🌿 Eco-Friendly... But Not 100% Natural?

Many sustainable brands—including ones we love, like Marcel’s Green Soap—proudly market their products as 97% biodegradable, vegan, and microplastic-free. But what about the other 3%?

In this post, we’ll explore common ingredients that fall into this small percentage. Are they harmful? Or are they necessary compromises to make green products safe, effective, and shelf-stable?

🧴 Common "Not Fully Biodegradable" Ingredients in Green Products

Here are a few ingredients that pop up in eco-labeled products—along with what they do and whether they’re truly a cause for concern:

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

• Function: Cleansing agent and foaming booster

• Eco Status: Derived from palm oil, partially biodegradable

• Concern: Can be irritating for sensitive skin; palm oil sourcing raises sustainability issues

• Verdict: Best avoided if you’re trying to be palm oil–free, but safe in low concentrations and widely used in natural-certified products.

🧪 Sodium Benzoate

• Function: Preservative

• Eco Status: Mildly biodegradable, commonly used in food and cosmetics

• Concern: Safe at low levels; very low risk unless you have specific allergies

• Verdict: Considered safe by the EU and FDA, and often used in certified natural products.

🧪 Parfum (Fragrance)

• Function: Adds scent

• Eco Status: Can be synthetic or natural; not always disclosed

• Concern: Potential allergens or endocrine disruptors in some synthetic blends

• Verdict: Look for brands that clarify “parfum” as essential oil–based or allergen-free.

🧪 Linalool, Coumarin, Geraniol (Fragrance Compounds)

• Function: Naturally occurring in essential oils

• Eco Status: Biodegradable, but regulated due to allergenic potential

• Concern: May cause skin sensitivity in some people

• Verdict: Generally safe, but worth patch-testing if you have sensitive skin.

❓ So... Should You Avoid These Products?

Not necessarily. These ingredients:

✅ Are typically used in very small amounts (less than 3%)
✅ Help preserve product quality and safety
✅ Are often approved for use in natural and organic certifications

However, if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or are aiming for zero palm oil or 100% natural products, these may be red flags.

🔍 Transparency Matters Most

The key isn’t just avoiding certain ingredients—it’s about knowing what’s in your products and understanding the trade-offs. Brands like Marcel’s Green Soap are transparent about their ingredients and are working toward better formulas without sacrificing performance.

🧾 Conclusion

That 3% might sound scary at first—but it doesn’t have to be. Many eco-friendly products strike a balance between green principles and real-world practicality. If a brand is open about what they use, and why, it's a good sign.

Your best move? Read labels, know your skin, and support companies that are honest—even about their imperfections. And of course, visit our webstie and subscribe to our newletter and receive our tips and advices.