the label looks scary. the product isn't.

here's something that happens more than we'd like: someone picks up one of our products, flips it over, reads the ingredient list, and puts it back down.

we get it. "prunus armeniaca kernel oil" does not sound like something you want to put on your lips. it's apricot kernel oil. it's been used on skin for centuries. it's one of the gentlest, most nourishing carrier oils there is.

so why does the label say that? and why do all natural skincare products seem to have ingredient lists that read like a chemistry exam?

the answer is health canada — and it's actually a good thing.

it's the law, and the law exists for a reason

in canada, every cosmetic product sold to the public must comply with the cosmetic regulations under the food and drugs act. one of those requirements is that all ingredients be listed using their inci name — the international nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients.

inci is a standardized global naming system. the same names are used in canada, the us, the eu, and most of the world. the point is that no matter where you are or what language you speak, "cocos nucifera oil" means the same thing: coconut oil.

it removes ambiguity. it allows regulators, allergists, and informed consumers to know exactly what is in a product — not a marketing name, not a trade name, the actual ingredient. that transparency is the whole point.

so when our label looks intimidating, it's not because we're hiding something. it's because we're telling you everything.

what our label actually says

let's walk through it. cocos nucifera oil — coconut oil. moisturizing, skin-softening, and one of the most studied natural oils in cosmetics.

helianthus annuus seed oil — sunflower oil. light, non-greasy, rich in vitamin e and linoleic acid. great for sensitive skin.

prunus armeniaca kernel oil — apricot kernel oil. deeply nourishing, easily absorbed, gentle enough for use around the lips and eyes.

caprylic/capric triglyceride — fractionated coconut oil. the part of coconut oil that stays liquid at room temperature. silky, stable, and shelf-stable without synthetic additives.

tocopherol — vitamin e. a natural antioxidant that protects the skin and extends the life of the product.

mentha piperita oil — peppermint essential oil. the same thing that gives peppermint tea its smell. nothing added, nothing changed.

every single one of those names has a plain-english translation. none of them should be on anyone's "avoid" list.

the one that looks the scariest

let's talk about the preservative, because this is where most people stop reading and start worrying.

our products contain geogard ect, which shows up on the label as: benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerin, sorbic acid.

four ingredients. all of them naturally derived. all of them approved for use in certified natural cosmetics under ecocert and cosmos standards.

here's why they're there: without a preservative, a water-containing product like hand cream becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and mold — often within weeks. a product that looks and smells fine can be contaminated in ways you can't see. that's not a natural product being careful. that's a natural product being irresponsible.

we chose geogard ect specifically because it's one of the most widely trusted preservatives in natural cosmetics. the fact that it has a long name doesn't change what it is: a safe, effective, naturally-derived way to make sure what you're putting on your skin isn't going to hurt you. the real thing to look for

if you want to know whether a skincare product is actually clean, the ingredient list is your best tool — but only if you know how to read it.

look for ingredients you can trace back to something real. look for short lists. look for brands that will tell you what everything is and why it's there.

what you shouldn't look for is a label with no long words on it. short, simple-sounding ingredient lists are sometimes the ones with the most to hide — synthetic fragrances listed as "fragrance," preservatives buried in "natural extracts," fillers given friendly names.

the scary-looking label is, in a strange way, the honest one.

why we make it this way

we started dan's all natural because we got tired of products full of things that don't need to be there. every ingredient in our products is there for a reason. nothing is added to make the texture feel more luxurious, the scent more appealing, or the price cheaper to produce.

this is not just a hand cream. this is not just a lip balm.

it's what happens when you only make what matters — and then tell you exactly what that is.

have a question about a specific ingredient in our products? we're happy to explain every single one. reach us at hello@dansallnatural.com.