What Does “Natural” Really Mean?
What Does “Natural” Really Mean?
Notes from My Apothecary:
This morning, while pouring a small batch of body, I caught myself thinking how often the word natural shows up in skincare—and how rarely anyone explains what it truly means.
Here’s something most people don’t realize: in both Canada and the U.S., natural isn’t a legally regulated term in cosmetics. There’s no official rule that says how natural a product must be to use that word. A brand can label something “natural” even if it still contains synthetic ingredients. That discovery, years ago, quietly changed how I approach everything I formulate.
When most of us picture natural skincare, we think of ingredients that come from plants, minerals, or animals—things like herbal infusions, botanical oils, clays, beeswax, butters, and tallow. These ingredients feel familiar and time-tested, closer to their original form. But because there’s no single definition, “natural” can mean very different things depending on who’s using the word.
That’s why certifications matter. Organizations like COSMOS and NATRUE created real standards for what can truly be called natural. They restrict certain synthetics and require a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients. When I see those logos, I feel more confident that “natural” is being used with intention—not just as a marketing buzzword.
Something else I’ve learned along the way: natural doesn’t mean organic. Organic refers to how ingredients are grown—without certain pesticides or fertilizers—while natural mostly refers to where ingredients come from. A product can be natural without being organic, and organic without being fully natural. Understanding that difference completely changed how I read labels.
For me, natural skincare isn’t about perfection. It’s about integrity. It’s about choosing ingredients that support the skin barrier, avoiding hidden synthetics, minimizing unnecessary processing, and being honest about what’s inside every jar and bar.
This matters even more for delicate, dry, or menopausal skin—where the skin barrier is already compromised and sensitivity is higher. That’s why I lean into nourishing fats like grass-fed tallow, olive oil, shea butter, jojoba, resins, and gentle botanicals. Skin doesn’t need trendy chemistry—it needs compatibility, stability, and care.
That philosophy is the heart behind everything I make. And if you ever wonder why I chose a certain ingredient, or what “natural” really means in one of my formulas, I’m always happy to share.
Skincare should feel nourishing, not mysterious.
— Pasqualina
Vintage Lather Soap Co.