Natural cosmetics, like any natural product, can spoil or expire if not stored properly.
Using expired or damaged cosmetics can have very negative effects on your skin (depending on its sensitivity) and, consequently, on your entire body (remember, everything in your body is deeply and profoundly connected). It can cause allergies, irritation, acne, and much more.
Furthermore, when they are expired or spoiled, they lose their effectiveness: not only are you putting on something that can harm you, but it has also lost some of its positive effects.
That's why it's essential to always check the expiration date on a facial or body product and learn how to properly store your natural cosmetics .
What are natural preservatives?
Natural preservatives are ingredients or substances chosen, due to their properties, to prevent the growth of microorganisms , such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, which can contaminate and spoil the formulation of cosmetic products during storage and subsequent use by the consumer. They help extend the shelf life of cosmetics and maintain the properties of the bioactive ingredients for longer.
The most commonly used natural and organic preservatives in natural cosmetics today are organic acids and their salts, such as benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and dehydroacetic acid . These are used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeast. These ingredients have antimicrobial properties and help extend the shelf life of cosmetic products while maintaining their quality and safety.
Another of the most commonly used ingredients in certified natural cosmetics is benzyl alcohol , an organic compound found naturally in various sources, such as plants, fruits and essential oils, it has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can inhibit the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in cosmetic products, and it is also effective against fungi and yeasts, which is especially beneficial in formulations that may be prone to fermentation or fungal growth.
However, as we saw in the article on different types of sustainable packaging, it can also function as a natural preservative. Violet glass packaging, for example, has been shown to not only prolong the properties of natural ingredients but can even improve their availability and effectiveness.
Even so, it is also important to learn how to properly preserve any natural and organic cosmetic product.
How to preserve natural cosmetics?
It's important to understand that the place where we store our facial creams and serums can greatly influence the proper preservation of their oils, butters, natural extracts, and more.
Therefore, to properly protect and preserve the properties of organic cosmetics, it is important to:
- Store any type of cosmetic where it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
- Avoid exposing it to high temperatures, and this does not mean that the containers should be stored in the refrigerator, but in a cool place,
- Close the container tightly after use to prevent oxidation,
- avoid storing your organic cosmetics in a humid environment.
Natural and organic cosmetics do not necessarily expire sooner or spoil more easily than conventional cosmetics, mostly made with synthetic chemical ingredients, if these basic principles are followed.
Also, remember that our violet glass containers are another type of natural preservative . They have filtering properties that block visible light and selectively allow violet and ultraviolet light to pass through. This helps protect cosmetic products from light-induced degradation by reducing exposure to sunlight and artificial light, which can break down active ingredients and affect product quality.
The light protection provided by crystal violet contributes to extending the shelf life of cosmetic products. By reducing oxidation and decomposition of ingredients, products packaged in crystal violet have greater stability and can maintain their properties and effectiveness for longer.
The biophotonic technology used in violet crystal is based on the belief that violet and ultraviolet light have positive effects on preserving the vital energy of natural ingredients. Furthermore, violet crystal is a recyclable and environmentally friendly material . By choosing packaging in this type of glass, you promote sustainability and reduce the generation of plastic waste .
Also, when you finish using your cosmetics you can give many uses to the empty containers , you can use them to store coffee, salt, tea, dried flowers, etc.
