Shelf Life of Preserved Lotions

[Cosmoman]

Does anyone have any idea the estimated shelf life of lotion that has been made under strict cleanliness conditions and preserved ?

I am trying to put an expiration date on my products that will be safe.

 

[HorseCreek]

What I was told, take the shortest shelf life of the oils in your product and use that. If it has GM in it, shortest oil or 6 months, whichever is shorter.

 

[Cosmoman]

I use Vitamin E in my formulas to help preserve the oils. I have been using 6 mo expiration . Sounds about right

thanks very much

 

[HorseCreek]

Do you use something besides Vitamin E?

 

[Cosmoman]

not at this time

 

[SugarandOats]

Vitamin e isn't a preservative. ..

sugar & oats

 

[dagmar88]

Right. And estimating doesn't do it when it comes to safety.
You'll need to test the product over time.

 

[pamielynn]

Get it challenge tested. It's the best way to find out.

 

[shunt2011]

As previously stated, Vitamin E is not a preservative and the only true way to know it's life would be to have it challenge tested.

 

[judymoody]

If you are not using a preservative, the shelf life of your lotion is likely to be a few days, maybe a week on the outside?

I would never sell lotions without a preservative. You can get away with not using one for oil-based products like whipped butters or lotion bars that don't contain any water. But any water/oil emulsion should be properly preserved.

 

[Cosmoman]

i use Germaben II at 1%

 

[savonierre]

The best thing to do is have it tested.

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