"Naturally derived," vegan, clean: What do these terms mean?

Cosmetics packaging is increasingly adorned with labels such as “natural,” “vegan,” “clean,” and “non-toxic.” These reassuring labels often influence our purchasing decisions. But behind these words, the reality is very different: some labels are regulated, while others are mostly just marketing hype.

Understanding what these claims really mean allows you to make an informed choice, rather than relying on words that can sometimes be vague. Here is a breakdown, item by item, along with a few pointers to help you navigate it.

"Natural" and "of natural origin": be aware of the distinction

These two terms, which are often confused, do not mean the same thing. A “natural” ingredient is used virtually as it occurs in nature. A “naturally derived” ingredient, on the other hand, comes from a natural raw material (a plant or a mineral) but may have been processed. An international standard (ISO 16128) defines these terms and provides a method for calculating the percentage of natural origin, which explains labels such as “92% of natural origin.”

Key takeaway: “Of natural origin” is therefore not synonymous with “100% natural” or “organic.” The organic label, on the other hand, is based on regulated certifications (such as Cosmos or Ecocert), with specific standards. These are three distinct concepts.

"Vegan": What the Label Guarantees

The term "vegan" means that the product contains no ingredients of animal origin (such as honey, beeswax, lanolin, or animal collagen). This is clear and useful information, especially for people who wish to avoid these ingredients.

Be careful, however, of two common misconceptions. “Vegan” is not synonymous with “cruelty-free” (not tested on animals), even though animal testing for cosmetics has been banned in the European Union since 2013. And most importantly, “vegan” does not mean “natural”: a vegan product may very well contain synthetic ingredients.

"Clean": a term with no official definition

This is undoubtedly the most misleading claim, as it has no legal or official definition. "Clean," just like "non-toxic" or "chemical-free," is a marketing term whose meaning varies from one brand or retailer to another. It generally refers to a list of "free-from" ingredients (free of this or that ingredient deemed undesirable by the brand).

However, in the European Union and in France, the safety of cosmetics is already regulated by the Cosmetics Regulation and monitored by health authorities, not by a brand’s marketing department. A “clean” label therefore does not, in and of itself, constitute an additional guarantee of safety.

Natural does not mean risk-free or more effective.

This is the most important—and most counterintuitive—point. The idea that a natural ingredient is necessarily safer than a synthetic one is a myth. Many botanical extracts and essential oils are among the most common causes of contact allergies. Analyses of products labeled “clean” have shown that the vast majority of them contain at least one potential allergen, most often fragrances or botanical compounds.

On the contrary, “chemical” is not a dirty word: everything is chemistry, including water, and many synthetic ingredients are perfectly safe, stable, and well-tolerated. An ingredient’s origin therefore determines neither its safety nor its effectiveness. What matters is the formula as a whole, its dosage, and its tolerability—not a label.

How do you find your way around?

A few simple steps can help you see things more clearly. Reading the INCI list (the official ingredient list) often reveals more than marketing claims. When you see terms like “organic,” “vegan,” or “cruelty-free,” it’s helpful to look for genuine certification from an independent organization, rather than just a word on the packaging. Finally, it’s best to prioritize a formula’s effectiveness and skin tolerance, while paying close attention to how your skin reacts.

This is the philosophy behind PERS’s product development: precisely measured, high-quality active ingredients designed to provide the skin with only what it needs and what is sufficient, using formulas developed and manufactured in France and clinically tested on people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and with various skin sensitivities. Some products, such as the PERS Triple Exfoliator, are also vegan and formulated with 92% naturally derived ingredients, with the goal always being effectiveness and transparency rather than mere claims.

Key Takeaways

Not all labels are created equal. “Naturally derived” is governed by a standard but does not mean “100% natural” or “organic”; “vegan” guarantees the absence of animal ingredients, without saying anything about naturalness or the absence of testing; “clean,” on the other hand, has no official definition. Above all, “natural” does not mean safer or more effective. To make the right choice, it’s best to read the ingredients list, rely on genuine certifications, and judge a product based on its formula and how well your skin tolerates it, rather than on the words on its label.

Scientific Sources