What Are Natural Skin Care Ingredients?

Definition and Certification Standards

Natural skin care ingredients originate from nature—herbs, flowers, roots, fruits, botanicals, minerals, and sometimes animal-derived substances like beeswax. Despite widespread consumer enthusiasm for “natural” labels, regulatory clarity is limited. In the U.S., “natural” and “organic” are not officially defined by the FDA, and cosmetic products aren’t pre-approved. However, several key standards help bring transparency:

• USDA National Organic Program (NOP) — Regulates organic personal care, though sunscreens fall under FDA’s OTC drug oversight.

• ISO 16128 — Sets guidelines for calculating natural and organic origin percentages.

• COSMOS — A European certification recognizing natural and organic cosmetics; it excludes mineral UV filters from counting toward organic percentages.

• NSF/ANSI 305 — Allows "contains organic ingredients" labels for products with at least 70 percent organic content.

By embracing these frameworks, Dubois Beauty’s Clean Commitment reassures customers that its clean-beauty ethos is anchored in both nature and integrity.

Natural vs. Naturally Derived

What’s the difference between "natural" and "naturally derived"?
Natural ingredients come directly from plants, minerals, or animals. Naturally-derived ingredients may start from nature but undergo modifications to improve stability, absorption, or efficacy. Formula Botanica stresses that whether an ingredient is natural, naturally-derived, or synthetic, what matters most is its scientific support and responsible use.

Top Natural Ingredients and Their Benefits

Aloe Vera – Soothing

Aloe vera extract (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf) is world-renowned for its soothing, hydrating, and calming effects—ideal for masks, gels, cleansers, or after-sun products. Its gentle nature makes it a go-to for sensitive or reactive skin, and it’s a key hydrator in products like our Dew Drops Hydrating Serum.

Green Tea – Antioxidant Protection

Green tea delivers potent antioxidant defense by neutralizing free radical damage. It’s often used to protect skin from environmental stressors, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health. It’s featured in our Balance Willow Herb Serum to help protect and calm the skin.

Rosehip Oil – Regeneration

Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and is often dubbed “nature’s retinol” for its regenerative and skin-cell-renewing properties. You’ll find it in several Dubois Beauty formulations for its ability to help improve skin tone and texture.

Honey – Antibacterial and Hydrating

Honey, a classic natural humectant, draws moisture into the skin while offering gentle antibacterial benefits. It brings hydration, helps balance skin flora, and may assist in wound-healing or soothing irritated skin.

Are Natural Ingredients Always Safe?

Common Allergens in Natural Products

Natural doesn’t always mean hypoallergenic. Ingredients like essential oils, botanical extracts, and pollens may trigger sensitivities or allergic reactions in some individuals. Certain natural components have been linked to contact dermatitis—especially if misused or heavily concentrated.

Importance of Patch Testing

While patch testing is a smart safety step for anyone introducing a new product, Dubois Beauty takes this precaution even further. As part of our brand testing process, every formula undergoes sensitivity testing on human volunteers to ensure it’s gentle enough for even the most reactive and delicate skin types. This real-world testing allows us to confirm that our products deliver results without unnecessary irritation—so our clients can feel confident in both their safety and their performance.

How to Read Labels for Natural Formulas

When reading ingredient labels on natural skincare, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Look for INCI names — Plant-based ingredients typically appear in Latin (e.g., Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Seed Oil), whereas synthetic components appear in technical names.

2. Check transparency — Dubois Beauty’s Clean Commitment ensures all products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, alcohol denat., and artificial dyes.

3. Evaluate functional claims — Ingredient synergy matters: even well-studied natural actives may not perform identically when combined in complex formulas.

4. Note certifications — Third-party seals like USDA Organic, COSMOS, or NSF/ANSI 305 offer credibility and consumer trust.

Dubois Beauty Products: Rooted in Nature, Backed by Science

Dubois Beauty lives its clean-beauty mission through several featured formulas:

• BALANCE Willow Herb Serum — Combines natural botanical actives with performance-driven ingredients. Willow herb extract soothes inflammation and excess oil, salicylic acid exfoliates pore congestion, niacinamide strengthens the barrier and minimizes pores, tea tree oil combats bacteria, and bisabolol calms and supports healing.

• Dew Drops Hydrating Serum — Marries hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for deep hydration and barrier reinforcement—using high-quality, evidence-driven ingredients that align with natural skincare integrity.

• Across its product lines, Dubois emphasizes botanicals such as Acer rubrum extract, sourced from the boreal forests of Central NY, reinforcing its local-sourcing and clean-ingredient commitment.

• The brand’s Clean Commitment promises to omit harmful synthetic ingredients—favoring clinically-proven actives, nutrient-rich botanicals, bioavailable vitamins, and non-toxic preservatives.

Pulling It All Together

Natural skin care ingredients—like aloe vera, green tea, rosehip oil, and honey—offer a rich palette of soothing, antioxidant, regenerative, and hydrating benefits. But efficacy isn’t guaranteed by nature alone: formulation matters.

Formula Botanica teaches that successful natural skincare blends botanical wisdom with scientific support, thoughtful ingredient selection, and rigorous safety testing.

At Dubois Beauty, that balance between nature and science is alive in every product. From sourcing wild Acer rubrum to crafting potent serums like BALANCE Willow Herb Serum and Dew Drops Hydrating Serum—and from clean formulation to human sensitivity testing—the brand proves that natural, effective skincare can be as safe as it is transformative.