Shelf Life of Homemade Body Care Products

There are some steps that you can take to extend the shelf life of your custom made products. They are outlined for you here.

Make sure that all utensils used when making your products are scrupulously clean.
Store products in glass containers when possible. Amber or brown colored glass is preferable.
Store products away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Both of these factors increase the risk of spoilage and decrease the potency of the active ingredients in the product.
Products can be stored in the refrigerator to prolong shelf life.
Creams can be stored in the freezer for an even longer shelf life. Before using, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
Herbal infusions can be stored in the refrigerator if there are leftovers, but they must be used within three days or discarder.
Should any product change color, develop mold, or develop an "off" odor or appearance, discard them immediately.
Be sure to add vitamin E, grapefruit seed extract, or tincture of benzoin, if called for in the recipe. These are natural preservatives and will aid in keeping your products fresh.

CITRUS LIP GLOSS

When I sent a sample of this to my friend, she called to say, "This tastes good, send me more!" The citrus essential oils and honey combine to make this gloss a tasty product that will keep your lips soft and moist for some time.

3 Tbsp. sweet almond oil
2 tsp. beeswax (pearls or solid beeswax grated and measured)
1 tsp. aloe vera gel
1 tsp. honey
800 IU Vitamin E
4 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops tangerine essential oil

Melt the beeswax and sweet almond oil together in a heat proof container over boiling water. When the beeswax is melted, remove from the heat. Add the honey and Vitamin E, mixing briskly with a wire whisk. Add the aloe vera gel and stir into the mixture. Add the essential oils and stir in well. Pour into a low wide-mouth jar.

EXTRA CARE FOR LIPS

This recipe is very protective, tastes good, and has a nice consistency. It is my hands down favorite for lip care and many of my acquaintances agree.

1 Tbsp. beeswax (pears or solid beeswax grated and measured)
1 Tbsp. avocado oil
1 tsp. vegetable glycerine
½ tsp. honey
⅛ tsp. liquid lecithin
6 drops grapefruit, orange OR lemon essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil

In a separate container, mix the honey and vegetable glycerine and set aside. Place the beeswax and avocado oil in a heat proof container and place over boiling water. When the mixture has melted, remove it from the heat. To the melted beeswax and oil mixture add Vitamin E and liquid lecithin. Slowly add the honey and vegetable glycerine mixture, stirring constantly. This will solidify rather quickly. Add the essential oils and mix well. Store in a low wide-mouth jar.

Resource For This Articles: Author-Dorie Byers, R. N., Natural Beauty Basics Book