A chemistry expert and teacher defines the differences between natural, chemical-free, and organic ingredients.
James Kennedy: I’m James Kennedy and I’m an author, chemistry teacher and blogger. Today I’m trying to break some of the misconceptions that people have about chemicals.
Chemicals are not dangerous in themselves. In this next section, we’ll look at three key claims: natural, chemical-free and organic. They all sound very appealing to consumers. We’re going to look at exactly what each one means.
Most chemicals are not scary. Now, I show you these structures because generally, people look at these and they don’t actually know what they are. Why do they associate chemical and complicated with dangerous? Actually, everything is dangerous, if you use it in a particular way.
“Chemical-free” tells you nothing about whether the product is safe or effective.
Chemicals are in everything. People are very scared of parabens but methyl-paraben is found in blueberries. “Natural” means having had minimum of processing or preservative treatment. For example, an apple can be natural, you just take it from the tree. You cannot have a natural lotion because lotion does not exist in nature.
My issue with “organic” is it’s important to realize that organic applies to farming, therefore, plants and vegetables and fruits can be organic, but there is a long list of things the farmer must do.
Mom 1: What I learned today is that “chemicals” is not really a bad word and “chemical-free” is… is a myth.
Mom 2: Everything, right from your fruits and vegetables, everything – the air you breathe, the water you drink – everything contains chemicals.
Mom 3: You’re not falling in the trap of the words, “organic,” “chemical-free,” “natural.”
Mom 4: Companies these days are using this word as a proxy to being a safe product. Look up your sources.
Man 1: If it’s “all natural” does it really mean it’s all natural?
Back to top
The world of science is always evolving. That’s why JOHNSON'S® is devoted to providing the latest and greatest in research, innovation, and technology.
Thank you for signing up! You will receive a Welcome email from us shortly.
By registering to the site, you will receive access to exclusive Johnson's® Baby Professional materials.
Already have an account? Sign In.
All fields required, unless otherwise indicated.
We collect your personal information to process your request to create an account for this web site. If you did not give us your personal information we would be unable to open your account. Your personal information will be processed and stored by our contracted service provider who supports this site on our behalf and they are located in the USA.
With your express consent, by registering with us on our website you consent to receiving communication from Johnson and Johnson. You may revoke your consent to our use of your personal information at any time by telling us or updating your details on the site. Also, subject to exceptions permitted by applicable law you may request access to, or correction of, your personal information. For further information about how you might revoke your consent, request access to or correction of your personal information, make a privacy enquiry or complaint, or see our full Privacy Policy please<click here>
By pressing “Submit” you expressly consent to : * Receiving marketing communications from us by mail, email or sms; * Your personal information being processed and stored outside your country of residence; and * Your personal information being processed by our contracted service provider.
By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site's Privacy Policy.
{* saveButton *} {* /requirementsPostLoginForm *}All fields required
{* #forgotPasswordForm *} {* traditionalSignIn_emailAddress *}Looks like you have an existing account with us. We have made some changes to our site and we need you to create a new password in order to login. Click send to recieve an email with instructions on how to create your new password.
{* #optinUserNewPasswordForm *} {* optinUser_emailAddress *}By clicking "Accept" below, you confirm that you have read, understand and accept our sites's Privacy Policy
You do not meet the minimum age requirement to sign in to this site
All Fields required, unless otherwise indicated
Will be used as your user name
By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site's Privacy Policy.