The term "chemical-free" gets thrown around a lot in the beauty industry. It sounds great—pure, natural, and safe. But here’s the thing: everything is made of chemicals. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and yes, even the most natural skincare ingredients.

So, what does chemical-free really mean? Let’s have a look:

Everything is Made of Chemicals 🧪

The word chemical tends to get a bad rap, but in reality, chemicals are just the building blocks of life. Take jojoba oil (one of my favourite skincare ingredients)—it’s packed with beneficial fatty acids and vitamin E, both of which are chemicals. The same goes for essential oils, plant extracts, and even the food we eat.

The problem isn’t chemicals themselves—it’s which chemicals are being used and how they affect our skin.

Why Do Ingredient Lists Sound So Complicated?

If you’ve ever looked at a skincare label and thought, What on earth is this? It’s easy to be put off by long, science-y names. But just because something sounds unfamiliar doesn’t mean it’s harmful. For example, tocopherol is simply vitamin E, and ubiquinone is the scientific name for coenzyme Q10—an amazing antioxidant that helps protect and firm the skin. 

Here is an example of what our product labels look like - you'll both the INCI name and the common name in brackets after it.

Instead of fearing ingredients with long names, it’s better to focus on understanding what they do. We always have a full list of ingredients on each product page, and have a dedicated ingredients page that tells you what each ingredient does for your skin!

The Problem With "Chemical-Free" Labels

When a product claims to be chemical-free, it’s worth questioning what that really means. Natural skincare products, including oils and botanical extracts, still contain chemicals—they’re just derived from plants rather than being made in a lab.

The real question we should be asking isn’t whether a product contains chemicals, but rather:

✔️ Are these ingredients safe and effective?

✔️ Are they sourced responsibly?

✔️ Do they align with my skincare needs and values?

Let’s Focus on Informed Choices

Instead of getting caught up in marketing buzzwords, the key is to make informed decisions. That means:

• Looking for brands that are transparent about their ingredients (don’t get me started on brands that don’t have a full list of ingredients on their product page!)
• Understanding which ingredients work for your skin.
• Choosing products that align with your values (whether that’s natural, sustainable, cruelty-free, or minimalistic skincare).

The Bottom Line

Rather than fearing chemicals, let’s take a more balanced approach. Some chemicals are harmful, but many—like antioxidants, vitamins, and plant-based oils—are incredibly beneficial for our skin.

Skincare isn’t about avoiding all chemicals; it’s about knowing which ones to embrace. And when you find the right ones? Your skin will thank you.

Disclaimer
All content within this blog is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Skiin Days is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health