Why I'm on this natural skincare journey

(A mother of three, turned 36, learning what I want for my skin — and my girls’)

I’ve always cared about skincare, you know, facials, creams, washes, lotions, too many serums scattered among my bathroom shelf. But since hitting my 30's and with three little girls looking up to me, I’ve started wondering more deeply: what’s actually going into the things I put on our skin, what the risks are, what benefits natural alternatives might—and might not—offer. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being thoughtful. If you’re curious too, here’s what I’ve discovered.

What I Mean by “Natural” Skincare

First, “natural” is a slippery word. For me (and O, VET!) it means:

• Ingredients derived from animals, plants, clays, oils, butters (versus fully synthetic chemicals).

• No artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals.

• Natural, plant derived preservatives (vit E is a preservative!)

• Transparent labeling.

• Products that respect the environment wherever possible (less plastic, ethical sourcing).

It doesn’t mean everything natural is harmless, but it often means fewer things we don’t understand being applied to our skin every single day.

What the Data Says: Risks with Some Conventional Ingredients

As a mom, part of what worries me is cumulative exposure — over years, often from multiple products. Some synthetic or heavily processed ingredients have been linked (in scientific studies) to things like irritation, allergies, or in long term, more contentious areas like hormonal disruption. This is why I'm on a natural skincare journey. A few examples:

• A recent review of cosmetic ingredient research noted that substances such as parabens and synthetic fragrances are frequently associated with skin irritation and allergic responses. Frontiers+2ScienceDirect+2. Human studies have found traces of parabens in urine, blood, and even breast tissue, but the health implications remain debated.

• Some preservatives and UV filters are under scrutiny for potential endocrine-disrupting effects (that is, interfering with our hormones) in certain contexts. Frontiers+1

• A survey of many skincare products found that 58% had at least one “chemical of concern” that might not be inherently bad but whose long-term effects are less well understood. PMC

So the worry isn’t necessarily immediate danger, but more about what we don’t yet know, especially with frequent use over many years.

What Natural Ingredients Offer

“Natural” isn’t just about avoiding the 'other' negatives. There are positives, too—some backed by research, some more traditional and passed down from all the cultures in our country. Here are things I’ve found:

1. Botanicals with active benefits Many plants used in natural skincare have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial benefits. Think tea trea, lavender, st Johns Wart, Bakuchi (a plant derived retinol alternative perfect for those with sensitive skin). Many herbs have been studied for decades with proven results. Herbal ingredients in “cosmeceuticals” (skincare with therapeutic actives) are showing so much promise, especially in South Africa, due to our diverse plant life. Why not use that? (Responsibly of course) ResearchGate

2. Local, indigenous ingredients Using what grows naturally in SA (marula, baobab, Kalahari melon seed oil, etc.) can reduce transport/emissions and support local communities. Some of these oils, e.g. Kalahari melon seed oil, are rich in essential fatty acids, vit E, etc.

3. Reduced irritation risk (sometimes) If a product is less full of synthetic fragrance, harsh preservatives, it may irritate less (especially for sensitive skin, children’s skin). Of course, “natural” doesn’t guarantee “no irritation” (plants have allergens too). But the risk profile shifts.

   
   

What Natural Skincare Doesn’t Automatically Mean

To keep myself grounded, and so you can, too, here are some counterpoints:

• “Natural” label is not strictly regulated everywhere. Sometimes “natural” is more marketing than a strict definition. There may still be synthetic stabilisers, fragrance or preservatives. So you need to read labels, check ingredient lists.

• Potential for allergic reactions still exists. Essential oils, plant extracts, even butters can cause irritation, especially in young children or sensitive skin. Natural doesn’t mean no risk. However, it's much easier to check (and use a quick Google search) to see whether this ingredient could pose a risk.

• Cost and availability can be tricky. Natural or organic products often cost more, or are harder to find in some areas. Sometimes synthetic ingredients help make things last longer, maintain texture, etc., so natural versions may have shorter shelf‐life or be more delicate to store.

• Efficacy issues: some synthetic actives are very well studied and very effective. Natural alternatives sometimes lack as much clinical trial data. If dealing with specific skin issues (severe acne, pigmentation, etc.), you may need a blend of “natural” + dermatologist-backed treatments. And here I'm no purist but I do try to opt for simplicity.

  
  

What’s Happening in South Africa

It matters, so here are SA-specific trends I found that helped me decide whether natural makes sense for us:

• The natural and organic personal care market in South Africa is growing, with forecasts of over 7% compound annual growth in the next few years. That tells me many people are shifting toward products they feel are safer or better for them and we will have more options to choose from.

• Also, in professional and cosmeceutical skincare, there is increasing interest in indigenous plants and traditional knowledge as sources for active ingredients. ResearchGate+2PMC+2

• There are public conversations around the “clean beauty” movement, avoiding certain preservatives or harsh chemicals, wanting transparency in labelling. And that's great!

  
  

My Take (and What I’m Doing for Me & My Girls)

Putting together what I’ve read, what I want for my skin and theirs, here are some personal conclusions:

• I’m trying to simplify. Fewer products, simpler ingredient lists where possible. that's in my own skincare. In O, VET! we will always choose simple, tested ingredients. A friend (who has tricky skin) recently gave me the most wonderful feedback on the Nagroom Gesig balm with bakuchi (a plant-derived retinol alternative). She was using multiple toners and serums each night. Now? She's switched to only using this O, VET! face balm after cleansing and her skin is calmer and so much happier. See, sometimes the answer is simplifying.

• I test carefully. Watch how my skin reacts over a few days, not just the first use.

• I support local. If there are reputable local natural brands that use indigenous ingredients and ethical practices, I prefer those.

• I balance. For things like sun protection (which is crucial for us in South Africa), I don’t skimp. I'm not willing to compromise protection for purity. Personally, I don't use a sunblock without a tested SPF rating, as some natural brands advertise, even if I do recognise the ingredients and they are effective in sun protection. Some modern formulations combine low-concentration chemical filters with minerals to balance safety, spreadability, and cosmetic feel.

  
  

Final Thoughts

If you’re reading this, and you’re a parent or someone else thinking, “Should I switch some things to natural?”, here’s what I’d suggest:

1. Don’t feel pressured to go 100%. Even small tweaks (one product at a time) make a difference.

2. Prioritize what matters for your skin and your kids’ skin. What are your biggest concerns: irritation, aging, pigmentation, sun damage, hormone disruption, cost?

3. Research brands. Ask questions. If “natural” is claimed, do they publish full ingredient lists?

4. Monitor how your skin responds. Personal experimentation (gently) is key. Just because something is marketed as natural doesn’t guarantee compatibility.

There are things we need to leave in the past. But there's also much to learn from it.