More and more people are looking for natural cosmetic products to care for their skin. However, beyond the trend towards ingredients of natural origin, it is important to ask what this type of cosmetics can really offer and how to choose products that meet the needs of our skin.
Natural cosmetics can incorporate vegetable oils, butters, botanical extracts, hydrolats, minerals and other ingredients of natural origin selected for their properties and the function they perform within a formula. However, the fact that an ingredient is natural does not automatically mean that it is better or that a product is suitable for everyone.
For this reason, understanding how a cosmetic is formulated and knowing the needs of our skin is the best way to make the most of its benefits.
What do we mean by natural cosmetics?
The term “natural cosmetics” is used to describe products formulated mainly with ingredients of natural origin, although its meaning and the criteria used may vary depending on the product, the manufacturer and the applicable technical references or certifications.
The ISO 16128 standard provides definitions and technical criteria for natural and naturally derived cosmetic ingredients and products. However, ISO itself states that this standard does not establish requirements regarding commercial communication, product safety or labelling. Therefore, terms such as “natural” should be interpreted taking into account the complete composition and the applicable regulatory framework.
In practice, good natural cosmetics are not simply about adding plants to a formula. Each ingredient should be selected for a specific function, and the formulation should be stable, safe and suitable for its intended use.
What benefits can natural cosmetics provide to the skin?
One of the main attractions of natural cosmetics is the possibility of using ingredients of plant and mineral origin with different cosmetic functions.
Oils, butters, plant extracts, hydrolats and other ingredients can contribute to improving the skin’s feeling of comfort, softness and hydration when they are properly selected and formulated.
These are some of the aspects that we may find in a good natural cosmetic formula.
1. Helps maintain skin hydration
Hydration is essential for keeping the skin comfortable and looking healthy. Some ingredients used in natural cosmetics can help retain water in the superficial layers of the skin or improve the feeling of softness.
These include humectant ingredients, such as glycerine, and different plant-derived ingredients that can be included in formulas intended for the care of dry or dehydrated skin.
However, it is important to distinguish between hydration and nourishment. One product may be designed to provide humectancy, while another may focus mainly on providing emollience and improving the feeling of comfort.
2. Provides vegetable oils and butters
Vegetable oils and butters are common ingredients in natural cosmetics.
Olive, jojoba, almond and coconut oils, shea butter and other plant-derived ingredients can be used to provide emollient properties and improve the texture and feeling of softness of the skin.
n addition to their cosmetic characteristics, these ingredients make it possible to create different formulas depending on the type of product and the needs being addressed.
Therefore, it is not simply a matter of choosing a cosmetic because it contains a particular oil. What matters is how that ingredient is incorporated into the formula and what function it performs within the formulation as a whole.
3. Incorporates botanical extracts selected for their function
Natural cosmetics can also use extracts from plants, flowers, leaves, roots or fruits.
Aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, rosemary, centella asiatica, witch hazel and horsetail are some examples of botanical ingredients that can be found in cosmetic formulations.
Each plant has a different composition, and its characteristics depend, among other factors, on the raw material, the extraction method, the concentration used and the rest of the formula.
Therefore, we should not assume that “more plants” necessarily means a “better cosmetic”. A good formulation seeks to use the right ingredients under the right conditions.
4. Can be adapted to different skin types
One of the biggest mistakes when choosing cosmetics is thinking that there is a single natural product that works in the same way for everyone.
Dry skin may require different formulas from oily skin. Sensitive skin may require special attention to certain ingredients, particularly fragrances or aromatic components. Mature skin may have different needs from younger skin.
Natural cosmetics offer many formulation possibilities, but choosing correctly requires first understanding the characteristics and needs of our skin.
It is not about finding “the most natural product”, but the product that is most suitable for us.
Are natural cosmetics suitable for all skin types?
Not necessarily.
The fact that a product is natural does not mean that everyone will tolerate it in the same way. Some ingredients of natural origin, such as certain essential oils or aromatic components, may not be suitable for people who are sensitive to those ingredients.
Therefore, if our skin is sensitive or we have a history of reactions to certain products, it is advisable to review the composition and pay attention to ingredients that we know we do not tolerate.
It is also important to remember that the safety of a cosmetic does not depend exclusively on the natural origin of its ingredients. A cosmetic formula must be assessed as a whole.
Natural does not automatically mean better
This is one of the most important points when talking about natural cosmetics.
An ingredient of natural origin is not automatically better than a synthetic one. Likewise, the fact that an INCI name looks complicated or has a chemical appearance does not mean that the ingredient is harmful.
What really matters is the ingredient’s function, its concentration, the quality of the raw material, its compatibility with the rest of the formula, the stability of the product and its safety for the intended use.
ISO 16128 itself establishes technical criteria for distinguishing natural and naturally derived ingredients, but it does not, by itself, determine the safety of products or their commercial claims.
Therefore, well-formulated natural cosmetics should seek a balance between the origin of the ingredients, functionality, stability and safety.
How to choose natural cosmetics according to your skin’s needs?
Before buying a product, we can ask ourselves a few simple questions.
What is my skin like?
Is it dry, oily, combination, sensitive or mature?
Identifying its characteristics will help us look for products that address specific needs.
What does my skin need?
Looking for hydration is not the same as looking for nourishment, softness, comfort or a simple cleansing and skincare routine.
Defining the need first helps us avoid buying products simply because they are fashionable or because they contain an ingredient we have seen recommended.
What does the product actually contain?
Reading the ingredient list, known as the INCI, allows us to learn about the composition of the cosmetic and better understand what we are using.
In our article “How to Read the Ingredients in a Natural Cosmetic? A Guide to Understanding INCI”, we explain how to interpret the order of ingredients, identify different types of components and pay attention to certain allergens.
Do I need a product with essential oils?
Essential oils can provide aromatic characteristics and form part of certain cosmetic formulations. However, they are not essential in every product, and some people may be sensitive to certain aromatic components.
Therefore, they should be used appropriately, taking into account the characteristics of the formula and the user.
The importance of a simple routine
A skincare routine does not have to include a large number of products.
A simple routine can begin with appropriate cleansing and continue with products selected according to the needs of the skin. Depending on each person, specific products for hydration, nourishment or other cosmetic objectives can be incorporated.
The important thing is to avoid accumulating products without a clear reason.
A well-planned routine is not necessarily the one with the most steps, but the one that uses the right products consistently.
At Natural SHUI, we believe that understanding the needs of the skin helps us make better choices. That is why we also offer the possibility of discovering a routine adapted to different needs through Your Tailor-Made Routine.
Natural cosmetics and conscious skincare
Choosing natural cosmetics can also be part of a more conscious approach to personal care.
This means paying attention to the ingredients, the manufacturing process, the type of product we are buying and the real needs of our skin.
It also means not being guided solely by words such as “natural”, “organic”, “botanical” or “chemical-free”. Every cosmetic is made up of chemical substances; what matters is knowing what it contains, why it is there and how it has been formulated.
Information allows us to make more responsible decisions.
What should you remember when choosing natural cosmetics?
If you want to incorporate natural cosmetics into your routine, you can start with these five ideas:
✔ First, understand the needs of your skin.
✔ Look for products formulated for those needs.
✔ Read the ingredient list and learn to interpret the INCI.
✔ Do not confuse “natural” with “suitable for everyone”.
✔ Consider the complete formula rather than just one specific ingredient.
Natural cosmetics can offer many possibilities for daily skincare, especially when ingredients are properly selected and combined.
Frequently asked questions about natural cosmetics
Are natural cosmetics better for the skin?
There is no universal answer. The quality of a cosmetic depends on its formulation, the ingredients used, their concentrations, the product’s stability and safety, as well as the particular needs of each skin type.
Can natural cosmetics be used on sensitive skin?
There may be products suitable for sensitive skin, but the fact that a product is natural does not guarantee that everyone will tolerate it. It is important to review the composition and avoid ingredients that each person knows they do not tolerate.
Are vegetable oils good for the skin?
Vegetable oils can provide emollient properties and contribute to improving the feeling of softness and comfort of the skin. However, not all oils have the same characteristics, nor are they suitable for all formulations or skin types.
Are essential oils necessary in natural cosmetics?
No. They can be part of certain formulas, particularly because of their aromatic characteristics, but they are not essential for a cosmetic to be considered natural.
Does natural mean that it contains no chemicals?
No. Everything around us is made up of chemical substances, including natural ingredients. The difference lies in the origin and characteristics of the substances used in the formulation.
How can I know whether a natural cosmetic is suitable for me?
Start by identifying the needs of your skin, review the composition of the product and look for a formula that makes sense for the objective you want to achieve. If you have a known sensitivity to certain ingredients, always check the INCI.
Conclusion
Natural cosmetics can be an excellent option for incorporating ingredients of natural origin into daily skincare, but choosing well requires more than simply looking for the word “natural” on the packaging.
Knowing our skin, understanding the function of ingredients and learning to read the INCI allows us to make more informed decisions and build a simple routine suited to our needs.
At Natural SHUI, we believe in natural cosmetics formulated with ingredients selected for their function and designed to become part of daily skincare.
Discover our range of natural facial cosmetics, natural artisanal soaps, natural solid cosmetics, natural body care and natural essential oils, and find the products that best suit your routine