Let’s be honest—shopping for skin care these days can feel like trying to read a foreign language. One label says natural, another says organic, and a third one claims botanical or non-toxic. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin—especially when you’re just trying to take better care of your skin.

So what’s the real difference between natural and organic skin care? And more importantly, does it matter?

Sort of. And here’s why.

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First, let’s define a few things

Before we go down the rabbit hole, let’s lay some groundwork:

• Natural skin care refers to products that are made with ingredients derived from nature—think herbs, plants, flowers, minerals. But natural isn’t a regulated term in the beauty world, which means brands can slap it on a label even if only a tiny percentage of the ingredients are actually from natural sources.

• Organic skin care means the ingredients were grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms. If a product is certified organic, it’s been vetted by an official body (like USDA or COSMOS). These products tend to be held to stricter standards—and usually come with a higher price tag for that reason. Also, getting products certified is incredibly expensive. Not only is there a fee to have the individual product certified, there is an ongoing royalty fee that you pay to be able to label your products “certified organic”.

Both fall under the umbrella of all natural skin care, but organic has the added layer of agricultural purity.

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So which one is better?

It depends on your values and your skin.

Natural skin care products may contain incredible botanical ingredients that are ethically sourced, handmade, and perfectly gentle for sensitive skin. But unless the brand is transparent, you may not know how much of the product is truly natural—or whether it contains synthetic ingredients or fragrances hiding behind the scenes.

On the flip side, certified organic skin care gives you a level of assurance, especially if you’re avoiding synthetic chemicals or allergens. That said, organic certification is expensive and time-consuming—so some of the best organic skin care might come from small-batch brands that use organic ingredients but can’t afford certification just yet.

At Simple Body, we focus on non-toxic skin care that’s truly safe and effective—not just buzzwords in fancy packaging. Every product we make is handcrafted using botanical, high quality ingredients that we research very heavily. Some are organic. All are natural. And none of them contain toxic, carcinogenic, or harmful ingredients.

Why this matters for your skin

Here’s the thing: your skin is your largest organ. What you put on it matters.

And while the FDA doesn’t currently regulate the term natural cosmetics or natural skin care, the movement toward proven skincare rooted in clean ingredients is growing for a reason. More and more people are dealing with:

• Sensitivities and allergic reactions. And yes! You can have an allergic reaction to natural products especially if you have environmental allergies! Think about it…if you get “hay fever” or experience allergies when springtime rolls around that means you must be allergic to pollen or plants or maybe even buds on the trees. When natural products are made with plant-based ingredients, it only makes sense that you would be allergic to certain ingredients in natural products!

• Hormonal imbalances potentially linked to synthetic ingredients

• Frustration from products that overpromise and underdeliver

If you’ve been there—standing in the skin care aisle wondering why your “moisturizing” cream isn’t working—it’s time to rethink what’s in your routine.

What to look for in a natural skin care routine

Here’s a short list of what makes natural skin care brands truly worth your time:

• Ingredient transparency: You should be able to read the label and recognize most of what’s in there. Think calendula, rosehip, lavender—not chemical soup. Now, don’t be fooled by the INCI names. INCI names are the scientific names of each plant or ingredients. The FDA requires each ingredient to be labeled with both the “common name” and the “INCI” name. In the following example the scientific name or INCI name is in lower case letters and the common name is in all caps.

AGE DEFENSE SERUM: camellia japonica (CAMELLIA) seed oil;* SQUALANE; daucus carota sativa (CARROT) root and helianthus annuus (SUNFLOWER) seed oil, tocopherol; vitis vinifera (GRAPE) seed oil;* limnanthes alba (MEADOWFOAM) seed oil; vitellaria paradoxa (SHEA) butter; ubiquionone (COENZYME Q10); psoralea corylifolia (BAKUCHIOL); cetearyl alcohol;** hippophae rhamnoides (SEA BUCKTHORN) fruit extract; and tocopherol (VITAMIN E) *CERTIFIED ORGANIC **NATURALLY DERIVED

• Naturally Derived Ingredients: Not all synthetics are harmful—especially when they’re derived from natural sources. Many safe, effective ingredients in skincare are considered “nature-identical,” meaning they’re lab-created to mimic compounds found in nature. This method ensures consistency, purity, and stability without the risk of contamination or over-harvesting natural resources. At Simple Body, we carefully select naturally derived ingredients—whether plant-extracted or nature-identical—that are non-toxic, gentle, and proven to support healthy skin.
• Sourcing and sustainability: Bonus points if the ingredients are locally sourced, ethically grown, or come from small farms using regenerative practices. Although, unfortunately, not many cosmetic ingredients are grown in the United States today.

• Minimal processing: The more whole the ingredient, the better. We try to source raw, unrefined ingredients. Raw, unrefined ingredients are minimally processed to preserve their natural nutrients, aroma, and beneficial compounds. Unlike heavily refined alternatives, these ingredients retain their full spectrum of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids—making them especially nourishing for the skin. At Simple Body, we choose raw and unrefined oils, butters, and botanicals whenever possible because we believe in delivering the purest form of nature’s goodness without unnecessary processing or synthetic additives. This results in skincare that’s not only effective but also deeply aligned with the skin’s natural balance.

• No synthetic fragrance: If it just says “fragrance” on the label and doesn’t tell you what’s inside it, walk away. We prefer essential oils. Essential oils offer powerful benefits in skincare—from calming inflammation and balancing oil production to providing natural antimicrobial properties and uplifting aromatherapy effects. However, because they are highly concentrated plant extracts, they must be used with care. At Simple Body, we incorporate essential oils at safe, effective levels that enhance the formula without overwhelming the skin. We follow the usage guidelines set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which establish maximum percentages for each essential oil based on safety data. This ensures our products remain gentle, non-irritating, and suitable for daily use—even for those with sensitive skin.

• Proven results: Natural doesn’t mean ineffective. Look for brands that blend natural ingredients with real results—hydration, balance, calm, clarity. Before launching any new product, we take time to test and refine it with a select group of trusted customers and skincare professionals. This small testing group helps us gather honest feedback on everything from texture and scent to performance and skin compatibility. Their insights are invaluable and ensure that each formula meets our high standards for quality, safety, and real results before it ever hits the shelf.

A word about greenwashing

It’s easy to be misled.

There are a lot of brands marketing themselves as “clean” or “green” while still using synthetic preservatives, parabens, or silicones. That’s why natural and non-toxic are not always the same thing.

When in doubt, reach out. Ask the company where they source their ingredients. Look into their values. If they’re the real deal, they’ll be more than happy to tell you.

Our take on clean beauty at Simple Body

We believe skin care should feel like self-care—and that it shouldn’t come with a warning label.

Our natural skin care products are made in small batches, right here in Colorado. We use organic ingredients whenever possible, and every formula is free from synthetic fillers, parabens, sulfates, or petroleum-based preservatives.

It’s proven skincare—just from the Earth, not a lab.

And we don’t just say that to sound fancy. Our customers see the results. From fewer breakouts and smoother skin to a calmer complexion and a more consistent routine—it’s skin care that actually supports your skin.

How to build your own natural skin care routine

If you’re just getting started, here’s a simple, effective, non-toxic routine to try:

1. Cleanse with a gentle, oil-based or foaming cleanser made with natural surfactants.

2. Tone with a botanical mist or toner—rosewater is a classic.

3. Hydrate with a serum made from humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

4. Moisturize with a cream or oil rich in essential fatty acids (like kokum butter or almond oil).

5. Protect with mineral-based SPF during the day.

6. Exfoliate weekly with an exfoliating fruit enzyme mask or natural scrub.

Consistency is more important than perfection. Give your skin time to adjust, especially if you’re transitioning away from synthetic products.

Choosing natural cosmetics or organic skincare isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about reclaiming your health, your peace of mind, and your skin’s natural rhythm.

So next time you’re standing in that skin care aisle or scrolling through endless product pages, you’ll know what to look for—and what to skip.

Because you deserve skin care that’s honest, gentle, and grounded in nature.

And your skin? It’ll thank you for it.

xoxo
Jewels