Natural ingredients are a common feature in many consumer products today, from the foods we eat to the cosmetics we use and the cleaning supplies in our homes. The term “natural” often influences purchasing decisions, reflecting a public interest in products perceived as being closer to their original state. Understanding what “natural” truly signifies on a product label can be complex, given its widespread and varied application.
What Makes an Ingredient “Natural”?
An ingredient is considered “natural” if it originates from living organisms, such as plants or animals, or from naturally occurring mineral sources. While the common perception is that “natural” products undergo minimal alteration, suggesting a raw or untouched quality, this does not always align with how they are handled for consumer goods. For example, ingredients like fruit extracts, essential oils, or mineral pigments, though naturally derived, often undergo various processes to become usable.
From Source to Product: How Natural Ingredients Are Processed
Natural ingredients undergo various processing methods to be incorporated into consumer products. These methods range from simple physical alterations to more complex chemical transformations. Simple physical processes include drying, grinding, or pressing, such as cold-pressing olives for olive oil or grinding herbs into powders.
More involved processes include distillation for essential oils, where steam extracts volatile compounds from plant material, or fermentation, used to create ingredients like yeast extracts. Chemical extraction using solvents, or hydrolysis, which breaks down complex molecules, are also employed. Even ingredients labeled “natural” can undergo significant processing to ensure safety, stability, and usability, challenging the notion of them being entirely raw or untouched.
The Lack of a Universal Standard for “Natural”
Unlike “organic,” which is subject to strict, legally binding regulations, there is no single, universally accepted definition for “natural” across all industries or countries. This ambiguity can lead to consumer confusion. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a policy regarding “natural” in food, generally meaning nothing artificial or synthetic has been added. However, this policy does not address production methods or processing techniques.
For cosmetics, the FDA has not formally defined “natural,” allowing manufacturers broad discretion. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines “natural” for meat and poultry as products containing no artificial ingredients and being minimally processed, requiring an explanatory statement. The absence of a clear, unified standard means that the interpretation of “natural” can vary significantly.
Navigating “Natural” Claims as a Consumer
Consumers seeking informed choices about “natural” products need to look beyond the label. Reading ingredient lists is a primary step, as it reveals a product’s specific components. Understanding common names for natural ingredients and researching unfamiliar ones can provide clarity.
Consider whether a product carries certifications like “organic” or “non-GMO,” as these often adhere to more defined standards than “natural” alone. The term “natural” does not automatically guarantee a product is safer, healthier, or more effective. Some synthetic ingredients can be safe and beneficial, while certain natural ingredients might pose risks or undergo extensive processing that alters their original properties.