Why This Conversation Matters
Natural and synthetic ingredients differ mainly in where they come from and how they are processed: natural ingredients are derived from plants, minerals, or animals with minimal transformation, while synthetic ingredients are created or heavily modified in a lab to deliver specific functions. In the beauty and wellness market, “natural” has become a powerful marketing word, often associated with safety, purity, and sustainability, which is why you see so many “clean,” “green,” and “plant-based” claims on shelves. At the same time, many of the most effective and stable skincare actives and preservation systems are at least partly synthetic and backed by strong research and quality control. This has created a landscape where decisions are often driven by labels and emotion rather than an understanding that both natural and synthetic ingredients can be safe—or problematic—depending on how they’re sourced, formulated, and used. My intention with this piece is to clarify that nuance, so you feel empowered to read an ingredient list with more confidence instead of relying only on buzzwords.
How I Think About Ingredients as a Formulator
As the founder of Ölsüss, I spend a lot of time navigating between what feels good, what smells beautiful, and what actually performs on the skin. I don’t see “natural” and “synthetic” as enemies; I always ask instead: Is this ingredient safe, effective, and aligned with how I want you to feel in your body and in your home? For me, a formula has to make sense on multiple levels—sensorial, emotional, and functional—and that’s the lens I use when I choose every oil, extract, and active.
At Ölsüss, my priority is to work with as many natural ingredients as the market makes available in reliable, traceable quality. Whenever possible, I choose certified organic botanicals, especially for leave-on products and anything that sits close to the nervous system—like facial oils, lotions, and aromatic mists. Natural oils, butters, and plant extracts are the heart of my formulations because they carry a whole ecosystem of nutrients and a very alive, textured scent profile.
Even though my work is deeply rooted in natural perfumery and traditional methods, I also respect what careful cosmetic science can offer. There are moments where a thoughtfully chosen lab-created ingredient can make a product safer, more stable, or more effective for your skin. A gentle preservative system, for example, keeps water-based products free from harmful bacteria and mold, which is non‑negotiable for me. Certain lab-refined actives also offer a level of consistency that nature alone can’t always guarantee from batch to batch, and I look for high-quality, well-studied options that harmonize with the botanicals rather than overpower them.
Holistic Facials: Blending Nature and Clinical Care
When it comes to facials, I extend this “best of both worlds” philosophy into the treatment room. For holistic facials, I choose clinical protocols with high-quality professional products from Dermalogica, which intentionally combine plant-based ingredients with well-researched actives and delivery systems. In these treatments, I bring in breath, touch, temperature, and nervous system regulation, while Dermalogica brings clinical-grade performance and professional consistency. This allows me to personalize each session—honoring your skin’s natural rhythms while addressing concerns like sensitivity, dehydration, pigmentation, or congestion in a precise, measurable way.
Finding the Balance That Works for You
My goal is not to win a “natural vs synthetic” debate, but to create and choose products that truly support you. In practice, this looks like a spectrum rather than a strict rule: your daily Ölsüss rituals lean heavily into natural, often organic ingredients crafted in small batches, while your professional facials draw on a deliberate blend of nature and science. I believe that balance is where we see the most honest, sustainable, and beautiful results—for your skin, your senses, and your overall wellbeing.