Making Natural Cosmetics: What Does ‘Natural’ Really Mean and Which Ingredients Are Safe?

You hear it everywhere: “natural product,” “naturally derived,” or “organic.” But do you actually know what these terms really mean? What’s the difference between natural, naturally sourced, and organic? Which ingredients are truly natural, and which ones should be avoided?

If you dream of creating your own natural beauty products but feel a bit lost in this world of claims and certifications, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll get a clear explanation to help you make informed choices as you launch your natural cosmetics brand.

Natural vs. Organic: What’s the Difference?

There’s no denying it: natural and organic cosmetics are booming. If you haven’t heard about them yet, you might be living under a rock, or somewhere deep in Antarctica 😉

But whether you’re a consumer or an aspiring brand owner, the terminology in this space can be confusing. That’s why we explain the difference between three key terms: natural, naturally derived, and organic.

🧪 Natural Ingredients

These include water, minerals (like clay), animal by-products (like honey, wax, or milk), and plant materials (like flowers or leaves). They may only be physically processed, such as ground, infused, or cold-pressed, but not chemically modified.

🌿 Naturally Derived Ingredients

These are not petroleum-based and are sourced from nature, but they have undergone chemical processing. Example: soap made through saponification (a chemical reaction between oil and lye).
Important: chemical processing does not automatically mean an ingredient is unsafe.

🌱 Organic Ingredients

These are either natural or naturally derived ingredients, but grown and processed in accordance with strict organic farming standards. Their origin, cultivation, processing, and packaging are all monitored.

Under the Écogarantie label in Belgium, a certified organic product must contain 100% natural or naturally derived ingredients that are also certified organic. No GMOs, no petrochemical substances, and yes to biodegradable ingredients, from raw material to finished packaging.

⚠️ Watch Out for Greenwashing

Don’t be fooled by brands that label products “natural” without official certification. Some products contain only 20% natural ingredients, with the rest coming from synthetic or petrochemical sources.

So always look for products that carry a recognized label. And if you’re launching your own natural cosmetics brand: commit fully and avoid greenwashing. One way to do this is by working with a certified cosmetics lab specialized in natural formulation.

Why Work With a Certified Lab Like Anybrand Cosmetic?

At Anybrand Cosmetic, an experienced natural cosmetics lab, we support you from A to Z in developing your product line and ensure that your formulas are certified under Écogarantie’s strict requirements.

✅ Benefits of working with our lab:

-Deep expertise in natural ingredients and clean beauty trends
-Safe, effective and high-quality formulas
-Access to exclusive, high-grade raw materials
-Up-to-date knowledge of regulations and the cosmetics market
-Full support for safety testing, compliance, and labeling

Whether you’re creating custom formulations or choosing a white-label solution: we ensure your natural cosmetics are developed seamlessly and sustainably.

Why Certification Truly Matters

If you want to be sure a product is genuinely natural, always check for a certified organic label on the packaging. Labels like Écogarantie, Cosmébio, and Ecocert guarantee that:

–No controversial ingredients are used
–Environmental impact is minimized
–Production is ethical and sustainable

So, if you’re starting your own natural brand: choose a lab that is certified as an organic manufacturer and follows the guidelines of a recognized certification body.

The Best Ingredients for Your Natural Skincare Line

As explained, natural ingredients like water, minerals, plants, and animal by-products form the foundation. But “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “safe” or “suitable.” That’s why we’ve listed our trusted favorites below:

🧴 Top Picks at Anybrand Cosmetic:

Vegetable oils & butters: shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan oil — nourishing, moisturizing, and protective

Plant extracts & essential oils: rose extract, lavender or chamomile oil — powerful and pure

Naturally derived surfactants: soap nut powder, a plant-based foaming agent ideal for shampoos and shower gels

Honey: hydrating, antibacterial, and soothing — a staple in many of our formulas

Hydrosols (floral waters): obtained via steam distillation (e.g. rose water, witch hazel) — purifying, calming, or stimulating depending on the plant used

Of course, there are many more, but these are some top choices for anyone wanting to launch a truly natural skincare line.

In Conclusion…

You now have a clear picture of what natural and organic cosmetics really are, how they differ, and which ingredients are safe to use when developing your own products.

Want to start producing natural cosmetics? Then do it with a certified lab like Anybrand Cosmetic. We’ll ensure your products are not only certified, natural, and safe, but also aligned with your values, brand style, and customer needs.

🎯 Ready to launch your natural cosmetics brand?
Contact us, and we’ll help you bring your idea to life with a tailor-made approach, from first concept to finished product on the shelf.