Natural vs Non-Toxic Cosmetics: What’s the Difference?

If you’re shopping for clean beauty products, you’ve probably seen the terms natural cosmetics and non-toxic cosmetics everywhere. But what do they really mean? And how do you choose the best safe skincare and makeup for your routine?

Let’s break down the difference between natural and non-toxic cosmetics so you can make informed decisions for your beauty and health.

What Are Natural Cosmetics?

Natural cosmetics are beauty products made primarily from ingredients sourced directly from nature, such as plants, minerals, or animal byproducts.

Typical Characteristics:

  • Definition: Focuses on what is included—minimally processed, naturally derived ingredients.

  • Ingredients: Includes botanical oils, plant extracts, clays, and essential oils.

  • Synthetics: May still contain some synthetics for stability or preservation.

  • Certification: No universal legal standard; definitions vary by brand or certifying organization.

  • Safety: Not all natural ingredients are safe—some may cause irritation or allergies.

  • Eco-Friendly: Often marketed as sustainable or cruelty-free, but this varies.

    All of that being said, the term natural is an umbrella term. There are so many harmful ingredients even harmfully derived ingredients which fall under the term "Natural" therefore the best way to trust (or the Pure way to trust) is to look for ingredient sources, know who runs the company what their and their companies' philosophy is and go by that. 

What Are Non-Toxic Cosmetics?

Non-toxic cosmetics avoid ingredients that are known or suspected to be harmful to human health.

Typical Characteristics:

  • Definition: Focuses on what is excluded—formulated without harmful or questionable chemicals.

  • Ingredients: Free from parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, synthetic fragrances, plastics, etc.

  • Certification: Also lacks a regulated legal definition—interpretation varies by brand.

  • Safety: Formulated for safety, but self-regulated—so ingredient awareness is still key. 

I actually don't think many brands use this term, although it's growing, that being said non toxic is also an umbrella term. However, at least you know what is not in the product, and that's better than not knowing. 

Main Differences Between Natural and Non-Toxic Cosmetics:

Natural: tells you what is in the product

Non-Toxic: tells you what is not in the product

How to Decide:


It would be so much easier to just tell you which one to pick, however it always comes down to these key factors:

  • What is on the ingredient list?
  • What company are you looking at?
  • What is the companies' philosophy/ practices? 
  • Where are they sourcing their materials/ ingredients? 

Answer those questions and you'll find your answer

Stay Healthy ;)

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