Clean vs. Synthetic: FAQ
Clean vs. Synthetic Skincare Ingredients: The Ultimate FAQ
At-a-glance: This guide compares natural/bio-fermented ingredients—like citric acid, vitamin E, DHA and erythrulose—against common conventional alternatives. You’ll also find label tips and sourcing notes.
Ingredient Comparison (Clean Beauty vs. Conventional)
| Ingredient | Glimmer Goddess Uses | Conventional / Non-Clean Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Citric Acid | Fruit-derived or bio-fermented citric acid for gentle pH tuning and mild exfoliation; chosen for purity and consistency. | Commodity citric acid (industrial fermentation). Functional match but often paired with harsher systems or heavy fragrance. |
| Vitamin E | d-alpha-tocopherol (natural) from plant oils for antioxidant support and barrier comfort. | dl-alpha-tocopherol or some tocopheryl acetates; cost-effective and stable but typically less bioavailable. |
| DHA (self-tanning) | Beet-derived, fermentation-produced DHA; buffered with humectants to reduce dryness; used in face/body glow routines. | Generic DHA with heavy synthetic fragrance or drying alcohol systems; quicker color but higher irritation potential depending on vehicle. |
| Erythrulose (self-tanning) | Fermentation-derived keto-sugar associated with red raspberries; blended with DHA for smoother, longer-lasting tone. | Omitting erythrulose or using only fast-acting DHA systems that can skew orange or fade unevenly. |
| Core Botanicals | Aloe, green tea, coconut oil; shea/cocoa butters; rosehip & jojoba; niacinamide; peptides incl. copper peptides; hyaluronic acid; vitamin C. | Petrolatum-heavy occlusives, strong synthetic fragrance, or aggressive peels without barrier support. |
Label tip: Natural vitamin E appears as “d-alpha-tocopherol”. DHA and erythrulose appear as “Dihydroxyacetone” and “Erythrulose”.
FAQ: Natural vs. Synthetic in Skincare
Are natural and synthetic citric acid different on skin?
Functionally, citric acid adjusts pH and offers mild exfoliation in both cases. We lean on fruit-derived or bio-fermented sources that align with clean-beauty sourcing and pair them with gentle textures.
Which vitamin E is better for skincare—natural or synthetic?
Natural d-alpha-tocopherol is more bioavailable; synthetics like dl-alpha-tocopherol or some acetates are less potent but can be more stable. We prioritize natural vitamin E where skin feel and antioxidant support matter most.
Is DHA “natural,” and where do you source it?
DHA used in self-tanners is commonly produced by fermenting plant carbohydrates (e.g., sugar beets). We select beet-derived DHA and build hydrating vehicles for comfortable, even color.
What about erythrulose—what is it and why combine it with DHA?
Erythrulose is a fermentation-derived keto-sugar associated with red raspberries. Paired with DHA, it tempers the tone, helps reduce streaking, and can extend wear for a more natural glow.
Explore Ingredient Guide · Read Labels Smarter · Self-Tanning the Clean Beauty Way
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