Making the distinction between organic and natural vs regular ingredients is not always easy. This is essentially because, while there is no doubt as to whether some materials should be classified as synthetic, there are some instances when a natural material is used to make something else classified as synthetic. Furthermore, there is the huge concern of shelf-life, and in some cases consistency.

What is considered a natural product?

A natural product is generally accepted to be something which is derived from or produced by nature …………..that is, not man-made or commercially produced in a factory.

In the field of cosmetics, dietary supplements and foods, the term natural has been extended to include formulations created without the addition of any chemical or artificial substances.

To make cosmetic products which can remain functionally effective and aesthetically appealing until the last drop is used by the consumer, chemicals almost always have to be used to modify and/or hold the ingredients together in the formulation. Notable exceptions in this regard, are certain proprietary blends of carrier oils and essentials with antioxidants to enhance shelf life. Another example is petrolatum. These are free hair preparations in which natural oils are held together as a pomade; this is with the use of either plant or animal-based waxes.

Therefore, the obvious question is: Who decides whether a cosmetic product is natural or not?

Many organizations including manufacturers, consumers and even governments entities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have tried without success to come up with a legally binding definition for the term. Regulatory activities for cosmetics have mainly been in the area of labeling and claims. Additionally, in recent times, the FTC has been cracking down on manufacturers who incorporate synthetic materials in their formulations, and still claim that their products are “100% natural” or “All natural.”

In the final analysis, it is really the producer who determines whether a cosmetic product is labelled natural or not. So, the onus resides with the consumer to review ingredients listing to determine: if chemical or synthetic materials are present; the extent to which they are present; and whether they are products that we wish to or would rather not use on our skin or hair.