Why Most ‘Natural’ Skincare Fails—And How Swiss Alpine Science is Changing That

Store shelves are overflowing with “natural”, “clean”, and “plant-based” skincare products. These promises are appealing, backed by a green and reassuring aesthetic. But behind the image, what really remains? Too many brands are content to add a few plant extracts to standard formulas, without any real effectiveness or deep commitment. Because no, not all skincare products are created equal, even in the world of natural products. This is where a scientific approach makes all the difference.

Presence of controversial ingredients

The term “natural” is not regulated: any brand can use it, even if its formula contains controversial ingredients or ingredients derived from petrochemicals.

In the world of cosmetics, certain ingredients are regularly the subject of controversy: parabens, silicones, PEGs, mineral oils, chemical UV filters, and certain synthetic preservatives. These substances are not banned, but they raise questions, particularly because of their potential effects on health (endocrine disruptors, allergens) or the environment (water pollution, non-biodegradability).

Our products are COSMOS certified by ECOCERT, a demanding label that guarantees the naturalness of the ingredients as well as the sustainability of the entire process. Certification bodies apply the precautionary principle. Many synthetic and controversial ingredients are not permitted.

No standardization of active ingredients

The composition and quality of plant ingredients can vary considerably. This depends on many factors: the variety of the plant, the harvest period, climatic conditions, and even the nature of the soil in which it grows. Added to this is frequent uncertainty about the processing stages: harvesting, drying, extraction, storage... all of which influence the final profile of the active ingredient.

We rely on professional organic farming networks to guarantee the quality of our plant extracts.

No proof of effectiveness

Some formulas promise visible, even “miraculous” results, without any clinical tests to validate these claims. In cosmetics, effectiveness must be proven, not simply suggested.

This is particularly true for botanical extracts, which remain even less studied than well-known synthetic active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C. Fortunately, the last ten years have seen significant progress in research on natural ingredients, leading to a better understanding of their biological activity.

Because a natural ingredient is not automatically effective: it only works if it is active, well chosen, well extracted, well formulated... and rigorously tested.

We select our active ingredients for their proven properties and not solely for their plant origin. Over the past ten years, the effectiveness of certain alpine plants as anti-aging agents has been scientifically proven.

Alpine nature is anything but ordinary. The plants that grow there have developed unique defense mechanisms to cope with extreme conditions. Laboratories are increasingly interested in these species that live in “extreme” conditions.

Low concentration of active ingredients

The effectiveness of a cosmetic treatment depends on the concentration of the active ingredients used.

Certain ingredients, such as our alpine flowers, have been studied and shown to have anti-aging effects, but only at specific dosages. Too often, products available on the market contain only trace amounts of these active ingredients, well below effective concentrations.

For example, in the case of edelweiss, research indicates that between 1 and 3% of extract is needed in the finished product to achieve a genuine antioxidant and protective effect on the skin. However, there are many skincare products that claim to contain edelweiss when in fact they only contain a symbolic amount, which is insufficient to produce visible results.

Poor stability over time

In addition, rigorous formulation is essential to ensure that the active ingredients remain effective throughout the product's shelf life. Our formulas are tested and validated according to strict protocols.

Conclusion

A plant active ingredient is a compound naturally present in a plant that can have an effect on the skin. It is this biological activity that makes it so valuable in cosmetics.

Many products claim to be plant-based without any real transparency or proof of effectiveness. Valyxir combines ancestral knowledge (medicinal plants from Valais) with rigorous scientific methods.