Petri dish comparison showing phenoxyethanol preventing mold growth in skincare.

Phenoxyethanol

 

We know you read labels. And when you are scanning a list of botanicals like "Aloe," "Rose," and "Jojoba," stopping at a word like Phenoxyethanol can feel jarring.

Is that a chemical? Is it safe? Why is it there?

We believe in radical transparency. We don't hide our preservatives; we celebrate them. Because the alternative to using a preservative isn't "more natural", it’s mold.

Here is the science behind why Phenoxyethanol is the "Safety Guard" of the Joyful Glow System.

The "Water = Life" Rule

Here is a basic rule of biology: Where there is water, there is life.

Our Glow Cleanse, Glow Prep Toner, and Glow Getter Serum are packed with fresh Aloe Vera juice and organic Rose Water. These are beautiful ingredients, but without protection, they are the perfect food source for bacteria, yeast, and mold.

If we didn't use a preservative, your serum would grow fuzzy mold within 7 days of opening. Applying mold to your face is far more dangerous than any safe synthetic.

 

Green tea leaves showing the natural source of phenoxyethanol.

 

Why We Chose Phenoxyethanol (The Paraben Alternative)

Decades ago, everyone used Parabens. When the industry realized Parabens were problematic, we needed a safer alternative.

We chose Phenoxyethanol because:

  1. It is Nature-Identical: It is chemically identical to a substance found naturally in Green Tea and Chicory.

  2. It is Broad-Spectrum: It kills bacteria, yeast, and mold simultaneously.

  3. It is Gentle: It has a proven safety record and is non-irritating when used in low concentrations.

The "1% Rule"

Safety is about dosage. Phenoxyethanol is globally approved for use in skincare at concentrations up to 1%.

At Joyful Naturals, it sits at the very bottom of our ingredient list, doing its job quietly so the Aloe and Jojoba can shine.

Safety is Not "Toxic"

Don't let fear-mongering scare you away from safe products. A "Preservative-Free" water-based product is a myth, or a health hazard.

We protect our formulas so they can protect your skin.

Experience the safety and efficacy of the Joyful Glow System. We are so confident in our formulation standards that we offer our 60-Day Love Your Glow Guarantee. If you don't feel safe and glowing, we will refund you in full.

Read Next Why "Natural" Isn't Enough: The Science of Biomimetic Skincare

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