Let's Talk Product Details: Preservatives, Storage Tips & Use-By Dates

Hey, SBA Fam!

So glad to chat with you on the blog. We're going to be addressing some important questions that we get asked frequently around here.

Do you use preservatives in your products?
How should you store your products to make them last as long as possible?
Can you use SBA products past the suggested use-by date?

Today, I want to answer each of these to help you better understand our products and feel confident in the natural skincare you use every day!

If you’ve ever taken a thorough look at our product ingredient list, you may have noticed these ingredients: Rosemary Seed Extract, Citric Acid, Rosemary Antioxidant CO2, and our proprietary blend of naturally derived preservatives.

Before diving into what these natural preservatives are and how they work, I want to first explain why we use them in the first place.

To start, our Nourish Conditioner, Repair Cream, and Blue Tansy HA Moisturizer all contain water content because moisturizers include emollients like aloe (which contains water). Water creates a prime environment for microbial growth, including bacteria, mold, and yeast. Without preservatives, your favorite moisturizer or conditioner could spoil very quickly, perhaps even in a matter of days, if not for some form of a gentle, natural and preservative.

Now, what about our occlusive products like the Sweet Dreams Glow Balm and Daydream Mineral SPF that contain natural preservatives? While they don’t have added water content, they still contain natural oils and other ingredients that can oxidize or go rancid over time. That’s where our natural preservatives come in, to keep these products fresh and extend ingredient longevity.

I know when you hear "preservative," it may bring to mind something artificial, as most preservatives in skincare (and food) are synthetic and often not safe. However, that’s not the case with the natural preservatives SBA carefully selects. At SBA, we are committed to using safe, natural preservatives that maintain the freshness and integrity of our products without compromising quality or safety.

Let’s Break Down the 100% Natural Preservatives In SBA Products

-Rosemary Antioxidant CO2: An ultra-concentrated, oil-soluble extract derived from rosemary leaves. It is very rich in antioxidants, which help protect oils and fats in skincare formulations from oxidation, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life. Unlike synthetic preservatives, it is non-toxic and gentle, making it a popular choice for 100% clean and natural skincare products.

-Citric Acid: You may recognize this name from certain food and skincare items! It's a naturally occurring compound derived from citrus fruits. It’s commonly used in natural skincare to adjust pH levels and enhance the effectiveness of other preservatives. By helping products maintain a stable pH, citric acid helps prevent microbial growth, making it a gentle and effective addition to our formulations.

-Rosemary Seed Extract: Rosemary seed extract is a natural antioxidant derived from rosemary plants. It helps protect oils in skincare products from oxidizing and going rancid, helping ingredients stay fresh longer. This gentle ingredient is safe for all skin types and provides an extra layer of protection without any harmful synthetic additives.

-Proprietary Blend of Naturally Derived Preservatives: Our proprietary blend is a carefully crafted combination of plant-based, naturally derived compounds designed to prevent microbial growth in our Nourish Conditioner. These natural compounds are intentionally chosen for their ability to protect against bacteria, mold, and yeast while remaining gentle on the skin, hair, and body, while being completely non-toxic.

These ingredients are derived from plants and other natural sources, making them both biodegradable and non-toxic. They work in harmony with your skin and body, unlike the harsh, unnaturally derived preservatives such as synthetic preservatives such as parabens or formaldehyde-releasing agents, commonly found in many (if not most) conventional skincare products, and even some "natural" ones.

Proper Storage

Keep your natural SBA skincare products in their best condition by following these tips!

-Keep products away from direct sunlight: UV exposure can degrade natural oils like jojoba, sunflower, and apricot kernel oil, reducing their nourishing properties. This is especially important for products like our Blue Tansy HA Moisturizer, which contains delicate botanicals that lose potency when exposed to light.

-Store in a cool, dry place: Heat and humidity can accelerate the oxidation of oils like rosehip seed oil, argan oil, and sea buckthorn oil, leading to spoilage. For example, the Sweet Dreams Glow Balm is best stored in a cool environment to preserve its rich, collagen boosting qualities.

-Avoid contamination: Always use clean, dry hands or a clean scooping tool when using products like balms or creams. Introducing contaminants, especially into products containing water-based ingredients, is one way to spoil your SBA product quickly. Yes, those post-bathroom hands can carry bacteria you definitely don’t want in your Repair Cream or Nourish Conditioner! Also, I know this can be tricky, but try to avoid putting the serum dropper directly onto your face when applying. Just as an extra precaution!

Using SBA Products Well Past Their Use-By Date

Using SBA skincare products well beyond their suggested use-by date is not recommended, particularly because our formulations are made without harsh preservatives.

-Potency Lessens: Exposure to oxygen, light, and air can cause active ingredients to break down, making them less effective. For example, antioxidants like vitamin C and E oxidize over time which means the longer they are exposed to oxygen, light and air, the faster they lose their effectiveness to protect your skin.

-Texture and Scent Can Change: Oils and other natural ingredients can turn rancid over time, which is definitely something you don’t want to apply to your skin! Rancid ingredients not only lose their benefits but can also lead to irritation or skin reactions.

-Safety Is At Risk: As normal and expected, our 100% natural preservatives do gradually lose their effectiveness over time, which can increase the likelihood of bacterial or fungal growth. This can lead to skin irritation or worse, infections! So, if your product is well past its use by date, it's time to purchase another one.

Bacteria, fungus, yeast growth! Ew! While this all can sound scary, you really have nothing to fear when you take a couple of easy precautions to wash your hands before using your products and store them properly.

I want to highlight that at our SBA packaging and formulation facility, we take meticulous care to ensure our products are made with the highest standards of sanitation, so they are delivered to you completely free of any contaminants. For a closer look at our process, check out our behind-the-scenes video here and here! In the rare occasion they arrive to you with any issues, we are so happy to help with that.

How to Tell if Your Skincare Products Have Spoiled

While natural preservatives help to extend the life of your skincare products, they unfortunately won’t last forever! Here are some signs of spoiled products:

-Changes in Smell: If your product develops a sour, rancid, or "off" smell, it’s likely that the oils or other natural ingredients have oxidized or have started to break down. This is especially common with rich oils like rosehip or sea buckthorn.

-Changes in Texture: Spoiled products may separate, feel unusually thick or sticky, or become grainy. For example, if your balm no longer has a smooth texture or your moisturizer feels lumpy, it may be time to replace it.

-Color Changes: If your product has significantly darkened or developed an unusual color, it could be a sign of oxidation or bacterial growth. For instance, products with vibrant ingredients like blue tansy or sea buckthorn may lose their bright hue when spoiled.

-Visible Mold or Growth Spores: If you notice any discoloration, spots, or fuzzy patches, discard the product immediately. This is a clear sign of contamination and can cause skin irritation and issues.

-Decreased Effectiveness: If the product isn’t performing as well as it used to, such as a moisturizer feeling less hydrating or an oil lacking its usual nourishing feel, it might be time to replace.

Expiration Date Significantly Passed: Always check the suggested use-by date we place on our products. Natural products rely on gentle preservatives, and once the date has passed, the product may no longer be as effective, and at worst, spoiled.

Remember, you want your products to stay as fresh and potent as long as possible, so don’t dip those dirty fingers in and always respect the use-by date! =)

Chelsea H.

CEO, Founder & Formulator

Skin Balm Apothecary