Natural Preservatives Used by Glimmer Goddess® (Euxyl® K 903 Explained)
Preservatives are one of the most misunderstood—and most misrepresented—topics in clean beauty. At Glimmer Goddess®, we believe that preservation is not optional, and transparency is essential. This page serves as our official preservative disclosure and safety guide, explaining what we use, why we use it, and how it supports product safety without compromising skin health.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Glimmer Goddess® products are preserved safely, what Euxyl® K 903 is, or how “natural preservatives” actually work—this page provides clear, evidence-based answers.
Why Skincare Products Must Be Preserved
Any product that contains water, aloe, hydrosols, or botanical extracts is vulnerable to microbial growth. Without a proper preservative system, skincare can develop:
- Bacteria
- Yeast
- Mold
These contaminants are invisible but can cause skin irritation, infections, and serious safety risks—especially for sensitive, compromised, or eczema-prone skin.
Preservation is not a “chemical shortcut.” It is a critical safety requirement.
What Preservative Does Glimmer Goddess® Use?
Glimmer Goddess® uses Euxyl® K 903 as its primary preservative system in water-containing formulations.
Euxyl® K 903 is a globally approved, broad-spectrum preservative that protects against bacteria, yeast, and mold while maintaining excellent skin tolerance.
What Is Euxyl® K 903?
Euxyl® K 903 is a modern preservative system composed of:
- Benzyl Alcohol – naturally occurring in fruits and plants; provides antimicrobial protection
- Glycerin – plant-derived humectant that supports skin hydration
- Salicylic Acid (very low level) – supports preservation and stability
- Sorbic Acid – naturally occurring acid used widely in food and cosmetics
All components are used at skin-safe concentrations well below regulatory limits.
Is Euxyl® K 903 Considered “Natural”?
There is no single legal definition of “natural preservative” in cosmetics. However, Euxyl® K 903 is widely accepted in clean beauty, natural, and organic-leaning formulations because:
- It is free from parabens, formaldehyde donors, and isothiazolinones
- It is ECOCERT-approved in specific use cases
- It is used at very low concentrations
- It offers strong safety with minimal irritation risk
Most importantly, it allows us to create safe, stable products without relying on harsh or outdated preservative systems.
Why We Do Not Use “Preservative-Free” Claims
“Preservative-free” skincare is often a marketing phrase—not a safety guarantee.
Products labeled as preservative-free may:
- Rely on pH manipulation alone
- Use unlisted antimicrobial agents
- Be stable only for very short periods
For sensitive and eczema-prone skin, microbial contamination poses a far greater risk than properly formulated preservatives.
We choose honest preservation over misleading claims.
Is Euxyl® K 903 Safe for Sensitive or Eczema-Prone Skin?
When used correctly, Euxyl® K 903 is considered low-irritation and well-tolerated by most skin types.
That said, no ingredient is universally tolerated. This is why we always recommend patch testing—especially if you have:
- Eczema or atopic dermatitis
- Barrier-damaged skin
- Multiple known sensitivities
Learn how to patch test properly here:
→ How to Patch Test Skincare for Sensitive Skin
How Preservation Supports Skin Barrier Health
A compromised skin barrier is more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Proper preservation:
- Prevents microbial exposure
- Maintains formula integrity
- Reduces unexpected reactions
- Supports consistent, predictable performance
This is especially important in routines designed for:
People Also Ask: Preservatives & Clean Beauty
Is Euxyl® K 903 a safe preservative?
Yes. Euxyl® K 903 is globally approved and widely used in clean and professional skincare for its broad-spectrum protection and low irritation profile.
Why do natural products still need preservatives?
Natural ingredients are still susceptible to bacteria, mold, and yeast. Preservation is required to keep products safe for use.
Are parabens safer than natural preservatives?
Parabens are effective but controversial. Many clean beauty brands choose alternatives like Euxyl® K 903 to balance safety, transparency, and consumer preference.
Can preservatives cause skin reactions?
Any ingredient can cause a reaction in rare cases. Proper formulation, low usage levels, and patch testing significantly reduce this risk.
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