Are skin care products with pure natural ingredients safer?

Not absolutely.

When it comes to choosing skin care or cosmetics, many consumers tend to choose products that are labeled as "all-natural" or "organic." This trend is partly due to people's increased concern for health and the environment. However, although these products may contain fewer artificial chemicals, this does not mean that they are completely harmless or better for everyone to use.

First, so-called "all-natural" ingredients are not necessarily safer or more effective than synthetic ingredients. Some natural extracts may cause allergic or other adverse reactions in some people. For example, plant oils or fragrances may cause skin irritation or allergies.

Secondly, the sanitary conditions during the production process, the use of additives, and the stability of the products are all important factors that affect their safety and effectiveness. Pure natural ingredients may contain unknown allergens or harmful ingredients, and due to the lack of standardized production processes, their quality and safety may be more difficult to guarantee.

In addition, some natural ingredients may deteriorate during the extraction and storage process, increasing the risk of use. Therefore, when consumers choose such products, they should carefully check the product's ingredient list and the safety data provided by the manufacturer.

In contrast, the progress of the modern chemical industry has made it easier to ensure the safety and stability of synthetic ingredients after rigorous testing and verification. Scientific research shows that even synthetic ingredients that have been rigorously tested and regulated may be safer than some natural ingredients that have not been fully studied. The key lies in the quality of the ingredients and the rationality of the formula, not the source of the ingredients or the "pure natural" label.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital