What does ‘clean’ or ‘natural’ actually mean on a skincare label?

In the United States, neither term is legally defined by the FDA for cosmetics. A brand can label a product ‘natural’ or ‘clean’ regardless of what is actually in it. Some retailers – Whole Foods Market, for example – apply their own ingredient standards to products they carry, which adds a layer of curation. But ‘clean at’ programs vary by retailer and do not mean the same thing across stores. The most reliable approach is to read the ingredient list yourself, research any unfamiliar components, and look for brands that explain their formulation philosophy and ingredient sourcing directly rather than relying on vague label language.