Know Your Skincare Ingredients

Ever wonder what’s really in your skincare products? With so many ingredients to choose from natural, lab-made, or even from the ocean it can be hard to know what's truly best for your skin. Is “natural” always safer? Are synthetic ingredients harmful? Le

When it comes to skincare, ingredients can come from many different places— some are plant-based, some are made in labs, and others are sourced from the earth or ocean. But does natural always mean safe? And are lab-made ingredients bad for your skin? Let’s break it down.

Plant-Based Ingredients
These come from nature— things like aloe vera, chamomile, or coconut oil. Many people believe natural ingredients are safer, but that’s not always the case. Some plants can cause allergies or irritate your skin. Just because it’s from nature doesn’t mean it’s automatically good for you.

Lab-Made Ingredients
Lab-made ingredients are created by scientists to be effective and safe. Think of ingredients like peptides, retinol, or hyaluronic acid. Some people worry that synthetic ingredients are harmful, but if sourced from certified labs they are safe to use.

Earth-Derived Ingredients
Ingredients like clay, charcoal, and minerals come from the earth. Clay is great for drawing out impurities, while minerals can help strengthen and protect your skin. These natural ingredients can be powerful but, again, not every “natural” ingredient will suit everyone’s skin.

Ocean-Derived Ingredients
From the sea, we get ingredients like seaweed, algae, and marine collagen. These are often used for their hydrating and nourishing benefits, making them great for keeping skin moisturized.

How to Tell What’s Safe?
The key to finding safe ingredients is not whether they’re natural or labmade—it’s whether they’ve been tested and proven safe for your skin. Look for products labeled "dermatologist-tested" or “Made Safe" and always patch test if you’re unsure. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for your skin.

Punam Shrestha, an entrepreneur with over 21 years of experience in the beauty industry, began her journey at Poonam Beauty Home & Training Centre. Today, she manages Poonam Beauty Academy in Kathmandu and has introduced several world-class products and procedures in Nepal.