When it comes to choosing what you put in your hair and into your skin, you can never be too careful. 

In today’s world, natural and organic products have gained widespread popularity due to growing myths that “natural” products are all good and “synthetic” or man-made products are all bad. 

But if you get a closer look at what you’re feeding your skins, you’ll soon realize that natural ingredients are not always the best option. 

What’s the alternative, you may ask. 

It’s pretty simple: you can use products made with safe synthetic chemicals specifically formulated in the lab to prevent any side effects natural components may have on your skin. 

Want to know more? Keep on reading.

What’s the difference between natural and synthetic?

Let’s start by establishing that the term “natural” does not necessarily mean safer or better. Something natural, by definition, is something produced by nature without any human interference. And while there is a myriad of natural ingredients, some of them have been proven to have dangerous side effects on humans, even the ones that have been used for centuries. 

For example, kava, a plant native to the islands of the South Pacific, and often used as a dietary supplement for anxiety, may be associated with severe liver damage. Ephedra, an evergreen shrub-like plant native to central Asia and Mongolia that has been used for centuries to treat colds, fever, and other conditions, is associated with heart problems and can even cause death. 

These examples portray that just because ingredients are sourced from the heart of nature doesn’t mean that they are harmless and can be used as-is. 

Another reason why you should look out for natural chemicals is that they often aren’t tested enough for irritation, shelf-life, and effectiveness.  

Now, regarding synthetic products or chemicals, they are made by humans using natural or artificial components.  Human-made ingredients are usually less likely to cause a bad reaction because they are tested time and time again before being introduced to people. 

This may be surprising but synthetic chemicals can be more sustainable and beneficial than natural chemicals. Some ingredients are synthesized in labs through bio-fermentation, which is more environmentally friendly as it can prevent overharvesting and over-sourcing natural ingredients

What is synthetic skincare?

When referring to synthetic skincare we mean skincare that is made in a lab with scientifically-derived ingredients. Those ingredients can actually be based on natural components that are synthesized to be made more effective and to lessen their side effects. 

Synthetic ingredients used in skincare also have a consistent composition, meaning that they will not change from one sample to another. This can be very important in decreasing and even eliminating the risks of skin irritation and sensitivity. 

A great example of a clean synthetic chemical is Squalane, a vegan plant-based synthetic that is created in a lab. It is ethically sourced and requires a lot fewer resources to produce with a better yield that isn’t dependent on the climate. 

Such chemical synthesis can produce ingredients that suit all skin types, including people with sensitive skin – an option that may not always be available in all-natural skincare products. 

In short, clean beauty does not always mean natural and chemical-free. It can mean ethically-sourced natural ingredients that are synthesized to maximize their benefits and minimize their side effects on people. But truth be told, there is no “good” or “bad” when it comes to synthetic or natural chemicals. It really comes down to each product, what it is going to be used for, and how it was made from start to finish. 

At Savvy Element, we make safe and green products that fulfill all your needs without harming your skin or the environment. Get to know us better here.