Think about this for a moment:
How long does a plant live?
How long can you keep your salads in the fridge before they go bad?
How long will an apple last in the big bowl of fresh fruit on the table?
The same goes for quality natural and organic cosmetics. Cosmetics that are composed, for the most part, of organic natural ingredients, cold-pressed vegetable oils, and botanical essential oils.
High-end natural cosmetics are as precious and delicate as the beauty of a spring flower: they captivate, perform their role with artistry and mastery, and are ephemeral.
And although the shelf life of a natural cosmetic is much longer than that of a flower, it is important to understand and respect its expiration date.
Remember that things done well follow a slower pace and are not appropriate.
The shelf life of natural cosmetics can vary depending on several factors , such as the product formulation, the ingredients used, the storage method, and the care taken by the buyer.
In general, natural cosmetics tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional cosmetics that contain preservatives from synthetic chemicals, which are often harmful and damaging to our bodies.
High-quality natural cosmetics, formulated with botanical ingredients and free of synthetic preservatives, have a shorter expiration date. For example, our creams have a one-and-a-half-year expiration date from the date of manufacture. Conventional creams can have a shelf life of more than five years, and some even last as long as the jar is not opened.
On the other hand, once opened by the consumer, natural cosmetic products such as face and body creams and facial toners can last 6 to 12 months. However, this varies greatly depending on the product. This information can be found on the icon of the open jar; the number inside is the number of months the product will last once opened at home:
Some products, such as pure vegetable oils , which we typically use in virtually all of our formulations, may have a longer shelf life due to their stability and resistance to microbial contamination .
Since this topic is somewhat complex, we're going to debunk some myths circulating around and explain the reality of the expiration date of natural cosmetics.
Myths and realities about the expiration date of high-end natural cosmetics.
To begin, let's debunk the myths surrounding quality natural cosmetics and the reality behind these precious and unique bottles.
First Myth: Natural cosmetics do not expire.
Fact: All cosmetic products, including natural ones, have a shelf life and can expire. Natural ingredients can also deteriorate over time and become less effective or even cause skin irritation if used after their expiration date. Remember that natural elements have specific lifespans, and their expiration dates must be respected.
Second Myth: Natural cosmetics do not need preservatives.
Fact: Preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in cosmetic products, including natural ones. The difference is that the preservatives used in certified natural products are not derived from synthetic chemicals, nor are they endocrine disruptors.
Third Myth: Natural products last longer than conventional products.
Fact: In general, natural products have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional products. This is because natural cosmetics tend to use fresh, less processed ingredients, which makes them more susceptible to degradation. They also typically avoid synthetic chemical preservatives, which reduces the expiration date, as explained above.
In addition to the use of authorized preservatives in certified natural cosmetics, at Saper we've found a wonderful, sustainable solution to improve and extend the shelf life of our products. We combine the use of natural preservatives, such as benzyl alcohol, with violet glass bottles. This not only better preserves the active ingredients in a formulation but can also enhance its nutritional value. If you'd like to learn more, we've written a full article on the benefits of violet glass .
Myth Four : You can use natural products after the expiration date without any problems.
Fact : Using products past their expiration date can be risky, even for natural cosmetics. The expiration date indicates how long the product's quality and effectiveness are guaranteed. After that date, ingredients can decompose, preservatives may lose their effectiveness, and the product may become unsafe to use. It's best to discard products once they've expired and replace them with fresh, new products.
Like everything in life, natural cosmetics have a limited shelf life and can expire. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, store the products properly (if you'd like to learn how, we recommend this other article ), and discard any expired products to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
How to maximize the shelf life of your natural cosmetics?
And although everything has a purpose, there are also certain practices and tools that can help extend the life of a natural cosmetic.
- Proper storage : Store your products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Light and heat can accelerate the degradation of natural ingredients.
- Close containers tightly : Make sure to close containers tightly after each use to prevent air exposure and microbial contamination.
- Avoid contamination : Wash your hands before using the products to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Use clean spatulas or utensils to remove the products, especially those in jars, to avoid contamination with your hands. At Saper, we always send a small wooden spatula so you can better utilize our natural, handcrafted cosmetics and avoid damaging their ancient magic.
- Don't share your products : Avoid lending your cosmetics to other people to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
- Avoid contact with water : While some natural cosmetic products may contain water as an ingredient, try not to expose them directly to additional water, as this can encourage the growth of microorganisms. Dry thoroughly with an organic cotton muslin cloth (like the one we carry in our online store), use dry hands and/or clean utensils to scoop out the required amount, and close the container immediately.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions : Pay attention to each product's specific recommendations regarding its shelf life and any special storage instructions.
- Observe changes in the product : If you notice signs of deterioration such as separation of ingredients, it is best to discard it even before the expiration date indicated.
Remember that, even if you follow these recommendations, natural products have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional products. It's important to be vigilant and use products before they expire to ensure you get the best results and avoid potential irritation or contamination.
Nature is wise: harness its magic at its best, and don't wait for its power to wane before you benefit from it.
