The Truth About “Natural” Skincare: What the Labels Don’t Tell You

The Buzzword Minefield

“Natural.” “Clean.” “Organic.” These buzzwords are everywhere, from social media to store shelves. As a healthcare professional and skincare advocate, I want to share what I've learned about navigating this new frontier. The truth is: not all “natural” skincare is as pure or safe as it sounds.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate good marketing, as long as it's grounded in truth. Let’s take a closer look at what these terms really mean, and how to tell if a product is truly worth your trust.

The "Natural" Label: A Regulatory Loophole

Here’s something that surprises most people: in the U.S., there’s no official FDA definition for “natural” in cosmetics. That means a brand can use the word even if the product contains synthetic preservatives, harsh actives, or potential irritants.

Bottom line? If a term isn’t clearly defined, it can mean anything.  So, while “natural” sounds wholesome, it’s often a vague label that doesn’t guarantee safety, gentleness, or efficacy.

Nature Isn’t Always Gentle

Let’s be honest: poison ivy is natural. Arsenic is natural. So are plenty of other things you wouldn’t dream of putting on your skin.

The same goes for skincare ingredients. Just because something comes from nature doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Certain essential oils and plant extracts, while “natural,” can trigger irritation, disrupt the skin barrier, or even cause allergic reactions - especially for sensitive skin types.

Would you eat a wild mushroom you couldn’t identify just because it “looked natural”? I wouldn’t. And I wouldn’t recommend applying just anything labeled “natural” to your face either. Purity alone isn't enough; safe formulation is key.

Let’s Talk About pH: Your Skin’s Unsung Hero

Here's a crucial factor that doesn’t get enough attention in skincare marketing: pH balance. Your skin's surface has a slightly acidic natural pH (around 4.7 to 5.75). This "acid mantle" is vital for protecting you from bacteria, pollution, and moisture loss. When skincare products are too alkaline or too acidic, they can disrupt this balance which leads to dryness, breakouts, irritation, or even long-term damage to your skin barrier.

When skincare products are too alkaline or too acidic, they can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to dryness, breakouts, irritation, or even long-term damage to your skin barrier. And unfortunately, many "natural" products, especially homemade or DIY formulations, aren't properly pH tested. Some cleansers or toners can be wildly imbalanced, even if their ingredient list seems benign.

So, when choosing a skincare product, ask yourself: Is this formulated with pH in mind? If not, even the most "natural" formula can leave your skin compromised.

 A Quick Note on “Organic” Labels

“Organic” often sounds like a gold standard, especially when we’re talking about food. But in skincare, the term is equally underregulated unless you see official certifications like USDA Organic or internationally recognized seals.

And even then, organic doesn’t mean gentle. Organic essential oils can still burn or irritate skin. Some of the most toxic substances in nature, like snake venom, could technically be labeled as “organic.”

So again—it’s not about the label, but about the science, testing, and integrity behind the product.

What to Look for Instead: COSMOS Certification

With all this ambiguity around natural and organic claims, what can you actually trust?

This is why we’re proud to introduce our new COSMOS Natural-certified skincare products: GILA Daily Hydration Cream and GILA Peptide Anti-Aging Serum. They're cruelty-free, and formulated with non-toxic, responsibly sourced ingredients that actually live up to the promise of clean skincare.

The COSMOS Natural and COSMOS Organic labels are globally respected certifications that go beyond greenwashing. They ensure:

• Products are made with safe, sustainable, non-GMO ingredients
• Manufacturing meets strict environmental and ethical standards
• Packaging is eco-conscious and minimal
• No animal testing is involved
• Every product is audited annually by independent certifiers

These certifications aren’t easy to earn - and that’s the point. When you see the COSMOS seal, you can trust that you’re getting a product made with integrity, transparency, and real care for both your skin and the planet.

Final Thoughts: Integrity Matters

In healthcare, and skincare, the stakes are too high for misleading claims. If a brand’s values don’t align with truth, science, and ethics, it’s not worth your skin or your money.

So ask yourself: Do I trust the people behind this product? Are they qualified? Do they back up their claims with science? If the answer is no, keep looking.

We created our COSMOS-certified lotion and serum because we were tired of vague promises and half-truths. You deserve products that are not only beautiful and effective—but also honest.

Healthy skin starts with informed choices.

As always, if you have questions about skincare, supplements, or anything health-related, feel free to stop by our Pharmacy Forum. We're here to help you make informed choices. 

~ Pharmacist Eddie