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| - Last Updated on December 24, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that natural ingredients are as effective as lab-formulated ones. Our fact check reveals this claim is mostly false.
The Claim
According to a post on Threads, your skincare routine doesn’t need lab-made ingredients, but instead can rely on natural ingredients. It suggests using Greek yogurt for lactic acid, aloe vera for hyaluronic acid, bone marrow for retinol, matcha for niacinamide, lemon juice for glycolic acid, cucumber for salicylic acid, red grapes for resveratrol, rosehip oil for tretinoin, turmeric for tetrahydrocurcumin, egg yolk for tocopherol, kiwi for vitamin C, coffee for hydroquinone, raw honey for antioxidants, olive oil for amino acids, and avocado for CoQ10. The post emphasizes that nature has been providing these benefits for centuries.
Fact Check
Can natural ingredients match the efficacy of lab-based actives?
No, natural ingredients cannot fully replicate the efficacy of lab-based actives. While some natural products may contain similar compounds, their concentration and bioavailability are not comparable to lab-formulated skincare ingredients.
For instance, lactic acid in Greek yoghurt exists in much lower concentrations than in skincare formulations. Lab-derived lactic acid is standardised for exfoliation and skin renewal, whereas yoghurt’s concentration varies, making it less effective. Similarly, retinol, derived from vitamin A, is far more potent and stable in lab formulations than in bone marrow or natural sources.
Scientific studies highlight that skincare actives have the ability to penetrate the skin at specific depths and concentrations. Natural ingredients often lack this precision, making them less effective for targeted skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, or ageing.
We spoke with Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital in Mumbai, for her expert take on natural ingredients for skincare. She explains, “Natural ingredients can be beneficial, but they don’t work the same way as lab-based actives. For example, Greek yoghurt contains lactic acid, but the concentration is too low to give the exfoliation and skin-renewing effects you’d get from a formulated lactic acid product. Lab-based ingredients deliver specific results at the right strength and depth. Natural products can complement your routine, but they can’t replace the precision and effectiveness of science-backed skincare.”
Are natural alternatives safer than lab-based products?
Not necessarily. Natural does not always mean safer. Many natural ingredients can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or photosensitivity (Sun sensitivity) when applied directly to the skin.
For example, lemon juice, suggested as an alternative to glycolic acid, is highly acidic and can disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to irritation or burns. Lab-based glycolic acid, however, is carefully formulated to provide controlled exfoliation without damaging the skin. Similarly, turmeric, while known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can stain the skin and cause irritation when not used in refined forms.
Skincare products undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy, something raw natural ingredients lack. This makes lab-based formulations generally more reliable and safer for regular use. However, it is important to check with your dermatologist to determine the right concentration of these skincare ingredients for your skin.
We got in touch with Dr Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, for his opinion on the safety of natural ingredients in skincare compared to lab-based skin ingredients. He says, “Not everything natural is automatically safe for your skin. Many natural ingredients, like lemon juice or turmeric, can cause irritation, burns, or even allergic reactions when applied directly. Lab-based products undergo careful testing to ensure they work effectively and safely. For example, glycolic acid in skincare gently exfoliates, while lemon juice can damage your skin barrier due to its high acidity. So, while natural products might sound appealing, they’re not always the better or safer choice for your skin.”
Social media is full of posts promising quick results in a short time, such as the DIY remedy that claims to completely eliminate dark circles in just seven days. But, this is not true.
Do natural ingredients offer consistent results?
No, natural ingredients lack the consistency of lab-formulated products. Variations in growing conditions, processing, and storage can significantly impact the potency and composition of natural products.
For instance, aloe vera gel varies in its concentration of active compounds depending on how it is harvested, the environment, and how it is stored. In contrast, lab-formulated hyaluronic acid is synthesised to deliver consistent hydration and performance. This consistency is crucial for addressing specific skin concerns effectively. So, it is actually an exaggeration to say that aloe vera can replace hyaluronic acid in skincare.
We’ve come across several claims suggesting that DIY remedies can make your skin much lighter. For example, some wrongly claim that a mixture of coffee, shampoo, and toothpaste can lighten your skin.
Can natural alternatives replace a complete skincare routine?
Not entirely. While natural ingredients can complement skincare routines, they cannot replace lab-based actives for addressing specific concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or severe acne.
For example, vitamin C from kiwi or antioxidants from honey may provide mild benefits, but they are not as potent or stable as their lab-formulated counterparts. Skincare products are specially designed to deliver these actives in a form that the skin can readily absorb and utilise, something raw natural sources often fail to achieve.
THIP Media Take
The claim that natural ingredients are as effective as lab-formulated ones is mostly false. While some natural ingredients may offer minor benefits, they cannot match the potency, consistency, and safety of scientifically formulated skincare products.
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