In a market increasingly saturated with products that call themselves "natural," it's not always easy for consumers to distinguish between genuine natural cosmetics and a marketing ploy disguised as green. Terms like eco , green , bio , or natural appear on many packaging, but they don't always guarantee that the product is free of synthetic ingredients or that it follows sustainability principles.
In this article, we give you the keys to identifying a truly natural cosmetic and making informed and safe decisions.
The difference between "natural" and "truly natural"
Not everything that carries the word "natural" is actually natural. Currently, in many countries, legislation allows the use of terms like "natural" even if the product contains only a small percentage of ingredients of natural origin, combined with other synthetic ingredients, artificial preservatives, or synthetic fragrances.
Therefore, it is essential to learn to look beyond the marketing slogan:
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Complete composition: A truly natural cosmetic contains mostly ingredients of respectful plant, mineral or biotechnological origin.
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Free from controversial ingredients: Parabens, silicones, petroleum derivatives, harsh sulfates, artificial colors, and perfumes are typically absent.
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Formulation philosophy: Brands committed to natural cosmetics prioritize sustainability, animal ethics (cruelty-free), fair trade, and responsible production.
Additionally, many truly natural brands seek official certifications to back up their claims.
Certifications that help you identify natural cosmetics
Although not mandatory, certifications offer additional assurance that the product meets defined standards of naturalness, safety, and sustainability. Some of the most internationally recognized certifications are:
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COSMOS (Soil Association, Ecocert, BDIH, Cosmebio, ICEA): guarantees the use of natural ingredients and respectful production processes.
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NATRUE: sets strict requirements for ingredient purity, the use of naturally derived substances, and environmental friendliness.
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USDA Organic: certifies products with a high percentage of organic ingredients.
These certifications review the brand's formula, manufacturing process, packaging, and, in some cases, even its social responsibility.
Practical tips for reading labels
Knowing how to read the list of ingredients (INCI) is one of the best tools for choosing natural cosmetics safely:
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The ingredients appear in order of concentration: the higher the concentration, the higher their proportion in the product.
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Recognize botanical names: ingredients such as Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (aloe vera), Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil (apricot oil) or Cistus Ladaniferus Extract (rockrose) are examples of natural active ingredients.
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Avoid terms like "parfum" without specifying a natural origin: these are often synthetic blends.
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Beware of "greenwashing": products that highlight a single natural ingredient in their advertising, but whose rest of the formula is mostly synthetic.
At Cambium Essentials, for example, each formula is carefully designed with 100% ingredients selected for their purity, efficacy, and skin-friendliness, ensuring transparency and safety in every product.
Choosing well means taking care of your skin and the planet
Choosing natural cosmetics isn't just a trend; it's a commitment to your health and the environment. Learning to recognize truly natural cosmetics will allow you to enjoy safer, more effective, and more ethical products, while supporting responsible brands working toward a more sustainable future.
At Cambium Essentials, we believe in clean, honest, and conscious beauty, where every ingredient has a purpose and a real benefit for your skin. Because nature, properly understood, has everything your skin needs.