Why We Don’t Offer 99% ‘Natural’ Formulas – A Manufacturer’s Ingredient Integrity Manifesto
The demand for natural skincare has skyrocketed in recent years, with brands boasting formulations that are 99% natural or even entirely plant-based. Consumers are drawn to these claims, believing that natural equals safer, healthier, and more effective. But as an OEM skincare manufacturer, we take a different stance—one that prioritizes science, stability, safety, and effectiveness over marketing buzzwords.
We do not offer 99% natural formulations. Not because we don’t believe in the power of nature, but because the reality of skincare formulation is far more complex than a simple percentage can convey. In this Ingredient Integrity Manifesto, we’ll explain:
- The misleading nature of ‘99% natural’ claims
- Why ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean better (or safer)
- The crucial role of safe synthetics in effective skincare
- How we prioritize ingredient integrity over marketing gimmicks
If you’re a skincare brand looking to create safe, stable, and high-performance products, this is a must-read.
The Problem With ‘99% Natural’ Claims
1. ‘Natural’ Has No Standard Definition
One of the biggest issues with “99% natural” claims is that there is no universal standard for what “natural” actually means. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation do not define “natural” in cosmetics. This allows brands to use the term loosely, sometimes including ingredients that have undergone extensive chemical processing.
For example:
- Cocamidopropyl betaine (a surfactant used in natural shampoos) is derived from coconut oil but processed with synthetic chemicals.
- Sodium benzoate, a common preservative in natural skincare, is lab-synthesized, even though it exists in nature.
- Emulsifiers and stabilizers are often required to prevent a product from separating, and many of them come from bio-engineered processes.
A “99% natural” claim doesn’t necessarily mean minimal processing or better quality—it simply means the brand found a way to label ingredients in a way that fits the narrative.
2. The ‘Natural’ vs. ‘Synthetic’ Debate is Misleading
Many consumers believe that natural = good and synthetic = bad, but this is an oversimplification. Some of the most toxic substances in the world—such as cyanide, arsenic, and poison ivy—are completely natural. Meanwhile, some of the most effective and safest skincare ingredients—like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides—are synthetic.
In reality, both natural and synthetic ingredients have their place in high-quality skincare. The question should not be “Is it natural?” but rather “Is it safe, effective, and beneficial for the skin?”
3. ‘99% Natural’ Formulations Often Sacrifice Performance
Creating a product that is 99% natural often requires removing key functional ingredients, which can compromise:
- Stability – Without effective stabilizers, products can separate or degrade quickly.
- Texture & Feel – Many synthetic ingredients provide smooth, lightweight, non-greasy textures that natural formulations struggle to achieve.
- Preservation – Natural preservatives alone are often not strong enough to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
- Efficacy – Many of the best anti-aging, brightening, and hydrating actives come from synthetic sources or require chemical modification to be effective.
We refuse to compromise on performance just to meet an arbitrary percentage.
The Hidden Dangers of ‘All-Natural’ Skincare
1. Microbial Contamination Risks
Many natural skincare brands rely on weak or ineffective preservatives to maintain their "natural" status. This increases the risk of microbial contamination, which can lead to:
- Bacterial overgrowth (causing breakouts, infections, and skin irritation)
- Mold and yeast contamination (potential allergens and serious health hazards)
- Product spoilage (reduced shelf life and effectiveness)
We believe that preservative efficacy is non-negotiable, which is why we use proven, safe, and effective preservation systems—even if they are not 100% natural.
2. Short Shelf Life and Degradation
Most natural ingredients are highly unstable, especially when exposed to air, light, or moisture. Without the right stabilizers and antioxidants, natural products can:
- Oxidize quickly (leading to rancidity and loss of potency)
- Develop off-putting smells and textures
- Lose their effectiveness within weeks or months
Our formulations are designed for long-term stability, ensuring that active ingredients remain potent and safe throughout the product’s shelf life.
3. Ineffectiveness Compared to Science-Backed Alternatives
Some natural ingredients work exceptionally well, but many lack the scientific backing of lab-engineered actives. For example:
- Synthetic Vitamin C derivatives (like sodium ascorbyl phosphate) are more stable and effective than raw citrus extracts.
- Lab-created peptides are specifically designed to boost collagen and reduce wrinkles in ways that raw plant extracts cannot.
- Fermented and bioengineered ingredients can enhance absorption and efficacy far beyond their raw, natural counterparts.
By combining the best of nature and science, we create formulations that actually deliver results—not just marketing claims.
How We Define Ingredient Integrity
Instead of chasing arbitrary “natural” percentages, we focus on ingredient integrity—which means:
1. Safety First
- Every ingredient undergoes rigorous toxicity and allergenicity testing.
- We follow strict EU, FDA, and ISO safety standards.
- No unsafe preservatives, endocrine disruptors, or irritants—whether natural or synthetic.
2. Science-Backed Formulations
- We prioritize clinically proven actives that have real skincare benefits.
- Every formula undergoes stability and efficacy testing to ensure long-term performance.
- We use bioengineered ingredients when they outperform their natural counterparts.
3. Sustainability Without Compromise
- We source responsibly, using eco-certified and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.
- Our packaging minimizes waste while preserving product integrity.
- We support green chemistry innovations that reduce environmental impact.
Why Our Clients Trust Our Approach
As an OEM skincare manufacturer, we work with brands that care about quality, safety, and results over misleading marketing claims. Our clients choose us because:
- We formulate based on science, not trends.
- We don’t cut corners with weak preservatives or unstable ingredients.
- We ensure every product passes rigorous microbial, stability, and efficacy tests.
- We educate our partners on the best ingredient choices for long-term success.
If you’re looking to create a truly effective, safe, and high-performance skincare line, we can help you develop products with real ingredient integrity—not just a “99% natural” label.
Choosing Integrity Over Marketing Gimmicks
The obsession with natural percentages has led many brands down a path of weaker formulas, compromised stability, and ineffective products. As a manufacturer, we refuse to participate in misleading marketing tactics. Instead, we focus on:
✅ Safe, science-backed formulations
✅ Ingredient integrity over arbitrary percentages
✅ High-performance, stable, and effective products
If your brand values quality, transparency, and real results, partner with us to create skincare that delivers—not deceives.
