In recent years, there has been a growing demand for natural and clean beauty products, fueled by an increased awareness of the potential health and environmental risks associated with synthetic chemicals. As a result, many cosmetic brands are striving to meet this demand by formulating products with high percentages of natural ingredients. However, the path to creating 100% natural cosmetic products is far more challenging. In this blog post, we'll explore why developing 100% natural cosmetics is a complex endeavor compared to products with a percentage of natural content.

Ingredient Sourcing and Availability

One of the primary challenges in creating 100% natural cosmetics is sourcing natural ingredients of sufficient quality and quantity. Unlike products with a percentage of natural content, which can blend natural and synthetic elements, 100% natural cosmetics rely exclusively on nature-derived ingredients. This can pose several difficulties:

• Limited Availability: Some natural ingredients are scarce or seasonal, making it challenging to maintain consistency in formulations. The availability of these ingredients can also be affected by factors like climate conditions and regional constraints.
• Quality Control: Ensuring the quality, purity, and safety of natural ingredients can be more challenging than working with synthetic counterparts, which can be precisely synthesized. Variability in natural ingredients can affect product consistency.

Preservation and Shelf Life

Synthetic preservatives are commonly used in cosmetics to extend product shelf life and prevent microbial growth. In 100% natural cosmetics, preserving product freshness without synthetic additives presents a substantial challenge:

• Natural Preservation: Developing effective natural preservatives that can compete with their synthetic counterparts is a complex task. Natural alternatives must prevent bacterial and fungal growth while maintaining product stability and safety.
• Product Spoilage: Without the aid of synthetic preservatives, 100% natural cosmetics are more susceptible to spoilage, separation, and changes in texture, especially when exposed to air and moisture.

Texture, Stability, and Performance

Achieving the desired texture, consistency, and stability in 100% natural products can be tricky. Synthetic ingredients are often used in cosmetics to improve these characteristics, providing a smooth application and a pleasing sensory experience. In comparison:

• Texture: Natural ingredients may not always yield the same silky textures and finishes as synthetic additives, requiring innovative formulations and extensive testing.
• Stability: Synthetic ingredients contribute to the stability of cosmetic products, preventing separation and spoilage. Developing 100% natural cosmetics that maintain stability without synthetic assistance can be challenging.
• Performance: Synthetic ingredients are engineered to deliver specific skincare or cosmetic benefits. Replicating the same level of efficacy with natural ingredients can require significant research and development efforts.

Safety and Allergens

While natural cosmetics are generally perceived as safer, natural ingredients can still cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals. Formulating 100% natural products that minimize the risk of allergens while maintaining effectiveness can be complex.

Regulatory Compliance

Cosmetic regulations vary by region, and developing 100% natural products that comply with these regulations requires extensive research, documentation, and adherence to strict safety standards.

Environmental Considerations

From an environmental perspective, the extraction and production of synthetic ingredients used in cosmetics can have detrimental effects, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. 100% natural cosmetics aim to minimize such environmental impacts by relying solely on sustainable, naturally sourced ingredients.

In conclusion, while the desire for 100% natural cosmetic products is growing, their development is a complex and challenging endeavor. Navigating the intricacies of ingredient sourcing, preservation, texture, performance, and safety without the use of synthetic additives requires innovative solutions, extensive testing, and a commitment to sustainability.

That's why it took the Brewing Beauty Company over two and a half years to develop the concept and formulate the products, which are made from 100% natural ingredients. But it was worth it, we love pushing the boundaries and we are proud of what we have achieved.

As consumers increasingly seek natural and clean beauty options, the cosmetic industry continues to evolve, but only a few brands meets these demands while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of products that grace our shelves and benefit our skin and the environment.