What Makes Skincare “Natural”? | Your Guide to Clean, Green Beauty

What Makes Skincare “Natural”? | Your Guide to Clean, Green Beauty

In the age of ingredient overload and skincare hype, “natural skincare” has become a buzzword — but what does it really mean? At Al’oe Mooier, we believe in transparency, simplicity, and harnessing nature’s power to nourish your skin without compromise.

Let’s break down what qualifies skincare as natural, what to watch out for, and how to choose products that are truly clean and skin-loving.

What Is Natural Skincare?

Natural skincare refers to products made with ingredients sourced from nature — think botanical extracts, essential oils, plant butters, and minerals — with minimal processing. These ingredients are typically free from synthetic additives, artificial fragrances, and harsh chemicals.

A good rule of thumb: if you can pronounce the ingredient and it sounds like it came from a garden or a tree, you're on the right track.

What It’s Not: "Greenwashing" & Misleading Labels

Just because a label says “natural” doesn’t mean the product is truly clean. Many brands use greenwashing tactics — clever marketing that makes a product seem natural, even if it contains only trace amounts of botanical ingredients alongside harsh preservatives or artificial fragrances.

Ingredients to Look For

Here are some skin-friendly, natural ingredients we love (and use at Al’oe Mooier):

  • Aloe Ferox – Soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory
  • Jojoba Oil – Balances skin’s natural oils and is non-comedogenic
  • Shea Butter – Rich in fatty acids and vitamins
  • Essential oils – Provides gentle, natural scent
  • Natural Vitamin E – A powerful antioxidant for skin healing

Ingredients to Avoid

Even products that say “natural” might include the following not-so-nice additives:

  • Parabens – Synthetic preservatives linked to hormonal disruption
  • Synthetic Fragrances – Can cause irritation and allergic reactions
  • Sulfates (like SLS) – Harsh detergents that strip skin’s natural oils
  • Phthalates – Often hidden in fragrance and linked to health concerns
  • Petrolatum or Mineral Oil – Derived from petroleum and can clog pores

Why Choose Natural Skincare?

Here’s what your skin gets from a truly natural routine:

  • Gentle nourishment without harsh stripping agents
  • Fewer allergic reactions or irritations
  • Eco-conscious ingredients and packaging
  • Real results from plant-powered ingredients

Your skin is your largest organ — what you put on it matters.

The Al’oe Mooier Promise

At Al’oe Mooier, we craft our skincare with nature’s purest gifts — especially our signature ingredient, aloe ferox, wild-harvested in the mountains of the Eastern Cape. Every product is made with intention, transparency, and love for both your skin and the planet.

No fillers, no fluff. Just real results from real ingredients.

Explore our products here.

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