What Does Natural Mean When It Comes to Personal Care Products?

There are currently no governmental regulations defining natural. This means that some products you thought were "natural" may actually be filled with oil-based, synthetic ingredients. The Natural Products Association is working on a Natural Standard and Seal so that consumers can know what "natural" really is and how to identify the truly natural products.  Look for the Seal to begin appearing on products later in 2008.  

• One natural ingredient does not mean a product is all-natural.  Scrutinize personal care labels the same way you do your food labels, and pay close attention to ingredient order. The ingredients are listed from most concentrated to least.  
• Ingredients with long or scientific names are not always chemicals.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to use Latin and scientific names for ingredients.  Make it easier on yourself and learn what is safe by checking out the Cosmetic Database.
• Watch out for phrases such as "nature-inspired," "made with natural ingredients," and "natural origin."  This kind of language allows manufacturers to position their products as natural even though they may few natural ingredients.
• Even products with the USDA seal for Organic means that 97% of the ingredients used are certifiably Organic.  The other 3% could be synthetic and potentially harmful.
• Watch out for trademarked names using "natural" and "organic."  There are no laws on what a product can be called, only on how the product is used.
• There are certain ingredients that you should steer clear of and should never be used in something that is "natural."-

Parabens are synthetic preservatives and may be potential endocrine disruptors. 

Sulfates such as Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate are synthetic cleansing agents.  They potentially remove natural oils from the lipid layer of the skin.

Phthalates are fixatives of some synthetic fragrances that are potential toxins.

Petrochemicals, including petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin, are non-renewable by-products of crude oil with potential impurities.  

Fragrance is a term that any manufacturer can put on their label and the FDA does not require them to list the ingredients in it.

You have to be careful when you shop for personal care products. Look carefully at the ingredient list.  If you are unsure, be sure to look up the product and even the company that manufacturers the product.  Also, be mindful to buy products that are in environmentally friendly packaging-recyclable, biodegradable, and even compostable. If the packaging is just going to rot in the landfill, then it is not really a good product.