Understanding Our Claims

At Tropic, transparency matters. Every claim we make is rooted in clear definitions and thoughtful formulation choices.

Here, you’ll find straightforward explanations of the terms we use across our products, so you can shop with clarity, confidence, and complete peace of mind. 

Natural

As a brand, there are three different ways that we refer to our natural ingredients. 

Natural

Our natural ingredients come directly from nature with minimal processing. They are taken from specific parts of plants such as leaves, stems, fruits, or seeds, and remain unmodified by chemicals. For example, cold-pressed plant oils: they’re easily extracted and used in their pure form.

Although natural ingredients can also come from animal sources, as a vegan and cruelty-free brand, we never use them.

Nature-Identical

Our nature-identical ingredients are made in a lab but are chemically the same as their natural counterparts, offering the same structure, properties, and skin benefits.

We use them when natural sources are scarce, costly to harvest, or unsustainable to extract.

Producing these ingredients synthetically allows us to protect ecosystems while delivering identical results. 

Naturally Derived/Natural Origin 

Ingredients described as “naturally derived” originate from natural sources such as plants, minerals, or microorganisms, but have been chemically or physically processed to modify their structure or improve their performance, stability, or safety.

These processes may include fermentation, hydrolysis, esterification, or other chemical transformations, meaning the final ingredient is not identical to its original natural source, but is still derived from it.

Safe Synthetic Pigments /Approved Synthetic Pigments 

Some pigments are best made synthetically to ensure safety, purity, consistency, and sustainability. We only use synthetic pigments that are approved for cosmetic use, including iron oxides for colour, synthetic mica for shimmer, titanium dioxide for brightness and opacity, and other safe synthetic colourants where needed.

 

Sustainable or Sustainably Sourced

We work closely with trusted suppliers who source raw materials responsibly, with a focus on environmental protection, traceability, and ethical practices. Wherever possible, ingredients are supported by recognised certifications such as COSMOS, ECOCERT, and USDA Organic, ensuring compliance with established sustainability and sourcing standards. This approach allows us to promote responsible agriculture, support supply chain transparency, and use high-quality ingredients without relying solely on direct farming partnerships.

 

Biodegradable  

When something is described as biodegradable, it means it can be broken down naturally by microorganisms (such as bacteria) into simpler substances that are found in nature.

The time it takes to break down can vary widely depending on the material and the environment, such as soil, water, or composting conditions. Some materials may only biodegrade under specific conditions, so they may not break down quickly in all environments.

 

Freshly Made  

‘Freshly made’ means our products are crafted in small batches in our Surrey Beauty Kitchen and sent to you soon after production, so they can be used while at their best.

By making products little and often, we help preserve the integrity and performance of naturally derived active ingredients, which can become more susceptible over time to environmental factors such as temperature, light, and air. This approach supports optimal efficacy and product quality.

As a result, our products may have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional formulations, which is why each one comes with a clearly marked best before date.

 

Upcycled Cotton  

Upcycled cotton is made from existing cotton fibres, such as offcuts and by-products from the textile industry, rather than using newly produced raw cotton.

By repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste, upcycled cotton helps reduce the demand for new resources, lowers environmental impact, and gives valuable fibres a second life without compromising on quality.

 

FSC Certified

‘FSC certified’ refers to materials sourced from forests that are responsibly managed in line with the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

This certification helps ensure that forests are managed in a way that protects biodiversity, prevents deforestation, and maintains ecosystem health, while also respecting the rights of local communities and workers. FSC-certified sourcing supports responsible forestry practices that balance environmental, social, and economic factors, helping to safeguard forests for future generations.

By choosing FSC-certified materials, we are supporting traceable supply chains and more sustainable use of natural resources.

 

Still Have Questions?

If you ever come across a term we use and want a clearer explanation, we’d love to hear from you. Transparency matters to us, and we’re always happy to explain what our words mean, why we use them, and how they apply to our products.

As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability, we believe in being open about the materials we use and the standards behind them. Just get in touch with our Customer Care team – we’re here to help.