From Violet Texts Blog: Why Doesn't "Clean" Skincare Work For Me?

Here is the latest post from my skincare & beauty blog Violet Texts.

Hi, Violet Gang!

Welcome to my second-last post before my summer break in July. This time, I want to talk about natural skincare — because, honestly, it usually disappoints me.

I love the ideology behind natural skincare products like those from On The Wild Side Cosmetics — a French-made, vegan, wild-plant-based brand. These were the magic words for me: wild-plant based.

I bought two cleansers, an eye cream, and the Night Balm, which I’m taking as an example for this post. By the way, I still love the two cleansers. They’re keepers.

Natural Skincare: A Beautiful Idea, But...

Natural skincare is a beautiful concept, but in practice, it often underdelivers, particularly in terms of performance.

It’s hard to miss the current skincare trend that says natural equals gentler and safer. Even if that’s not always true in practice, the perception continues to draw many people toward natural and organic skincare.

In my view, the appeal often reflects more than just concern ingredients or packaging — it's a way of life, a belief. Whether that belief is good or bad, I’ll let you decide.

People who prefer natural skincare often have a strong connection to nature overall. These values are usually passed down by parents who emphasized simple living, sustainability, or a more “earthy” lifestyle.

But if you’re a true skincare enthusiast like me, you’ll likely notice the shortcomings: textures that don’t quite glide, products that sit on the skin rather than absorb. Even so, many people overlook these flaws because their belief in natural skincare drives their purchasing decisions.

And I think, underneath that belief, there’s something deeper at play: fear.

Fear of synthetic overload, yes — but also fear connected to bigger concerns like climate change, pollution, and the state of the world. Choosing natural skincare becomes one small way to feel safer and more in control.

The Common Issues

Many natural products feel too thick, waxy, or hard to spread. Absorption is often poor — they stay on the surface instead of sinking in. You're left with the feeling that something is sitting on your skin rather than being absorbed.

That’s why I tend to skip natural skincare in both my morning and evening routines. In other words, I forget them. They become just pretty objects in my cabinet.

The hydration often feels too light for me, and that’s a downside that makes them easy to ignore. My skin feels coated, not nourished. I think people with dry skin might find these more suitable. What do you think?

Case Example: On The Wild Side Night Balm

Let’s take a closer look at one product that really sums up my experience: the Night Balm from On The Wild Side.

Let’s start with the INCI list — the ingredient breakdown. In most products, water is listed first (meaning it’s the highest in quantity). But here, the base is oil:

INCI List:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Hybrid Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Aqua (Water), Sucrose Laurate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Hyaluronate, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Betula Alba Juice, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene.

Usually, water is the first ingredient — but in this balm, it starts with sunflower oil. The fourth ingredient is sweet almond oil, and the sixth is plum kernel oil. That might explain why the product feels like it sits on the surface of the skin. I’m not a chemist, so I’m just guessing — but it seems plausible.

I find myself second-guessing: Did I use too much? Did I not massage it in properly? That kind of mental back-and-forth makes me feel like this product just isn’t for me.

The Packaging

The bottle features a simple, elegant design. It’s easy to use. The pump works well and doesn’t stain the bottle. “Made in France” is always an arrow in the right direction for me.

The Texture

Dense, somewhat sticky, and requires effort to warm up and apply.
It doesn’t fully absorb overnight — it leaves a noticeable oily layer.
Yes, my skin feels softer in the morning, but the results are mild.
Too mild for me.

A Broader Pattern

Natural formulas often skip stabilizers or synthetics that help improve feel and absorption. Some brands focus more on the ingredients list than on how the product actually performs on skin. There's definitely room for improvement in formulation, without compromising the natural ethos.

Violet-Tinted Final Thoughts

On The Wild Side Night Balm isn’t a bad product — it just highlights a common weakness in the natural skincare space, at least in my experience.

If you prioritize clean ingredients and have dry skin, it might still work for you. But if you’re looking for something that feels amazing and works hard, natural brands still have some catching up to do.

Violet-tinted, your way.
Nina💜