The Harsh Truth About “Chemical-Free” Claims
Whenever someone asks me about the best “chemical-free” cosmetics brands, I heave a big sigh. This well-intentioned question just goes to show how tricky this natural space has become and how much misinformation is being tossed around. Often times, brands are using the phrase “chemical-free” as another tactic in greenwashing – getting people to buy into an idea aimed at selling natural products that’s not real or even possible. Does that shock you? Let me explain why.
Think back to your chemistry class and remember how two hydrogen and one oxygen atom form a molecule through a chemical bond to create the natural life-sustaining substance we call water. Therefore, my friends, water is a chemical. When people ask about “chemical-free” cosmetics, they are really expressing their desire to avoid harsh synthetic ingredients that are toxic and carcinogenic. That is so important, and I love that they are on the path of seeking out healthier skincare and makeup.
Unfortunately, I see beauty companies promoting their “natural-ness” by saying they’re a brand of “chemical-free” makeup, skin care, or moisturizers – but there’s no such thing. The fact that these formulators are making such a claim is a red flag that they don’t understand basic chemistry or that they’re fine with promoting a misnomer. Neither one is a good thing in my opinion.
Clearing Up the “Chemical-Free” Confusion
A few years back, I remember seeing that one of the green beauty world’s most loved brands, Josh Rosebrook, had the statement “chemical-free” on the front of the packaging. Since I love Josh’s products and him personally, I asked if he could explain why he had “chemical-free” on his bottles in the first place and later omitted that phrase. Josh’s response was spot on:
“I had ‘chemical-free’ on my label in the early days for a few reasons. Back then, ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ were overused and greenwashed as they still are today. At the time, people saw the word ‘chemical’ as meaning ‘synthetic.’ The market didn’t really understand that everything is chemical.”
He went on to explain that he wanted to find a way to differentiate himself from brands that he calls “hybrid lines” – meaning the lines who use both synthetic chemicals and organic ingredients, yet market themselves as being natural and organic. Josh said, “I wanted to be known as an effective, safe skin and hair care line, not an ‘organic natural’ skin and hair care line. Once I had established myself as a ‘clean’ line, I didn’t need to state it on the front anymore.”
The Truth About “Chemical-Free”
When people say, “Oh, it has chemicals” as a reason to avoid purchasing a product, I don’t think they are necessarily uneducated or disingenuous. They are talking about harmful chemicals. If you break it down, everyone understands that plants are made of chemicals and all reactions in the body are chemical. There is nothing to argue there.
It’s that “chemical-free” is not technically correct, and the term “free of harmful chemicals” would be better. The brands that are still saying it are either not in touch with the level of education in the market today and/or they are just being lazy with still using a phrase like “chemical-free” – or they really don’t know technically, which for a brand is not okay.
In an industry where brands can get away with saying just about anything they want and get away with lying to the consumer through greenwashing, it’s even more important that you educate yourself on correct terminology. And let’s be honest, what the heck does “free of harmful chemicals” mean anyway? We’ll dive into that in another article soon.
For now, please start tweaking your language to omit the false phrase “chemical-free” when shopping for beauty products. Also, become familiar with the potentially toxic ingredients to be avoided. Tip: The first 10 are the most important ones to pay attention to.
Ultimately, the movement for healthy beauty is in your hands, so let’s make sure we’re all saying the most accurate statements possible as we invite and educate people and brands to make changes.
Cultivating a Chemical-Free Garden
Now that we’ve cleared up the confusion around “chemical-free” claims, let’s talk about how you can create a truly chemical-free oasis in your own backyard. As a Temecula-based landscape design and construction company, A1 Landscape Construction is passionate about helping homeowners transform their outdoor spaces into natural, sustainable havens.
One of the key elements of a chemical-free garden is the use of organic, natural fertilizers and pest control methods. According to Gardenary, some effective organic pest control solutions include neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and handpicking pests off plants. These natural techniques not only keep your garden free from harsh chemicals, but they also promote the health of the soil and support beneficial insects like pollinators.
In addition to organic pest management, choosing the right plants can also contribute to a chemical-free landscape. Native, drought-tolerant species often require less water and maintenance, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Plus, these plants are better adapted to your local climate, making them more resilient and less susceptible to pests and diseases.
Remember, a truly chemical-free garden is not just about avoiding synthetic products – it’s about creating a holistic, self-sustaining ecosystem that works in harmony with nature. By incorporating organic gardening practices and native plants, you can transform your outdoor space into a lush, vibrant oasis that’s not only beautiful, but also healthy and environmentally friendly.
So, are you ready to ditch the chemicals and embrace the natural beauty of an organic garden? A1 Landscape Construction is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you create the chemical-free garden of your dreams. Get in touch with us today to start your journey towards a greener, healthier outdoor living space.
