What does natural mean in an all natural skin care line? There are so many different products using the word natural it's no wonder there is confusion as to what natural means. The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) refuses to define the term natural. Therefore, without any government guidance, a company can make any natural claim they like.

Educating ourselves on the ingredients of an all natural skin care line is the best way to determine what is natural and what is not.

It's important not only to know what the ingredients are, but also how they are created. For instance, many labels claim natural and still contain Cocamide DEA. The label will often list this ingredient with the words (coconut oil) in an attempt to convince the consumer that the ingredient came from a natural source.

It's true that Cocamide DEA does come from a coconut; however, they have to use an industrial strength herbicide in combination with sulfuric acid to extract the substance. Although the ingredient may have come from a coconut, the extraction process is so extreme there is no way to consider it a natural ingredient.

Parabens are another ingredient to avoid when choosing an all natural skin care line. Parabens are used in cosmetics for their anti fungal capabilities. However, the structure of parabens is so similar to estrogen that scientist have found parabens in breast cancer tumors.

Here are some names of common parabens so you can avoid them in your skin care products.
Methylparaben (E number E218)
Ethylparaben (E214)
Propylparaben (E216

Butylparaben
Now let's talk about what should be in your all natural skin care line. You want to look for ingredients that will keep the moisture in your skin. There are many natural oils including grape seed oil that work with your skin to maintain moisture.

Feeding your skin essential nutrients is another indicator that you have a great all natural skin care line. Look for products that include vitamins C and E. Sea Kelp and Manuka Honey (from New Zealand) are two ingredients that give your skin the nutrition it needs.

Education is the best ingredient for anyone who really wants an all natural skin care line. So, go ahead and start reading labels and asking questions. Take the information you have learned here and continue your education into what kind of substances you are putting on your skin.



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