‘Natural’ has become a buzzword,” says Dr Rosalind Simpson, a consultant dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Nottingham. And when it’s on the label of beauty products, sellers often charge more. “There’s a trend where people assume that synthetically derived ingredients are harmful, and that if something’s labelled ‘natural’ it must be safer or better for your skin,” she says. But that’s often a misconception.

For starters, not everything labelled “natural” is entirely sourced from nature. “I came across a crude study that looked at 100 skincare products on Amazon marketed as natural. Only 42% truly were,” Simpson adds. In fact, most “natural” skincare products contained at least two synthetic ingredients.

Beyond this, just because something is sourced from natural ingredients doesn’t mean it’s gentle on every skin type. Though plant-based, ingredients including fragrances and essential oils such as cinnamon, tea tree, peppermint and linalool can cause irritation for some people. Lanolin, a moisturising agent derived from sheep’s wool, is another common allergen.

Some synthetic ingredients, such as certain scents and colourings, can be just as irritating, but that isn’t always the case. “Some are scientifically developed to be more gentle on the skin and to have a reduced chance of causing potential reactions,” says Simpson.

Her bottom line? Not all natural products are “good”, and not all synthetic ones are “bad”. It’s about finding what works for you. “Go with what your skin tolerates and what fits your budget.”

If you have sensitive skin, she recommends looking for products with the lowest number of ingredients. And if you suspect you have had a reaction to a product – even months after you started using it – it’s always smart to take a break so you can see whether it is to blame.