Clean, Organic, Natural: A Spa Pro's Quick Guide to What's What
You’ve probably heard these words tossed around a lot. Clients ask about them. Brands shout them from every product label. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, what do we need to know so we can answer those client questions with confidence?
Let’s break it all down. Because these terms are often used interchangeably when they shouldn’t be.
1. What Does "Organic" Really Mean?
"Organic" refers to how an ingredient was grown and processed. In the U.S., it usually means it was produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
If you see the USDA Organic seal, that product must contain at least 95% organic ingredients (excluding water and salt). But here's the twist: not all products labeled "organic" are certified. Some use the word loosely, especially in marketing.
What spa pros should know:
- Look for third-party certifications, not just the word "organic."
- A product can have one organic ingredient and still claim to be "made with organic..."
Quick Tip: If a brand is certified by organizations like USDA Organic, Ecocert, COSMOS, or NSF/ANSI 305, that's usually a good sign. (Note: NSF/ANSI 305 applies to products with at least 70% organic content and is designed specifically for personal care products.) These groups have defined criteria and audit processes. Be cautious with unfamiliar or brand-invented seals that don't link back to verifiable standards.
2. "Natural" vs. "Naturally Derived"
"Natural" means the ingredient comes from nature — think plant extracts, minerals, and oils. But there's no legal definition in the U.S., so it can mean very different things depending on the brand.
"Naturally derived" means it started in nature but was chemically processed. That can be totally fine, depending on how the ingredient was processed and why. But again, the term is flexible.
Watch out for:
- Products that say "natural" but include synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or dyes
- Brands that lean on a single natural ingredient to claim the whole product is natural
Friendly reminder: Sometimes, "natural" doesn't equal better or safer. Poison ivy is natural. So are essential oils that can irritate skin if not properly diluted.
Clarifying tip: Some ingredients with intimidating names, like sodium lauroyl lactylate, are actually naturally derived from safe, edible sources like lactic acid and coconut fatty acids. Others, like DMDM hydantoin, may sound more harmless but are synthetic preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde — a red flag for many clients with sensitive skin or ingredient concerns. Use ingredient decoding tools to spot the difference.
Client question tip: If someone asks whether a product is "chemical-free," here’s an easy response: "Everything is made of chemicals — even water and air. What we focus on is avoiding harsh or harmful chemicals that may trigger irritation or long-term concerns."
3. What About "Clean"?
"Clean beauty" is the buzzy phrase of the decade. But it's more philosophy than regulation. Different brands define it differently.
In general, "clean" means the product is free from certain controversial ingredients (like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, etc.) and aims to be safe for people and sometimes the planet.
Important: There’s no government-backed standard for what "clean" actually means.
What spa pros can do:
- Ask for a brand's definition of "clean."
- Request their no-no ingredient list or safety testing protocols.
- Don't assume "clean" means hypoallergenic or non-irritating. Always patch test!
Good to know: For some brands, "clean" extends beyond ingredients to include ethical sourcing, sustainable packaging, and cruelty-free policies. That’s valid—but again, check that there’s actual evidence behind the claims.
4. Where Greenwashing Slips In
This is where it gets tricky. Greenwashing happens when brands use eco-friendly language to seem more natural or ethical than they are.
Common signs of greenwashing:
- Vague claims like "eco-conscious" or "green"
- Packaging that looks earthy but has no real substance behind it
- Highlighting one good ingredient to distract from not-so-great ones
Tip for spa owners: Don’t just rely on buzzwords or pretty labels. Request full ingredient transparency from your vendors. Ask how ingredients are sourced and tested.
5. Smart Tips for Spa Pros
Here’s how to confidently navigate the maze and guide your clients clearly:
1. Know your top 5 client concerns. Is it sensitive skin? Pregnancy-safe? Vegan? Sustainable packaging? Focus your knowledge there.
2. Keep a brand cheat sheet. Note which brands define "clean" or "natural" in a way that aligns with your spa values.
3. Build client trust with honesty. It’s okay to say, "This product isn’t certified organic, but the brand shares full ingredient sourcing and testing info."
4. Use apps and databases. Tools like INCI Decoder, Think Dirty, or EWG Skin Deep can help decode ingredients on the fly. (Just be aware: some tools are consumer-oriented and may err on the side of caution without always sharing their full methodology.)
5. Ask more questions. Don’t be afraid to email a brand. If they’re truly transparent, they’ll respond. And your client will feel more confident in your product knowledge.
6. Practice your elevator answers. Have 1-2 sentence explanations ready for terms like "clean" or "naturally derived." Example: "'Naturally derived' means it started as a plant but was refined in a lab to be stable and safe for skin."
7. Know some common red flags. If your clients have sensitive skin or ingredient concerns, consider limiting or avoiding products with formaldehyde-releasers (like DMDM hydantoin), synthetic fragrance, or methylisothiazolinone. These are often linked with irritation or allergic response, even in small amounts.
8. Labeling your spa menu? Be honest. If you feature clean or organic brands, clarify what that means. You could say: "We use brands that prioritize transparency, avoid harsh additives, and source responsibly — even if not every item is certified organic."
At the end of the day, these labels matter most when they help you make informed decisions for your spa and your clients. The best approach? Stay curious, ask questions, and know that transparency is the new luxury.
If you’ve got a favorite clean brand (with real credentials) or a smart tip for sniffing out greenwashing, share it with your fellow pros!
Universal Companies is proud to have a team of experienced spa advisors on staff and welcomes you to consult with our professionals about spa products and supplies, including ingredients, equipment, and retail. Dedicated to the success of spa professionals everywhere, we're grateful to be recognized with multiple industry awards (thank you!) and proud to support the spa industry through mentorship and sponsorship.