Cookie Policy
Last Updated: November 7, 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making it easier and more useful for you on return visits.
Cookies typically contain:
- Website name that created the cookie
- Unique identifier (string of letters and numbers)
- Expiration date (how long it stays on your device)
- Value (information the cookie stores)
2. Why We Use Cookies
GLRelief uses cookies to:
- Enable Core Functions: Keep you logged in, remember your shopping cart
- Improve Performance: Understand which pages are popular, identify slow-loading pages
- Personalize Experience: Remember your language, currency, and display preferences
- Enhance Security: Detect fraudulent activity and protect your account
- Analyze Usage: Understand how visitors use our site to improve it
- Deliver Relevant Ads: Show you ads for products/campaigns you might like
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Essential Cookies (Always Active)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | Maintains your session and keeps you logged in | Session |
| csrf_token | Protects against cross-site request forgery attacks | Session |
| cart_items | Remembers items in your shopping cart | 7 days |
| cookie_consent | Remembers your cookie preferences | 1 year |
3.2 Performance & Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics - Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics - Distinguishes users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics - Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
| mp_mixpanel | Mixpanel analytics - User behavior tracking | 1 year |
3.3 Functionality Cookies
Remember your preferences and choices to provide enhanced, personalized features.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| user_language | Remembers your preferred language | 1 year |
| currency_preference | Remembers your currency choice (USD, EUR, etc.) | 1 year |
| theme_mode | Remembers dark/light mode preference | 1 year |
| location_data | Remembers your shipping address region | 6 months |
3.4 Marketing & Advertising Cookies
Used to deliver personalized advertisements and track campaign effectiveness.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _fbp | Facebook Pixel - Track conversions from ads | 3 months |
| IDE | Google Ads - Retargeting and conversion tracking | 1 year |
| fr | Facebook - Deliver, measure ads | 3 months |
| affiliate_ref | Tracks affiliate referrals for commission | 30 days |
4. Third-Party Cookies
We use trusted third-party services that may set their own cookies:
4.1 Payment Processors
- Stripe: Fraud detection and payment processing
- PayPal: Payment authentication and transaction security
4.2 Social Media Platforms
- Facebook: Social sharing, login, and ads
- Twitter: Tweet buttons and embedded content
- Instagram: Embedded posts and stories
4.3 Analytics & Performance
- Google Analytics: Website traffic and user behavior
- Mixpanel: Advanced user analytics
- Hotjar: Heatmaps and session recordings
4.4 Customer Support
- Zendesk: Live chat and support tickets
- Intercom: Customer messaging
Note: Third-party cookies are governed by their respective privacy policies.
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
5.1 Cookie Preferences Center
Control which cookies you allow:
5.2 Browser Settings
You can also control cookies through your browser settings:
Google Chrome:
- Click menu (⋮) → Settings
- Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
- Choose: Block all cookies, Block third-party, or Allow all
Mozilla Firefox:
- Click menu (☰) → Options/Preferences
- Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Manage preferences and exceptions
Safari:
- Safari → Preferences
- Privacy tab
- Manage Website Data or Block Cookies
Microsoft Edge:
- Settings (⋯) → Settings
- Privacy, search, and services
- Cookies and site permissions
5.3 Mobile Browsers
iOS Safari: Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies
Android Chrome: Chrome → Settings → Site Settings → Cookies
5.4 Opt-Out Tools
- Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
- Network Advertising Initiative: NAI Opt-Out Tool
- Digital Advertising Alliance: DAA WebChoices Tool
6. Impact of Disabling Cookies
Disabling cookies may affect your experience on GLRelief:
- ❌ Unable to stay logged in between sessions
- ❌ Shopping cart may not function properly
- ❌ Preferences not saved (language, currency, theme)
- ❌ Some features may be unavailable
- ❌ Less personalized experience
- ✅ Essential functions will still work
7. Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal that tells websites you don't want to be tracked.
Our Approach: We honor DNT signals where technically feasible, particularly for:
- Third-party advertising cookies
- Analytics tracking (where possible)
- Cross-site tracking
Note: Essential cookies required for site functionality cannot be disabled by DNT.
8. Cookie Lifespan
Cookies have different lifespans:
- Session Cookies: Temporary cookies deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period:
- Short-term: 24 hours to 7 days
- Medium-term: 30 days to 6 months
- Long-term: 1 to 2 years
All cookies automatically expire after their set duration or when manually deleted.
9. Similar Technologies
We also use technologies similar to cookies:
9.1 Web Beacons (Pixels)
Small transparent images embedded in emails or web pages to track:
- Email open rates
- Click-through rates
- Page visits
9.2 Local Storage
Stores data locally in your browser for:
- Faster page loading
- Offline functionality
- Large data storage (shopping lists, draft messages)
9.3 Session Storage
Temporary storage cleared when browser tab closes:
- Form data
- Temporary preferences
- Navigation state
10. International Considerations
GDPR (European Union)
For EU visitors, we obtain explicit consent for non-essential cookies before placing them on your device.
CCPA (California)
California residents can opt-out of cookies used for "selling" personal information (we don't sell data, but you can still opt-out).
ePrivacy Directive
We comply with EU ePrivacy regulations requiring consent for cookies.
11. Updates to Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect:
- Changes in our use of cookies
- New technologies
- Legal requirements
- User feedback
Changes Effective: Immediately upon posting
Notification: Major changes announced via email or banner
12. Contact Us About Cookies
Questions about our use of cookies?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-800-GLRelief-HELP (1-800-457-2343)
Mail: GLRelief Cookie Policy, Charleston, WV, USA
13. Useful Resources
Learn more about cookies: