What are Parabens, Phenoxyethanol, and Natural Preservatives in Cosmetics?

There is a growing debate over preservatives, particularly parabens, phenoxyethanol, and natural alternatives. Preservatives are crucial for keeping products safe and free from harmful bacteria or fungi. For a smaller brand like Dyaspora, we recognize the importance of balancing safety, global regulations, and ingredient efficacy. So what are parabens, phenoxyethanol, and natural preservatives and why does Dyaspora chose phenoxyethanol as our go-to preservative, even though we respect the historical use of parabens.

What Are Parabens?

Parabens have been a staple preservative in cosmetics for decades. They are effective in preventing the growth of bacteria and mold, making them invaluable for shelf-stable cosmetic products. However, over the past few years, parabens have come under fire, with concerns over potential links to hormone disruption. Despite these claims, several scientific studies, including those from major regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA and European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, indicate that parabens are safe to use within recommended levels.

At Dyaspora, we respect the role that parabens have played in the cosmetics industry. They have a long history of being an effective preservative, especially during times when alternatives weren't as readily available or as efficient. However, due to varying regulations, particularly in Europe where parabens are more strictly regulated, we have decided not to use them in our formulations. This decision was influenced by the fact that Dyaspora sells products in multiple regions, and adhering to the most stringent standards ensures consistency and peace of mind for our customers.

Phenoxyethanol: Our Chosen Preservative

While parabens continue to be a hot topic, many smaller brands, like Dyaspora, have transitioned to using Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, and Potassium Sorbate as preservatives. Phenoxyethanol is a versatile preservative that effectively combats bacteria and yeast while being well-tolerated by most skin types. One of the key reasons we choose phenoxyethanol is its global approval, especially in markets like Europe, where its safety is highly regulated.

For Dyaspora, phenoxyethanol provides a practical solution. As a small company, adhering to consistent global standards is crucial, and phenoxyethanol meets the safety and efficacy requirements of multiple countries, making it easier for us to streamline production. It offers strong antimicrobial properties without being as polarizing as parabens in the current beauty landscape.

Importantly, we don't demonize parabens or any other ingredient. At Dyaspora, we believe in ingredient transparency and that every ingredient has a time and place. For example, parabens are incredibly useful and the best option during certain periods when other alternatives either didn't exist or weren't as effective. We believe that rejecting an ingredient simply because it has gained a negative reputation—without understanding its benefits—is counterproductive. Science evolves, and so do formulations.

The Role of Natural Preservatives 

With the rise of clean beauty, many brands and consumers are turning to natural preservatives. Ingredients like rosemary extract, vitamin E (tocopherol), and grapefruit seed extract are touted for their natural preservative qualities. However, it's essential to understand that "natural" doesn’t always mean better or safer. Natural preservatives can be less effective and may require higher concentrations, which can lead to skin irritation or compromise product stability.

At Dyaspora, we respect the use of natural preservatives, and where applicable, we incorporate them into our formulations. However, natural alternatives don't always provide the broad-spectrum protection needed to maintain a product’s safety over time. For this reason, phenoxyethanol remains our primary preservative, ensuring that our products stay safe for consumers throughout their shelf life without compromising on effectiveness.

Why We Refuse to Fearmonger About Ingredients 

Dyaspora takes a science-first approach to product formulation. One of our core values is to avoid fearmongering around ingredients. It’s all too common for brands to capitalize on consumer fears, promoting "free-from" claims without fully educating their audience. Whether it’s parabens, sulfates, or silicones, every ingredient has its function and reason for being in a formula. The fear of ingredients is often rooted in misinformation, and while consumers deserve transparency, they also deserve facts.

This is why we are committed to educating our community. Every Dyaspora product is designed with purpose, and we believe in the responsible use of preservatives, whether synthetic or natural. Instead of vilifying ingredients, we focus on why they are used and how they contribute to the product's overall performance and safety.

Evolving Beauty in Biotech and More

As the beauty industry continues to evolve, so too will Dyaspora’s approach to formulation. Biotechnology is unlocking new possibilities for safer and more sustainable ingredients, and we are excited to see what innovations will come next. Our goal is to remain adaptable, always focusing on what is best for our customers and the environment. Whether that means using phenoxyethanol today or another breakthrough preservative tomorrow, we are committed to evolving alongside the science.

Dyaspora’s Commitment to Safe, Effective Preservatives 

At Dyaspora, our choice to use phenoxyethanol over parabens is not a rejection of parabens but a reflection of our commitment to global safety standards. As a smaller company, phenoxyethanol provides the efficacy, safety, and regulatory compliance we need to deliver high-quality, long-lasting products to our customers.

We refuse to demonize any ingredient, including parabens. Every preservative, synthetic or natural, has its place and function. Our commitment to science and transparency means we will continue to educate our customers on the role of preservatives, making sure our products are both safe and effective. We believe in evolving with the industry, always prioritizing our customers' needs while staying true to our mission of producing thoughtful, multi-use beauty solutions.