Natural ingredients have been a popular trend in the skin care and scalp care industry for several years now. Many people believe that natural ingredients are always better than synthetic ones because… Why wouldn’t they be? But natural ingredients aren’t all that they seem. Contrary to popular belief, the truth is that synthetic ingredients can often be more effective and better for your skin than natural ingredients.
The Case Against Natural Ingredients
One of the primary reasons natural ingredients can be irritating is due to their potency. Many natural ingredients are concentrated and contain active compounds that can cause a reaction on the skin. For example, essential oils like lavender or peppermint can be irritating to some people, causing redness, itching, and inflammation.
Not only that, but natural ingredients can interact with other products in your skincare routine. For instance, citrus oils like lemon or grapefruit can cause photosensitivity when exposed to the sun, leading to redness, pigmentation, and other signs of sun damage.
Another reason natural ingredients can cause irritation is due to the presence of allergens. Natural ingredients like plant extracts, pollen, and certain types of nuts can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. Even if you have used a particular natural ingredient before, it is possible to develop an allergy over time. So if you’re suddenly breaking out but haven’t changed your skin care routine, you could be developing an allergy. Give your skin a break and switch to products with a shorter ingredient list that doesn’t include any natural ingredients.
Are Synthetic Ingredients All That Bad?
Let’s face it, at their core, synthetic ingredients are chemicals created in a lab. That might sound scary, but the truth is that by creating them in a lab, chemists have the ability to create ingredients that deliver targeted results and can be customized to suit specific skin and scalp types. The potentially irritating portion of the ingredient can be removed, making it less likely to cause allergic reactions and other adverse reactions. You simply can’t do that with natural ingredients.
Creating these synthetic ingredients in a controlled environment ensures their purity and consistency. In contrast, natural ingredients can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, soil quality, and harvesting methods. This variability can make it difficult to achieve consistent results when using natural ingredients in skin and scalp care products.
Our Recommendation
Less is more! With a minimalist self-care routine, you avoid running the risk of developing irritation, redness, or even a skin allergy to natural products. Remember to be skeptical of ALL ingredients on your product labels, not just the hero ingredients. If you’re going to be putting anything on your precious skin, please make sure the ingredients are well-studied and gentle.
To learn more about common myths in the skincare industry, check out this article from Cosmopolitan that discusses common myths in the natural skincare industry
