Phenoxyethanol-Free Makeup

Phenoxyethanol-free makeup means that the formulas herein will not have the ingredient at any level. Phenoxyethanol is a lab-created preservative used as an alternative to traditional preservatives like parabens. Phenoxyethanol is often turned to in cosmetics and skincare formulation because it helps mitigate the risk of microbial growth. It has a pleasant aroma and is often needed in only a minuscule quantity to impart its anti-microbial benefits. However, some are hesitant or even diligent about choosing phenoxyethanol-free makeup and skincare products.

In the rare Heal Yes! formula that contains phenoxyethanol, it's at a negotiable amount--as little as 0.1% of the formula--and exists as an option we have for those who are sensitive to herbal preservation systems (more on herbal preservation below). Again, this collection depicts formulas that are all phenoxyethanol-free.

A few popular related 'FAQs' regarding skincare and cosmetics without phenoxyethanol:

What does phenoxyethanol do in makeup?

Phenoxyethanol is used at a very small percentage as a preservative in makeup, skincare, and other cosmetic products.

Is phenoxyethanol safe?

Many will automatically say 'yes,' but variables come into play: While according to reviews and studies--including the European Commission on Health and Food Safety (the EU has much more stringent cosmetic regulations than the US!)--when used in minute concentrations of 1% or less, phenoxyethanol is often deemed safe. However, anyone can react to anything, and concerns with any and every ingredient being a no-go for some is legitimate.

If phenoxyethanol is not used, what preserves foundation and other makeup formulas?

Our phenoxyethanol-free foundations and cosmetics are preserved with herbs. There are many herbs that can help keep a formula balanced and help combat the risk of microbial growth. Such herbs include (but are not limited to) thyme; oregano; tea tree; and more. When we use herbs for natural preservation, they're used at a tiny ratio: it stands true that people can be sensitive to herbs, too, so they're used as needed only. Some actually prefer foundation with a minute amount of phenoxyethanol. Learn if you prefer a tiny synthetic preservation system--such as with phenoxyethanol--or herbal. Each come with pros and cons.

Is phenoxyethanol legal in Europe?

European regulations require its concentration in cosmetics to be limited to 1% in the formulas of finished products.

Source: Annex V of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products

Is phenoxyethanol good for sensitive skin?

Perhaps the better question is whether the whole formula in which phenoxyethanol exists--in a minute percentage--is good for the skin.

In a nutshell, consider three variables when analyzing phenoxyethanol:

1. the composition of the whole formula in which you see phenoxyethol;

2. phenoxyethanol's concentration. It needs to be at below one percent. Again, if and when we use it, such as with the Vitamin E stick, it's at a mere 0.1%!

3. also weigh the pro's and con's to its usage in that select formula you are analyzing. The risk of a formula losing its stability--and being affected negatively by microbial growth--is a risk none want to face. . . .

To reiterate, anyone can be sensitive or genuinely allergic to nearly anything, and a synthetic preservative is no exception. While debate has existed if phenoxyethanol ever has a place in baby products, we contend to avoid it within baby products, at any concentration, because of any granule of uncertainty. When and if Heal Yes! uses it, such as in the Vitamin E stick, the concentration is as minute as 0.1% of the total formula, and the benefits of adding stability and helping counteract microbial growth provide just that--benefits; safeguards--that bring their own positive weight to analysis on whether to use the ingredient. However, if sensitive, allergic, or hesitant about phenoxyethanol, this is the collection to choose from!

🌿 Every Heal Yes! formula is without talc, nanoparticles, parabens, gluten, synthetic fragrance, carmine, and much, much more! Enjoy our friendly 30-day return/exchange policy and please reach out if you need help shade-matching!🌿