What Exactly Is Natural Skin Care?

As far as skin care trends go, it seems that all-natural or natural skin care products are still at the top of the best trends list lately.  And with everyone jumping to make the switch to formulas that are purported to be natural, it may have you wondering what natural skin care products are in the first place.

Before you update your skin care routine with the first moisturizer and serum you lay eyes on with the word “natural” on the label, allow us to explain a bit about natural skin care products. We consulted Dr. Joshua Zeichner, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and L’Oréal Paris consultant, for the scoop on natural beauty. 

What Are Natural Skin Care Products?

Let’s cut to the chase: What are natural skin care products? According to Dr. Zeichner, the term doesn’t have a specific or regulated definition, and can vary from one brand to the next. But, they usually have a few things in common. 

“Generally speaking, natural skin care products contain botanical extracts and are formulated without dyes, fragrances, parabens, sulfates, or cyclic silicones,” he says. He also notes that natural doesn’t necessarily mean chemical-free (even water is a chemical), and they aren’t any more safe or effective than other (non-natural) products. 

In summary, natural skin care products are a great choice for someone who’s looking to use more botanical-based ingredients in their routine, according to Dr. Zeichner. But, since how one brand defines "natural" can differ from the next, it’s up to the customer to keep up with where the ingredients in their products come from.

Is Natural Skin Care the Same as Organic Skin Care? 

You’re probably asking yourself if natural is the same as organic, since those two terms are often used interchangeably.  According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD), "organic" is a term designated by the United States Department of Agriculture. Similar to natural products, products that claim to be organic are not regulated by the FDA. The JDD also states natural products are not necessarily organic.

The Best Products With Naturally-Derived Ingredients

With your new understanding of natural beauty products, you’re probably wondering where to start with updating your routine to introduce natural alternatives. L’Oréal Paris does not classify formulas as natural products, but defines when products have naturally-derived ingredients. 

To be considered as such, these ingredients must be unchanged from their natural state or undergone processing while still retaining greater than 50 percent of the molecular structure from their original plant or mineral source.

We’ve rounded up five of our favorite L’Oréal Paris products, each of which is formulated with a naturally-derived ingredient.

L’Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub

Made with a naturally-derived blend of three pure sugars and real Kona coffee grounds sourced directly from the Kona Coast of Hawaii, this face scrub removes dirt, oil and impurities and leaves skin feeling smooth and clean.

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask

This face mask is powered by three different clays in their pure form and enhanced with charcoal. These ingredients work together like magnets to clean out pores and draw out deep impurities such as dirt, oil, and pollution. The creamy, non-drying formula leaves skin feeling clean and velvety.

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask

With this face mask, potent pure clays and volcanic rock work to exfoliate dead skin on your face and smooth surface imperfections. It addresses rough skin and clogged pores to reveal a refined and smooth complexion. Not only will skin feel as though it can breathe, but it will also be healthy-looking with a beautiful glow.

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Noir Balm Washable Mascara 

If you're looking to update your makeup routine to products with naturally-derived ingredients, this volumizing mascara is the perfect choice. Not only does it have a vegan formula with 99 percent natural origin ingredients, but it’s able to lift, lengthen, and separate your lashes to make them look fuller and healthier. It’s also smudge, clump, and flake resistant. 

Next: TikTok Skin Care Trends That Are Actually Worth Trying — And the Ones to Skip

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn