Not everything that’s sold as ‘natural’ is entirely so, and even some naturally sourced ingredients can cause allergic reactions
‘N
atural’ has become a buzzword,” says Dr Rosalind Simpson, a consultant dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Nottingham. And when it’s on the label of beauty products, sellers often charge more. “There’s a trend where people assume that synthetically derived ingredients are harmful, and that if something’s labelled ‘natural’ it must be safer or better for your skin,” she says. But that’s often a misconception.
For starters, not everything labelled “natural” is entirely sourced from nature. “I came across a crude study that looked at 100 skincare products on Amazon marketed as natural. Only 42% truly were,” Simpson adds. In fact, most “natural” skincare products contained at least two synthetic ingredients.
Beyond this, just because something is sourced from natural ingredients doesn’t mean it’s gentle on every skin type. Though plant-based, ingredients including fragrances and essential oils such as cinnamon, tea tree, peppermint and linalool can cause irritation for some people. Lanolin, a moisturising agent derived from sheep’s wool, is another common allergen.
