How to Tell the Difference Between Natural, Sort-Of Natural & Not Natural At All!
TIP 1 : READ THE FIRST FEW INGREDIENTS
In both skincare and food, ingredients are listed from most to least (a good thing to remember!) so always look at the first few ingredients on the ingredients list. Are they truly natural? Or are they ‘natural derivatives’? Then find out how they are processed and treated! If the product says it’s made from olive oil, is it amongst the first few ingredients? It should be!
TIP 2 : CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE
Look for an expiry date. No expiry date? Red alert! It’s probably not a natural product. A long expiry date (i.e. two-and-a-half-years or more)? Then it’s likely to contain non-natural ingredients or may be a natural product that’s high on preservatives or processed ingredients (which last longer than truly natural ones).
TIP 3 : THE FEWER THE INGREDIENTS, THE BETTER
We’re big believers of less is more. As Nanna always says, great recipes always focus on using a few, great ingredients. Longer lists may be a sign that fillers or cheaper ingredients are being used. Too many extracts and essential oils can also overwhelm the skin, especially sensitive or baby skin.
TIP 4 : GIVE IT A SNIFF!
It’s often the first thing most people do. But instead of looking for a fragrance, look for something which has a very light or no fragrance. The heavier the fragrance, the more likely it is that synthetic fragrances are being used or a high concentration of essential oils (which can often act like preservatives because of their potency). Both things to avoid since both synthetic fragrances and strong essential oils can release potent chemicals and irritate sensitive and young skins.
TIP 5 : CHECK OUR ‘NO LIST’
It’s a dirty dozen of ingredients you wouldn’t want to find in your or your little one’s skincare. We apply these products to our skin every single day and choosing safe, natural skin care is a must. After all, it’s your largest organ!