Think about this for a moment:
How long does a plant live?
How long can you keep your salads in the fridge before they rot?
How long does an apple last in the big bowl of fresh fruit you have on your table?
The same applies to high-quality natural and organic cosmetics. To cosmetics that are composed, for the most part, of organic natural ingredients, cold-pressed vegetable oils, and botanical essential oils.
High-end organic cosmetics are as precious and delicate as the beauty of a flower in spring: they enchant, perform their role with art and mastery, and are ephemeral.
And although the life of a natural cosmetic is much longer than that of a flower, it is important to understand and respect its expiration time.
Remember that things done well follow a slower cadence, outside of convenience.
The duration of natural cosmetics can vary depending on several factors, such as the product formulation, the ingredients used, the storage method, and the care the buyer takes with the product.
In general, natural cosmetics usually have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional cosmetics that contain preservatives derived from synthetic chemistry, which are often harmful and damaging to our bodies.
High-quality natural cosmetics, which have been formulated with botanical ingredients and do not contain synthetic preservatives, have a shorter expiration date; for example, our creams have an expiration date of 1.5 years from the time of manufacture, while conventional creams can have an expiration date of more than 5 years—some even do not expire if the jar is not opened.
On the other hand, once cosmetic products are opened by the consumer, natural cosmetic products such as face creams, body lotions, and facial toners can last from 6 to 12 months after opening. Even so, this varies greatly depending on the product. You can find this data on the open jar icon; the number inside is the number of months the product lasts once you have opened it at home:
Some products, such as pure vegetable oils, which we tend to use in practically all our formulations, can have a longer shelf life due to their stability and resistance to microbial contamination.
Since this topic is somewhat complex, we are going to debunk some myths that circulate out there and explain the reality of natural cosmetic expiration.
Myths and realities regarding the expiration of high-end natural cosmetics
To begin with, we are going to distinguish the myths that have been created around quality natural cosmetics and the reality behind these precious and unique jars.
First Myth: natural cosmetics do not expire
Reality: 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 they have expired. Remember that elements of nature have a specific lifespan and their rhythms must be respected.
Second Myth: natural cosmetics do not need preservatives
Reality: preservatives are necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms in cosmetic products, including natural ones. The difference is that the preservatives used in products certified as natural do not come from synthetic chemistry, nor are they endocrine disruptors.
Third Myth: natural products last longer than conventional products
Reality: 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; furthermore, they do not usually use preservatives derived from synthetic chemistry, so the expiration date is reduced, as we explained before.
In addition to the use of authorized preservatives in certified natural cosmetics, at Saper we have found a wonderful and sustainable solution to improve and extend the preservation of our products; we combine the use of naturally derived preservatives, such as benzyl alcohol, with violet glass jars, which not only preserves the active ingredients of a formulation better but can also enhance its nutritional value. If you want to know more about this, we have written a full article on the benefits of violet glass.
Fourth Myth: you can use natural products after the expiration date without problems.
Reality: using products after the expiration date can be risky, even in the case of natural cosmetics. The expiration date indicates how long the quality and efficacy of the product are guaranteed. After that date, the ingredients can decompose, the preservatives can lose their effectiveness, and the product can become unsafe for use. It is better to discard products once they have expired and replace them with new, fresh products.
Like everything in this life, natural cosmetics have a limited shelf life and can expire. It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions, store products properly (if you want to know how to do it, we recommend this other article), and discard any expired product to ensure its safety and efficacy.
How to maximize the shelf life of your natural cosmetics?
And although everything has an end, 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 seal containers hermetically after each use to prevent exposure to air and microbial contamination.
- Avoid contamination: wash your hands before using products to avoid transferring bacteria. Use clean spatulas or tools to extract products, especially those that come in jars, to avoid contaminating them with your hands. At Saper, we always send a small wooden spatula so you can better use our artisanal natural cosmetics without damaging their ancestral magic.
- Do not share your products: avoid lending your cosmetics to others to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
- Avoid contact with water: although 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 yourself well with an organic cotton muslin cloth (like the one we have in our online store), use dry hands and/or clean tools to take the necessary amount, and close the container immediately.
- Follow manufacturer's directions: pay attention to the specific recommendations for each product regarding its shelf life and any special storage instructions.
- Observe changes in the product: if you notice signs of deterioration such as ingredient separation, it is better to discard it even before the indicated expiration date.
Remember that, even if you follow these recommendations, natural products have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional products. It is important to be attentive and use products before they expire to ensure you get the best results and avoid potential irritation or contamination problems.
Nature is wise: take advantage of its magic at its optimal moment and don't wait for its power to weaken before you benefit from it.
