Is This Skincare Still Natural? Let’s Talk Ingredients Like Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, and Arbutin

You care about what goes on your skin and we love that about you. One of the most common questions we get is

“If a product contains ingredients like kojic acid, niacinamide, or arbutin, is it still considered natural?”

The truth is not everything natural has to look like a leaf and not every lab-made ingredient is harmful. Some of the most effective skincare ingredients come from plants but are stabilized in a lab for your safety and better results. Let’s break it down together using a real example of a plant-powered formula like the ones we use

Aqua
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Jojoba Seed Oil
Xanthan Gum
Glycerin
Turmeric Root Extract
Carrot Extract
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Niacinamide
Peppermint Leaf Extract
Arbutin
Carbomer
Kojic Acid
Lemon Peel Oil
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Orange Peel Oil
Honey Extract
Tocopheryl Acetate
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
Citral
Citric Acid
Artemisia Absinthium Extract
Tocopherol

Now let’s talk about a few of the ingredients you may not recognize right away

Niacinamide
This is a form of vitamin B3 that your body naturally needs. It supports your skin barrier brightens dark spots and helps with oil balance. While often lab stabilized it’s considered safe gentle and essential by clean skincare experts all over the world

Kojic Acid
Kojic acid comes from fermented rice and fungi. It is naturally derived and known for brightening skin fading dark spots and evening out skin tone without irritation. It is a trusted ingredient in nature inspired formulas that aim to give real results without harsh chemicals

Arbutin
Arbutin is found in plants like bearberry cranberry and blueberry. It works by gently slowing melanin production to help reduce hyperpigmentation. Even in its stabilized form it is widely accepted in clean beauty and known for its skin brightening benefits

Tocopheryl Acetate and Tocopherol
These are both forms of vitamin E which is a natural antioxidant that helps nourish and protect your skin. Tocopherol is the more natural version while tocopheryl acetate is more stable but both are safe and skin friendly

Carbomer
This is a texture enhancer that helps give creams gels and serums their smooth feel. It is synthetic but considered very safe and non irritating. Many clean skincare brands use it because it helps the formula stay consistent and enjoyable to use

The rest of the ingredients like aloe jojoba turmeric carrot essential oils and floral extracts are clearly natural and plant based. They are minimally processed and packed with nutrients that your skin recognizes and loves

So is this skincare still considered natural? Yes absolutely!

We believe in transparency safety and effectiveness. Every ingredient we use has a purpose and we choose each one carefully to deliver results while staying aligned with your desire for clean nourishing skincare. Natural doesn’t mean primitive and effective doesn’t mean toxic

When we say plant powered skincare we mean it. Whether it’s a vitamin a botanical or a naturally derived active you can trust that we chose it with intention and integrity

Have more ingredient questions we’re always happy to break it down for you because knowledge is beautiful too

x, Aisha J.