In a world where the words “natural,” “organic,” and “clean” are everywhere, it can be surprisingly difficult to decipher what’s actually good for your skin and hair...and what’s simply good marketing.

With a strong interest in sustainable skincare and haircare formulations, the question is often asked, “Can a natural product really work?” The short answer: yes—but only when the science behind the ingredients is just as thoughtful as the sustainability claims.

That’s why I so many dermatologists are genuinely intrigued by My Green Routine, a new brand on the scene with a clear mission: to deliver high-performance personal care without compromising the planet—or your health.

Let’s me break down what makes us different, how out ingredients actually perform, and why our “naturally derived” approach is more than just a label.

🌿 What Does "Naturally Derived" Really Mean?

Before diving into the ingredient list, it’s important to clarify a point that causes confusion for many consumers: natural doesn’t always mean “pulled directly from the ground.”

Some of the most effective, safest ingredients in hair care are compounds derived from natural sources (like coconut oil, rapeseed, or sugar), then modified through safe, controlled processes to become functional and stable.

Yes, the names can sound intimidating like Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine isn’t something you’d casually mention over tea...but understanding its origin and role is key.

Let’s explore these functional categories and how we have carefully chosen them.

🧴 1. Cleansers & Surfactants – The Workhorses of Clean Hair

Key ingredients:

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Surfactants are the backbone of any shampoo...they're what allow water, dirt, and oil to mix and rinse away. The trouble with traditional surfactants (like sulfates) is that they can strip the scalp, leaving it dry and irritated.

Instead, MGR use gentler, coconut-derived alternatives that are both biodegradable and mild on the skin barrier.

• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, for example, creates a creamy lather without harshness.

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine boosts that foam, while also conditioning the hair slightly which is ideal for those with sensitive scalps or dry strands.

This is what dermatologists call the 'goldilocks' zone: effective cleansing, without barrier disruption.

💧 2. Conditioning Agents – Soft, Manageable Hair Without Silicones

Key ingredients:

• Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine

• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

If you’ve ever tried a conditioner bar that left your hair dry and tangled, it’s probably because it lacked an effective conditioning agent.

MGR address this with plant-derived conditioners that mimic the effects of silicones without any of the long-term buildup or environmental drawbacks.

• Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine is derived from rapeseed oil and is a standout in terms of softening the hair cuticle, reducing static, and making detangling easy.

• Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, from guar beans, helps smooth strands and improve manageability.

These ingredients are lightweight but highly functional, making the products suitable for fine to coarse hair types alike. From a dermatological lens, I love seeing this kind of efficacy without relying on occlusive ingredients.

🧪 3. Stabilizers & Emulsifiers – Blending Oil and Water

Key ingredients:

• Cetearyl Alcohol

• Glyceryl Stearate

Some consumers are wary of anything with “alcohol” in the name...but not all alcohols are drying. Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol, used to emulsify and thicken products. It actually improves the texture and helps lock in moisture.

Glyceryl Stearate, derived from vegetable oils, acts as both an emulsifier and a moisturizer, ensuring the product holds together and spreads evenly across the hair or scalp.

These stabilisers may not sound glamorous, but they’re essential to ensuring that a natural bar doesn’t crumble, melt unevenly, or go bad prematurely.

🌸 4. Moisturizers & Nourishers – The “Skin Food” of Haircare

Key ingredients:

• Argan Oil

• Shea Butter

• Castor Seed Oil

These are the “hero” ingredients you do recognise...and for good reason.

• Argan oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, helping to smooth the hair cuticle and protect against UV and heat damage.

• Shea butter, beyond being deeply moisturizing, offers natural anti-inflammatory benefits that soothe dry or irritated scalps.

• Castor oil is known to support scalp health and, anecdotally, boost hair resilience and shine.

In clinical dermatology, we use many of these ingredients in leave-on treatments for dry skin. Their inclusion here speaks to the brand’s commitment to genuine nourishment, not just surface-level softness.

🛡️ 5. Preservatives – A Necessary Layer of Safety

Key ingredients:

• Phenoxyethanol

• Ethylhexylglycerin

Preservatives are a misunderstood but vital part of any product containing water. Without them, you're vulnerable to bacterial and fungal contamination, which can lead to irritation or worse.

MGR opts for safer, globally accepted preservatives like Phenoxyethanol, which is often used in clean beauty because it doesn’t release formaldehyde or cause sensitisation in most skin types.

Ethylhexylglycerin boosts its efficacy and also adds a mild skin-conditioning effect.

For anyone with allergies or sensitive skin, this system strikes an ideal balance between product integrity and dermatological safety.

♻️ 6. Sustainability Isn’t Just Packaging – It’s Formulation Deep

Yes, MGR operate with plastic-free, compostable packaging. 

Here’s how:

• 95–100% of their ingredients are plant-based or naturally derived, depending on the formula.

• Compounds are selected for biodegradability and minimal aquatic toxicity, key concerns for rinse-off products.

• Manufacturing practices emphasise low waste and energy efficiency.

This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a product that works in harmony with your body and the planet.

🧠 Educated Formulation, Not Just Marketing

When you see names like Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, it’s easy to dismiss a product as synthetic. But here's the truth:

👉 Many of these ingredients start with plants and are transformed in labs to create stable, effective, and non-toxic compounds.

I often remind my patients: not everything natural is safe, and not everything safe sounds natural. The key is informed formulation.

✨ Final Thoughts: Should You Make the Switch?

If you’ve tried conditioner or shampoo bars before and found them lacking, you're not alone. Many early versions didn’t account for real-world performance or scalp biology.

But now, we represent a new generation of haircare. One that acknowledges the power of nature, and respects the role of science.

Dermatologist bodies are particularly impressed by:

• Their transparency around ingredient sourcing.

• Their scientific rationale for each compound.

• Their ability to maintain skin and scalp health while reducing waste.

So if you’re curious, skeptical, or just ready to stop compromising between performance and ethics - we are a brand worth trying.

Your hair, your skin, and the planet will thank you.