Safe Synthetics: Why Not All “Chemical” Ingredients Are Bad
Debunking myths about chemicals in skincare and appreciating the role of safe synthetics
Introduction
In today’s beauty market, the word “chemical” has become a catch-all for anything to be feared or avoided. Many brands advertise “chemical-free” products, implying that synthetic ingredients are inherently dangerous while natural ingredients are pure and safe. This dichotomy oversimplifies the science of skincare. Everything is made of chemicals, from the water you drink to the vitamins in a cucumber. Understanding the role that synthetic ingredients play in formulation helps dispel myths and ensures you select products based on evidence rather than marketing slogans.
Marketing Myths and Unregulated Labels
Labels like “all-natural,” “chemical-free,” and “clean beauty” are not regulated by governments. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist explains that natural skin care products are not necessarily safer; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the term “natural,” and natural ingredients can cause severe allergic reactions. A 2023 study found that nearly all “all-natural” skin care products contained ingredients known to trigger contact dermatitis. These findings show that the word “natural” is often used as a marketing tool rather than a guarantee of safety.
The dermatology blog by Supriya notes that marketing terms such as “chemical-free” and “all-natural” are fluff; equating chemicals with harmfulness is misleading and unscientific. In reality, the distinction between natural and synthetic has little bearing on whether an ingredient is safe. Salt, for example, is entirely natural yet can be harmful in excess. Meanwhile, synthesized vitamins in supplements are identical to their natural counterparts. When brands promote “chemical-free” products, they often capitalize on fear rather than educating consumers about ingredient function and safety.
Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Mother Nature produces some potent irritants. Poison ivy, hemlock, and certain essential oils can cause rashes or toxicity. Many natural ingredients used in skin care, such as citrus oils or fragrance compounds, are common allergens. The Cleveland Clinic article cites research revealing that the majority of products labeled “all-natural” contain components capable of causing allergic reactions. Without preservatives, natural formulations can also become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, potentially leading to infections.
This does not mean natural ingredients are bad; cucumber extract, jojoba oil, and clay offer wonderful benefits. Rather, it underscores the importance of evaluating each ingredient on its own merits and the concentration used, instead of assuming natural equals safe and synthetic equals harmful.
The Role of Synthetic Ingredients
Many synthetic ingredients perform essential functions that make products effective, stable, and pleasant to use. Some key roles include:
• Preservatives: Water-based products require preservatives to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are antioxidants that protect oils from rancidity. Health Canada notes that these preservatives are typically used at concentrations around 0.1 % and have been deemed safe at current exposure levels. Without preservatives, water-based products could harbor harmful bacteria and fungi.
• Stabilizers and emulsifiers: Synthetic emulsifiers blend oil and water into stable creams and lotions. Without them, a product would separate or spoil quickly. These molecules are designed to be inert and non-irritating.
• pH adjusters and buffers: Skin-friendly products often require pH adjustment. Laboratory-made compounds like sodium hydroxide or citric acid (also found naturally in fruit) help keep formulations at a pH that preserves the product and maintains skin comfort.
• Active ingredients: Some highly effective actives, retinoids, peptides, and certain sunscreens are synthesized to ensure purity, stability, and efficacy. These compounds can deliver targeted benefits such as stimulating collagen production, brightening pigmentation, or protecting against UV damage.
Synthetic ingredients can also replace animal-derived compounds or plants that are overharvested. For example, lab-fermented squalane from sugarcane mimics squalene found in shark liver oil, providing a vegan alternative. As the Supriya article explains, some synthetic ingredients are biofermented, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Regulatory Oversight and Safe Use
Fears about chemicals often stem from stories of toxic ingredients. It is true that some synthetic compounds are hazardous at high doses. However, regulatory agencies ensure that cosmetics on the market do not contain dangerous levels of such substances. Health Canada reviews scientific literature, monitors international decisions, and can prohibit or restrict ingredients that present health risks. Manufacturers must submit a Cosmetic Notification Form detailing all ingredients before a product can be sold. This transparency allows regulators to track ingredient safety.
The concept of dose is critical. Formaldehyde, for instance, is a known carcinogen when inhaled in large quantities, yet small amounts of formaldehyde-releasing preservatives used in topical cosmetics have been reviewed and deemed safe. Similarly, the antioxidants BHA and BHT maintain product quality and are considered safe at current exposure levels. The presence of a potentially hazardous compound does not automatically make a product dangerous; what matters is the concentration and route of exposure.
Consumers can also protect themselves by reading ingredient lists and choosing products from reputable brands. The requirement to disclose all ingredients means you can avoid substances that personally irritate you. Brands that value safety will explain why each ingredient is included and use the lowest effective concentrations to minimize risk.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Some synthetic ingredients offer environmental advantages over their natural counterparts. Lab-produced actives can reduce the need to harvest large quantities of plants, preserving biodiversity. Biofermented ingredients like hyaluronic acid and certain amino acids are produced by microorganisms in controlled environments, conserving resources and ensuring consistency. Synthetic waxes can replace animal-derived waxes like beeswax, catering to vegans and reducing dependence on animal agriculture.
Sustainable sourcing also applies to natural ingredients; harvesting rare botanicals or exotic oils can harm ecosystems. By incorporating safe synthetics, formulators can create effective products without exerting undue pressure on wild plant populations.
Finding Balance in Your Skincare
Rather than focusing on whether an ingredient is natural or synthetic, evaluate the evidence for its safety and efficacy. Look for brands that disclose their formulations, explain the purpose of each ingredient, and comply with regulatory standards. If you have allergies, be cautious with fragrance blends and essential oils labeled as natural. Perform patch tests when trying new products, regardless of their origin.
Dallium Beauty believes in a balanced approach. Our products combine botanicals like cucumber extract and jojoba oil with carefully chosen synthetic components that ensure stability and safety. For example, we use gentle preservatives at low concentrations to prevent microbial growth and extend product shelf life without compromising skin health. We also incorporate biofermented actives that deliver targeted benefits and reduce environmental impact.
Conclusion
The fear of chemicals has led many consumers to equate synthetic with harmful and natural with safe. Science tells a different story. Natural ingredients can cause allergies and degrade quickly, while synthetic compounds often make products stable, effective, and sustainable. Regulatory oversight by agencies like Health Canada ensures that cosmetics contain safe levels of all ingredients. By understanding the function and safety of both natural and synthetic components, you can make informed choices that prioritize your skin’s health and align with your ethical values. Dallium Beauty invites you to embrace this balanced perspective and enjoy products crafted with care, science, and transparency
References
- Cleveland Clinic: The terms “natural” and “clean” are unregulated; natural ingredients can cause severe allergic reactions. A 2023 study found that nearly all “all-natural” products contain allergens.
- 2. Supriya Dermatology: Marketing terms like “chemical-free” and “all-natural” are unregulated and misleading; grouping chemicals as bad ignores beneficial synthetic ingredients. Many synthetic ingredients are biofermented and can be more sustainable and stable.
- 3. Health Canada: Manufacturers must disclose all ingredients; the agency monitors safety and can prohibit ingredients if they pose risks. Hazardous substances like formaldehyde are safe at low doses, and preservatives such as BHA/BHT are considered safe at current exposure levels.
This blog post is brought to you by Dallium Beauty, Canadian-made natural skincare.
