What Do “Natural” and “Synthetic” Even Mean?
- Natural = found in nature, not altered by humans
- Synthetic = created or modified in a lab by humans
That’s it. Nothing about safety or health. Just origin.
What matters isn’t where something comes from, but what it does, how much you’re exposed to it, and how your body processes it.
Myths vs Facts on Natural and Synthetic Chemicals
MYTH #1: “Natural ingredients are always safer.”
✅ FACT: Many natural substances, like arsenic, cyanide, or venom can be harmful. Safety depends on dose and toxicology, not whether something comes from a plant. And natural food additives like carmine (made from crushed beetles) or annatto (a seed extract) can cause allergic reactions in some kids. Being natural doesn’t guarantee safety or effectiveness.
MYTH #2: “If it’s synthetic, it must be toxic.”
✅ FACT: Synthetic ingredients are often more stable, pure, and precisely formulated. For example:
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) made in a lab is the same exact molecule as in an orange.
- Preservatives like sorbic acid prevent mold and extend shelf life, which is especially important for kids’ snacks or school lunches.
- Synthetic sunscreen ingredients protect against skin cancer.
Synthetic chemicals are tested and regulated for safety, especially in food, cosmetics, and kids’ products. Food and product additives, whether natural or synthetic, must pass safety assessments by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
MYTH #3: “If I can’t pronounce it, it’s not safe.”
✅ FACT: Many essential ingredients have complex names (like tocopherol = Vitamin E). Long words do not equal danger.
Real chemical safety is based on dose, exposure, and decades of peer-reviewed research.
Chemistry of Cosmetics: 20 Chemicals in Personal Care Products
Chemicals in personal care and makeup products have many uses, from preserving the product and adding fragrance, to providing sun protection and making the product feel smooth and silky.
Sunscreen: Chemical Ingredients and Summertime Safety
When it comes to sun protection, the science is clear. Health experts agree that using sunscreen is important during outdoor summer activities to protect the skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburns, premature skin aging and skin cancer.
“The Dose Makes the Poison”
Nearly 500 years ago, Swiss physician and chemist Paracelsus expressed the basic principle of toxicology: “All things are poison and nothing is without poison; only the dose makes a thing not a poison.”
