Natural Skincare: More Than Just a Label
"Natural" is everywhere—on skincare labels, food packaging, and marketing campaigns. Yet, for a word meant to inspire trust, it has become almost meaningless.
But, for those of us who truly believe in natural skin care, it means everything.
Over a decade ago, I wrote a blog post titled "Let's Do Away With the Word Natural," exploring the challenge of defining a word that so many brands exploit.
Yet, despite its ambiguity, the word has endured. Why? Because consumers still crave products that are pure, untainted, and safe. And for decades, "natural" represented that ideal.
According to the FDA website, the "FDA has not defined the term 'natural' and has not established a regulatory definition for this term in cosmetic labeling."
If you asked me for the perfect definition, I would struggle. But I know it when I see it.
So, where does that leave those of us truly committed to natural skincare? The truth is, much of what’s sold as "natural" is a scam, but we are not.
To understand the skepticism, we need to talk about one of the industry’s biggest problems: greenwashing.
Greenwashing In Natural Skin Care
The personal care industry too often prioritizes marketing over meaning. Instead of formulating products with genuinely natural ingredients, many brands rely on clever campaigns to create a false narrative. This practice, called greenwashing, has eroded consumer trust and fueled skepticism.
The term "greenwashing" comes from "whitewashing," originally referring to covering up dirt with white paint. Environmentalists coined the phrase in the 1980s to describe misleading environmental claims. Today, it is used to expose brands that exaggerate or outright fabricate their natural, organic, or eco-friendly claims.
The impact? Consumers feel misled, frustrated, and betrayed. Many have stopped trusting the word "natural" altogether. And when so many brands misuse it, truly natural companies struggle to stand out and build credibility.
Is Natural Skincare a Scam? Debunking the Myths & Arguments
The skepticism fueled by "natural greenwashing" has sparked a wave of anti-natural sentiment across blogs, social media, and even mainstream beauty publications.
Critics argue that natural skincare is ineffective, unscientific, and even unsafe. They point to misleading labels and poor formulations, using extreme examples to discredit the entire concept.
But is this criticism fair? Many misconceptions about natural skincare stem from misleading marketing, lack of regulation, and the actions of a few bad-faith actors. Not all "natural" products are created equal. While some may be ineffective or not even natural, dismissing the entire category as a scam is misguided.
Let’s break down the most common myths, arguments, and misunderstandings—and separate fact from fiction.
Argument: “Natural Skincare Is Just a Marketing Gimmick”
There’s no denying it, many skincare brands have embraced “natural” as a selling point, using it to evoke purity, wholesomeness, and health. These brands are selling "natural" marketing, not "natural" skin care.
The word "natural" is a powerful selling point even when products don’t live up to it.
Unfortunately, some brands exploit this perception, using it as a buzzword while formulating products with a trace of botanicals buried under a long list of synthetics.
The problem is not the word natural itself. It is the deceptive marketing behind it.
This kind of misleading branding fuels skepticism, making consumers question whether truly natural skincare even exists.
At Chagrin Valley, natural is not a trend or a hollow claim. It is the foundation of everything we do. We craft truly natural, organic, and sustainable skincare—without compromise.
So, how can you separate truly natural products from those that are merely masquerading as natural? Look for brands that:
- provide transparent ingredient lists
- explain their manufacturing processes
- adhere to third-party certifications (like USDA Organic)
Ultimately, what matters isn’t the label—it’s the ingredients inside.
📘 Learn More Blog: Beware Of Misleading Skin Care Labels
Argument: “Natural Isn’t Always Safe”
An article warning consumers about "unsafe ingredients" in natural skincare products exposed questionable ingredients in products marketed as 'natural,' including synthetic fragrances, alcohol, plastic microbeads, sulfates, parabens, artificial colors, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and phthalates. But let’s be clear: these ingredients have no place in truly natural skincare.
Yet, this kind of misleading argument is common in anti-natural rhetoric. Critics use examples of greenwashing to discredit natural skincare as a whole, rather than recognizing that the issue lies with deceptive marketing, not the concept of natural skincare itself.
Critics often argue that many natural ingredients are inherently risky, pointing to clays that may contain heavy metals, the acidity of apple cider vinegar, potential allergens in botanicals, or sensitivities to essential oils. And, of course, there is the classic “But poison ivy is natural!” argument.
Let’s break these down.
Poison Ivy? A Misleading Argument
This one, quite frankly, is ridiculous. No credible formulator would use poison ivy or other harmful plants in skin care. The existence of toxic plants does not negate the benefits of well-formulated natural skincare.
Some "natural is a scam" websites take this even further, proudly proclaiming that plenty of substances found in nature will straight up kill you like cyanide, strychnine, botulinum toxin, snake venom, poisonous mushrooms, etc. Seriously? You get the picture.
Yes, nature has its dangers, but responsible natural skincare brands are not about to start infusing their products with poison ivy or cyanide. The goal is to harness the power of nature's beneficial ingredients, not to create a toxic cocktail.
The Lie About Lye
Some skeptics point to lye, a highly corrosive substance, as proof that natural soap can not be safe. But what they overlook is the science.
Sodium hydroxide (lye) is needed to make bars of cold-processed natural soap. You simply can not make real soap without lye..
During saponification, the lye solution chemically reacts with oils and butters to create soap. In a properly formulated and fully cured bar, there is no lye left—just mild, skin-loving soap and naturally formed glycerin.
In a properly formulated cured bar of soap, there is NO lye left in the finished bar, only mild, skin-loving soap and naturally formed glycerin.
📘 Learn More Blog: Is There Lye In Natural Soap? Won't It Harm My Skin?
Heavy Metals in Clays: Sourcing Matters
Natural ingredients sourced from the Earth, like clays and salts, can contain metallic impurities due to industrial pollution.
But not all clays are created equal! That’s why sourcing is critical.
At Chagrin Valley, we source clays from reputable suppliers that routinely test for heavy metals using third-party laboratories to ensure safety.
Additionally, any clay used in a USDA-certified organic product must be naturally mined, naturally dried, minimally processed, untreated, and never irradiated.
📘 Learn More Blog: Cosmetic Clays in Skin Care
Apple Cider Vinegar: A Matter of Dilution
Yes, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is acidic. It can dry out your skin and scalp and cause burning or stinging, particularly on sensitive skin.
However, the issue is not the ingredient itself but how it is used.
Since every individual's skin has a unique tolerance for ACV, it is important to use the proper dilution for your skin that is effective and non-irritating.
Allergic Reactions: A Reality for All Skincare—Not Just Natural
A widely cited 2022 JAMA Dermatology study found allergens in 94.2% of “natural” products. (A classic case of repeating misinformation until it begins to sound like a fact.)
But here’s the catch: the study never defined “natural,” instead relying only on the misleading claims from the manufacturer.
Among the allergens identified, preservatives and synthetic fragrances were the most common culprits, both of which are well-documented causes of contact dermatitis.
Look carefully at the full list of allergens.
Seriously, how many of these ingredients would you expect to find in a genuinely natural product?
Without clear definitions, studies like this only expose misleading marketing and greenwashing, rather than proving a point.
Critics claim that natural products contain nut-derived or other ingredients that can trigger severe reactions in individuals with allergies. This is true, but it is important to remember that any ingredient, natural or synthetic, can potentially cause an allergic response.
Can Natural & Organic Ingredients in Chagrin Valley Products Trigger Allergies?
If you have food or plant allergies, the answer is yes. Allergic reactions to plants typically stem from their pollen, spores, oils, or sap, depending on the specific plant and your individual sensitivity. Because we often use oils infused with whole plants and herbs, these natural components are present in our skincare products.
Plants are complex, living systems with numerous active compounds. Herbal oil infusions harness the power of plants by extracting their therapeutic properties, delivering benefits from both the plant itself and the nourishing carrier oil. However, this also means they may contain allergens.
Interestingly, the more natural and unprocessed an ingredient is, the greater its potential to cause an allergic reaction. We use many unrefined oils in our products. While unrefined oils retain a higher concentration of the plant’s natural nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them beneficial for the skin, they also contain more plant proteins, which increases their potential to trigger allergic reactions.
For example, if you have a coconut allergy, using unrefined virgin coconut oil on your skin may cause a reaction, whereas refined coconut oil, which has had many of its proteins removed, may not. In fact, some highly refined oils from common food allergens are not required to be labeled as allergens because they contain significantly fewer reactive compounds. Essentially, the further an oil is processed from its natural state, the lower its allergenic potential.
That said, allergic reactions are tricky and vary widely. Some people with food allergies tolerate topical applications without issue, while others may not.
Dismissing all natural skincare due to potential allergens is illogical. This is why patch testing is always recommended, especially for those with a history of allergies.
Responsible skincare is not about avoiding natural ingredients—it is about understanding what works for you and your unique skin.
Essential Oils: Potency Requires Knowledge
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain powerful compounds. While they offer numerous skin benefits, they can also contain allergens and may cause irritation if not used correctly.
A skilled formulator understands that each essential oil has a safe concentration level for topical use. Proper formulation ensures that these potent extracts are diluted to skin-safe levels while preserving their beneficial properties.
When essential oils are properly diluted, sourced responsibly from reputable suppliers to ensure purity and avoid adulteration, and used with care, including patch testing for those with sensitive skin, they can be both effective and safe in skincare.
📘 Learn More Blog: Essential Oil Basics: A Guide To Dilution Rates
The Bottom Line: Natural Ingredients Aren’t the Problem—Misinformation Is!
The key to safe skincare is not avoiding natural ingredients, it is proper formulation, responsible sourcing, and transparency.
Instead of dismissing natural skincare based on fear-driven arguments, focus on ingredient quality and trusted brands. Safe skincare is rooted in knowledge, not fear.
Argument: “Products Made with Synthetic Ingredients Are More Scientifically Advanced, Better Regulated, and Tested for Efficacy”
Critics of natural skincare often claim that synthetic skincare is more advanced, better regulated, and more rigorously tested for efficacy. But are these claims really true? Let’s break them down.
More Scientifically Advanced?
What does “scientifically advanced” even mean?
While it’s true that many synthetic ingredients are created using modern lab techniques, scientific advancement should not be confused with being better or safer.
True innovation is not about inventing more synthetic chemicals, it’s about understanding nature and applying science to use natural ingredients in the most effective way possible.
Nature has already developed complex, bioactive compounds that work in harmony with our skin. Many so-called "advanced" skincare ingredients are lab-created versions of natural compounds that have been used in skin care for decades, such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and salicylic acid.
Rather than relying on synthetic imitations, natural skincare uses whole, unrefined plant-based ingredients, which often contain a wider range of beneficial bioactive nutrients than their isolated lab-made counterparts.
The Illusion of Regulation
A common misconception is that synthetic skincare products are better regulated than natural ones. This simply is not true.
In the U.S., cosmetics, whether natural or synthetic, are primarily self-regulated, and guidelines have largely remained unchanged since the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The FDA does not require cosmetic products to be pre-approved before they hit the market, and the same rules apply to all cosmetics, regardless of whether they contain synthetic or natural ingredients.
Even with the passage of the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act (MoCRA) in 2023, FDA oversight remains minimal compared to other industries and other countries. For us at Chagrin Valley, compliance with MoCRA was easy, because USDA Organic Certification holds us to much stricter standards than conventional cosmetic regulations ever will.
Tested for Efficacy?
Critics argue that natural skincare is not as potent as synthetic alternatives and that lab-made ingredients are more effective. But here's the reality:
- There is no regulatory requirement for synthetic skincare products to prove their efficacy. Companies are not required to conduct clinical trials to back up their claims.
- While some synthetic ingredients may have studies supporting their benefits, not all research is unbiased. Many studies are industry-funded, designed to make products appear more effective than they truly are.
- Efficacy studies do not guarantee results for YOU. A clinical trial might show good results, but that does not mean it will work for your unique skin.
Be wary of misleading terms like Dermatologist-tested, Dermatologist-recommended, Clinically-tested, and Clinically-proven. While these words sound very official and reassuring, they are totally unregulated marketing terms. What kind of clinical tests were done? How many people were tested? What were the results? Who recommended them? These claims could simply mean that a company gave their product to a dermatologist or a friend to try out and provide an opinion.
The truth is, there is no magic label that guarantees a product will work. What really matters is not a marketing claim, it is the quality, purity, and effectiveness of the ingredients themselves. Instead of chasing industry buzzwords, trust what has worked for centuries: simple, natural ingredients backed by time, tradition, and real results.
Argument: “Natural Skin Care Products Have a Shorter Shelf-life Than Those Made With Preservatives”
This argument is true! Just like fresh fruit, truly natural products are meant to be enjoyed at their peak, not stored away for years.
Since mold and bacteria need water to grow, any skincare product containing water requires a preservative to stay safe.
But here's the thing, oil-based products made without water, like balms, whipped butters, and face oils, do not provide the right environment for bacteria and mold to thrive.
Natural oils can go rancid due to oxidation, a process where exposure to oxygen causes oils to degrade. Some oils, like those high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, are the most susceptible to oxidation, while a highly stable oil like jojoba (actually a liquid wax) with a shelf-life of 5 years is much more resistant.
A skilled formulator understands the shelf life of every oil used. Some of our more delicate oil-based products benefit from a natural antioxidant, like organic rosemary oil extract, which helps slow oxidation and keep our products fresh.
At Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve, we take extra steps to ensure product integrity:
- Small Batches, Fresh Products – We handcraft our skincare in small containers and limited batches, ensuring perishable products sell out within weeks, not years.
- Meticulous Cleanliness – Our production areas follow strict hygiene standards to minimize contamination.
To keep your preservative-free products fresh, follow a few simple tips:
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent exposure to heat and humidity.
- Use clean, dry applicators to scoop out product instead of dirty or wet fingers.
- Keep lids tightly sealed to reduce air and water contamination.
Preservative-free products will not last for years. Just like freshly picked produce, their beauty is in their natural goodness, not their extended shelf life.
Final Thoughts About Debunking The Myths
While I have tackled some of the most common misconceptions, there are many more where these came from.
Critics love to claim that natural skincare is a scam, unscientific, and inferior to synthetic products—but these arguments fall apart under scrutiny.
- For honest brands, “Natural” isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s about transparency, ingredient integrity, and real botanical benefits.
- Safety isn’t about natural vs. synthetic—it’s about sourcing, formulation, and proper use.
- Synthetic products are not more advanced, better regulated, or proven to work any better. In fact, the cosmetics industry is largely self-regulated, and claims of efficacy are often marketing spin.
At the end of the day, we do not believe in natural skincare just because it sounds good, we believe in it because it works.
Now, let’s move beyond the myths and talk about what really matters: why we stand by natural skincare, and why we believe it’s the best choice.
Believe in More Than Just Natural—Believe in Us
The best answer to “Why use natural skincare?” is simple: Why not?
We know that natural ingredients aren’t perfect. They will not cure everything that ails our skin or our planet. But we also believe, wholeheartedly, that we do not need an endless array of synthetic chemicals in our skincare.
At Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve, we are not just asking you to believe in natural skincare. We are asking you to believe in us. Because skincare is about more than just looking good, it’s about feeling good. It’s about health, well-being, and trust.
More Than a Trend—It’s Who We Are
Natural skincare is not a marketing buzzword for us. It is not a trend we are chasing. It is our passion. It is our foundation.
Long before “clean beauty” was a movement, we were crafting truly natural and organic skincare.
Since our first batch of soap 24 years ago, we have remained true to our mission: pure, honest, natural, and effective skincare, without compromise.
Yes, a lot of brands call themselves "natural." But not all natural skincare is created equal. While others use greenwashing to sell products, we have spent decades committed to transparency, sustainability, and uncompromising quality.
What Makes Us Different?
🌿 Pure, Purposeful Ingredients: We don’t just use natural ingredients. We use the best. Certified organic, unrefined plant oils, nutrient-rich butters, healing botanicals, and pure essential oils, each one carefully chosen to support your skin naturally
🌿 Handcrafted with Integrity: No mass production. No shortcuts. No outsourcing. Just small-batch, handmade skincare, crafted with care by a family-owned business that truly believes in what we do.
🌿 More Than Skincare—A Mission: We aren’t just selling products. We are changing the way people think about skincare. We empower our customers to make better choices for their skin, their health, and our planet.
🚫 No Greenwashing, No Gimmicks: Many brands sneak in synthetics while calling themselves “natural.” We don’t. No artificial ingredients. No fillers. No hidden synthetic chemicals. Just pure, honest skincare you can trust.
🌍 Sustainable & Ethical from Start to Finish: USDA Certified Organic, cruelty-free, fair-trade, and eco-conscious.
Skincare You Can Believe In
The truth is, it’s what we don’t know that worries us most. Science is always evolving. New discoveries constantly reshape our understanding, and what seems “safe” today may not be tomorrow.
That’s why we choose a different path, one rooted in simplicity, transparency, and trust in nature.
At Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve, we don’t just make skincare. We make skincare with purpose, integrity, and heart. Our customers don’t just buy our products; they believe in our mission.
We believe in fewer, better ingredients. Every ingredient in our formulas serves a clear purpose, nothing unnecessary, nothing artificial. Just pure, nourishing ingredients, exactly as nature intended.
We are a small family business with a loyal community that believes:
- What you put on your skin matters.
- How a product is made and packaged matters.
- Simple, honest ingredients matter.
- Integrity matters.
This is about more than just natural skincare. It's about skincare you can trust.
If you are looking for simple, effective, and truly natural skincare, made by a company that stands behind every ingredient, we would love for you to join us.
