Can I say "pristine recipes" or "pristine masque"

Practical English Usage by Michael Swan

I would like to use the word pristine in my natural cosmetic line. Can I say "pristine recipes" or "pristine masque" instead of natural or pure? Thank you. Oxana

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Hi Oxana,

This is a good questions. Pristine is a wonderful adjective but it is usually used to speak about the condition of something.

Pristine

1. completely free from dirt or contamination; "pristine mountain snow"

2. immaculately clean and unused; "handed her his pristine white handkerchief"

I would say "pristine face mask" (Masque) would work (referring to your face being in it's original perfection free state).

I wouldn't say "pristine recipes" though. It sounds a little strange to me. I might try "pristine face care" or "pristine ingredients" but the second one is pushing it.

I would be careful with this adjective because it won’t work in all situations.

Other possible synonyms:

clear
natural
safe
pure
cleansing
purifying


These all have different meanings but they are very common for facial care products.

Cheers,
Diana