Natural ingredients come directly from plants, minerals, animals or the microbiome – and often outshone their synthetic equivalents in terms of health benefits.
However, as per FDA regulation and definition of natural banana flavor products are undefined and unregulated. That means a drink labeled “natural” could contain chemicals extracted from bark and roots instead of actual bananas as its flavor source.
They are derived from nature
Natural ingredients come directly from nature and offer many health and skincare benefits for you and the environment. But before purchasing anything with natural ingredients, be sure to read carefully through its label; some natural products contain multiple chemicals with potentially negative interactions which could create unwanted side effects.
Consumers often misinterpret the term “natural”, which often connotes health. While it often implies diet-oriented products, natural can mean anything from plant to synthetic materials – including processed and manufactured ones from companies. According to FDA definition, however, natural does not refer to products made without chemical processing and genetic engineering processes – unlike its definition as organic food which must meet stricter conditions before being considered organic food.
ISO 16128 is a new international standard that seeks to clarify cosmetic terminology. While not an authoritative law or quality label, it aims to standardise definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products; for instance, no GMO ingredients, no exposure to ionising radiation and no petroleum-derived ingredients should be included as criteria in its formulations.
They are beneficial to the body
Natural ingredients are beneficial to our bodies because they promote proper functioning. They can reduce inflammation and enhance blood circulation while simultaneously soothing skin conditions and healing wounds. Furthermore, these natural products tend to be safer alternatives to synthetic ones.
As not all natural products are created equally, it’s essential that you read ingredient labels closely when shopping for natural products. Look out for familiar ingredients like jojoba oil, honey and lemon juice in products marked as using natural ingredients – you might also come across certifications on certain products that verify they use such natural components.
The FDA does not have an explicit definition of “natural,” but has issued policy which stipulates that food labelled as such must contain no artificial or synthetic components not typically expected in food products. This does not address how these foods are manufactured or processed.
They are safe to use
Natural ingredients are frequently promoted to consumers as being safer and healthier; companies can then market these products using marketing ploys such as eliminating preservatives or chemicals from their product, appealing to those who believe natural is safer or healthier for skin health. Unfortunately, not all natural substances are beneficial – poison ivy is just one such example, while apple seeds contain cyanide which may harm them or essential oils could even contain dangerous toxins that pose threats.
Synthetic products contain fillers that compromise skin’s moisture barrier, block pores and interfere with its natural processes – including interfering with hormone systems that regulate fertility and possibly leading to cancer.
Unfortunately, ‘natural’ is undefined in cosmetic regulations and there is no legal definition. Unfortunately, the word can sometimes be misused to support anti-synthetic beliefs; nonetheless, safety assessments must still be completed on all ingredients; furthermore, its origin does not indicate its sustainability; instead this should be assessed using various approaches such as comprehensive compositional data for assessment.
They are environmentally friendly
If you want eco-friendly beauty products, natural ingredients are often your best bet. Grown and harvested using less energy and biodegradable, they’re better for the planet than many petrochemical-based cosmetics which necessitate extensive mining operations that degrade soil and endanger wildlife habitats.
Natural products tend to cause less irritation because they lack synthetic additives that could irritate skin. But not all natural ingredients are suitable for all skin types – patch testing any new product prior to using is highly advised as is reading its ingredients list.
To qualify as natural, a product must contain only organic or naturally-derived ingredients from plants, animals, minerals and microbes; including direct extraction or chemical reactions that produce these components. They should also be obtained using eco-friendly practices which prevent biodiversity loss; be free from petrochemicals, synthetic perfumes or dyes and be made using renewable resources for production.
