatments and empowering others through science-backed skin care.