From natural skincare to vegan skincare, there are a lot of terms you’ll find on product labels and in marketing copy. But it’s not always clear what these terms mean or which products to choose for your personal skincare routine. Here’s what the terms natural, clean, non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, and more mean in skincare:
Natural
“Natural” is usually used to refer to products that contain ingredients from natural sources, as opposed to chemically formulated in a lab. Keep in mind that these natural sources can sometimes contain both animals and plants, which means that products labeled “natural” are not automatically vegan or cruelty-free skincare.
Of course, natural doesn’t automatically mean safe either; there are many natural substances that are actually quite toxic to humans! Always read the label carefully to make sure you know what ingredients the product contains.
Clean
“Clean” products are usually free from a list of ingredients considered potentially harmful to humans and/or the environment. This list of non-prohibited ingredients varies from brand to brand, as “clean” is not a regulated term.
Some common ingredients to avoid clean products are parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, formaldehyde and more. Certain clean products may also avoid artificial fragrances and colors or dyes, while others may contain these ingredients to enhance the overall cosmetic experience.
Non-Toxic or Toxin-Free
The terms “non-toxic” or “toxin-free” are often used to refer to products that are free of ingredients that have been linked to possible hormone disruption, cancer, and other toxic reactions in humans. Phthalates and formaldehyde are two common examples of ingredients not typically found in non-toxic products. However, there is no regulation for this term, so always read the ingredient labels of products that claim to be toxin-free.
Green
“Green” is another skincare marketing term that can mean many different things, depending on the brand. And green beauty usually refers to sustainable or eco-friendly skincare, and it can also include elements of natural or clean skincare (i.e., focusing on naturally derived ingredients while avoiding potentially harmful ingredients).
Organic
Organic is one of the few terms that is regulated (in this case by the United States Department of Agriculture, also known as the USDA). To be labeled organic by the USDA, a product must contain 95% of the ingredients produced without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other synthetic materials. The term “organic” must be accompanied by the USDA logo on the package; otherwise, the brand may be using the organic certification illegally.
Sustainable
Unlike organic, “sustainable” is not an official designation or certification, so it’s always best to confirm what companies mean when they claim their skincare products are sustainable. “Sustainable” usually refers to skincare companies that prioritize recycling packaging, try to reduce single-use plastics, use non-toxic ingredients, and try to reduce their carbon footprint.
Eco-Friendly
Like sustainable, “eco-friendly” is a term that is not an official designation, but is often used to describe products that use recyclable packaging and ingredients from sustainable sources. Again, there’s nothing stopping companies from using “eco-friendly” as a marketing term, so it’s always best to do your due diligence if this is an important purchasing criterion for you when it comes to skincare products. Some companies may use the terms “green,” “sustainable,” and “eco-friendly” interchangeably.
Vegan
Vegan skincare products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Some common ingredients derived in cosmetic products include beeswax, honey, lanolin, squalene, carmine, and gelatin. Many vegan skincare products are also cruelty-free, but these are technically two separate terms, so it’s always best to read the label carefully when looking for animal-friendly skincare.
Non-Comedogenic
Non-comedogenic is a term that refers to skincare products that do not contain ingredients that can clog pores, such as lanolin and shea butter. Like hypoallergenic, there is no federal standard defining what non-comedogenic means, and products labeled as such do not need to be tested. People with acne can benefit from using non-comedogenic products, but they should check the label before making a purchase.
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic is a term used by skincare companies to describe products that are less likely to cause allergic reactions than other products. However, there is no federal standard that defines what hypoallergenic means, so companies can use the term however they want. If you have sensitive skin, double-check the label before purchasing hypoallergenic products, just to be safe.