Replacing Synthetics Naturally and Effectively: A Quick Guide

Natural emulsifiers like plant-based esters can easily replace synthetic options, providing effective texture and stability whilst supporting a more sustainable profile.

However our range of naturally-derived emulsifiers aim to not only equal, but exceed the expectations of synthetic counterparts like PEG-100 Stearate or High HLB Ethoxylates. Creating such luxurious, silky textures – it’s hard to believe they’re not achieved with synthetics!

Seeing is believing – check out some of our prototypes using our natural range here.

A popular category for switching out synthetics is rheology modifiers and thickeners. Replacing carbomer and its texture and skin feel is tricky, but doable. For transparency, gums like Cellulose or Xanthan work well for clarity while Guar or Tara gum shine in more opaque formulations achieving higher viscosities.

Our unique blends offer formulators a range of easy-to-use thickeners to create transparent, high viscosity and stable products - naturally. See our prototypes for inspiration.

Replacing Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) is challenging due to its low cost and high foam and cleansing performance. However, natural options like Coco-Betaine offer viable alternatives for gentler cleansing.

Each of the surfactants in our range have been created to provide a natural solution for specific formulating needs. A mild surfactant blend, Micromulse® Foam creates soft, foaming textures when combined with oil whilst Sophocoll®, our bio-surfactant blend boosts foam but also increases the moisturisation properties of a formulation.

Natural oils and esters—cold-pressed or CO2-extracted—are excellent alternatives to synthetic emollients. They provide a wide sensory range, from lightweight to rich textures.

However, silicones are worth a specific mention. Quite difficult to replace, particularly in haircare when trying to reproduce the slippery feel, smoothing effect and spreadability - as well as the high heat stability required for heat protection spays/serums.

Vibrant synthetic colours are hard to mimic, but natural extracts like blackcurrant (red/purple) or Beta-Carotene (orange) offer creative, though less stable, solutions.

Natural pigments such as Iron Oxides (brown) and Vegetable carbon (black) can also be used, alongside coloured substances such as flower petals, crushed fruit and vegetables and peels.

Many of these natural colours can be derived from the food industry, although in cosmetics the shelf life is normally longer, so colours need to be more light and pH stable.

Essential oils are a simple, effective way to replace synthetic fragrances but must be used with care due to their potential for irritation.

They offer unique, natural scents but may alter or fade over time as they don’t contain the carrier oils, solvents, stabilisers and other synthetic components of fragrance oils.

Natural preservation is tough! Systems like Lactobacillus Ferment or Grapefruit Seed Extract work best in acidic environments and often need boosters to ensure product safety. Our formulators love to use Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin and Caprylyl Glycol – you’ll see they’re a staple in many of our prototype ideas because they offer moisturising and conditioning benefits too.