Unretouched

Unretouched is an adjective used to describe a photograph or image that has not undergone cosmetic alterations or manipulation intended to change appearance. In common usage it implies that the subject’s features have not been altered to remove blemishes, smooth skin, or reshape body contours. In practice, the term does not guarantee that no post-processing has occurred, since many images receive neutral adjustments such as exposure, color balance, or contrast, and some labeling practices acknowledge that minor edits may still be present.

Usage and context vary by field. In advertising and fashion, unretouched images are marketed to suggest authenticity or natural beauty, even though lighting, makeup, and limited adjustments can influence the final result. In journalism and documentary work, the term is sometimes invoked to communicate credibility, though ethical standards typically require clear disclosure about any editing that affects representation.

Technical distinctions are also relevant. A raw image refers to unprocessed sensor data, while unretouched refers to an image that has not undergone deliberate cosmetic changes; it may still be color-graded or cropped. The label is not a guarantee of complete authenticity, and the boundaries between acceptable adjustments and retouching are often debated in industry guidelines.

See also: retouching, photo editing, authenticity, image manipulation.