Natural vs Synthetic
"The industry is to blame for this misconception that synthetic is bad because in the way it uses the word 'natural' it implies safety." - Dene Godfrey, Society of Cosmetic Scientists
There's no such thing as chemical-free. Most things around us and even our bodies are made up of chemicals but manufacturers and some experts are keen to insist that natural chemicals are better for us than synthetic ones.
Celsi Richfield formulates the products at Organic Botanics. She said: "I don't like the idea of absorbing synthetic chemicals into the body so Organic Botanics uses natural and organic ingredients."
However, there are no specific regulations surrounding the promotion of a product as 'natural'. If a product contains just one natural ingredient then a line on the front of the bottle stating 'natural ingredients' is unlikely to be disputed.
The beauty industry spends £600 million a year marketing its products as pure, simple, organic and natural, but will buying these cosmetics make any difference to us?