All scrubs have a best before date on the bottom, and will last between 6 to 12 months. This is a recommendation, some scrubs tend to last quite a bit longer. Our Oatmeal Coffee and Coconut Almond are champions of shelf life. If it's past it's expiry, but it looks, smells, and feels good - it probably is!
Body and face scrubs with only salt/sugar and oil should last several months, some even one year onwards, providing they're not contaminated with water (or bacteria from fingers).
Sugar scrubs are sometimes used in the shower and sometimes users dip wet hands into the jar. Both of these circumstances will introduce water to the sugar scrub, which eventually will lead to bacterial growth.
But if you want to keep your sugar scrub for as long as possible, be sure to store your scrub with the lid on and avoid getting extra water into your container. When properly stored, sugar scrub should last for about 6 months!
Scrub your skin for no longer than 30 seconds. Rinse liberally with warm water. If you want to shave, shave afterwards (exfoliation lifts dirt and dead skin cells out of the way, allowing for the blade to glide more smoothly over the skin)
There are many factors to consider when predicting just how long each pair could go for, but one of the most significant is the frequency of use and the quality of the material. Expect scrubs with frequent use to need replacements within a year.
It's important to remember that some products, such as cleansers and scrubs, might not show clear signs of expiry but can still start to irritate your skin. Once a product has expired it will become completely ineffective as the active ingredients will no longer work as they should.
“Rinsing promptly ensures that the exfoliation process is effective while preventing potential irritation that could occur if the scrub were left on for too long,” she says. After exfoliating with your scrub, seal in moisture by applying a body lotion or oil while your skin is still slightly damp.
These scrubs are sometimes just too much for such a gentle area. Many clients that end up with ingrowns mistakenly are using a scrub. Sugar can also throw off the pH in the intimate areas and cause infection (particularly yeast since they love sugar.) It can also spread bacteria and create microtears in the skin.
One study found fungi on 93% and coliform bacteria on 44% of scrubs washed at home, compared to scrubs washed at the hospital. Another study found that bacteria, including MRSA (an infection that's resistant to several antibiotics), were present on seven out of 10 nurses' scrubs 48 hours after their shifts ended.
Here's a general guideline: For sensitive or dry skin, opt for a sugar scrub. If your skin is balanced or oily, a salt scrub can effectively exfoliate. For detoxifying and soothing tired muscles, a salt scrub with Epsom salts may be ideal.
Look for scrubs with natural, gentle ingredients that won't cause irritation or inflammation. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances that can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it feeling dry and irritated.
I have never had a batch go bad. Because of the antibacterial nature of sugar, you are protected from homemade sugar scrubs growing mold or bacteria. However, if you add fresh herbs or citrus rinds, over time, mold could grow on those. Rancidity refers to deterioration of oils.
Spotting Expired Skincare Products
Changes in colour, texture, or smell are clear giveaways. If your cream has separated, your face oil smells rancid, or your sunscreen has changed colour, these are signs that they have expired and need to be disposed of!
Perfectly prepped skin will enable your chosen scrub to work its magic. First up, you need to soak – either under the shower or in the bath. Skin should be damp to get the full benefit of exfoliation, plus a warm temperature will help to open your pores and soften the surface of your skin.
Brown Sugar, high in natural molasses, is a natural humectant. It absorbs moisture from your environment and deposits it into your skin. Hydrating and conditioning, brown sugar helps to keep the moisture locked in. Brown sugar which removes dead cells is often used for exfoliating skin.
As long as you save your homemade body scrub in a well sealed container so no moisture or other environmental components can get in, then it can last up to six months.
Phenonip and Germaben II E are two preservatives that can be used for oil-based scrubs. Package – Oil Based scrubs are typically packaged in a Jar with a Top with a Foam Liner. The liner prevents the oils from leaking out. A Press and Seal Liner also helps to keep the product from leaking.
All scrubs have a best before date on the bottom, and will last between 6 to 12 months. This is a recommendation, some scrubs tend to last quite a bit longer. Our Oatmeal Coffee and Coconut Almond are champions of shelf life. If it's past it's expiry, but it looks, smells, and feels good - it probably is!
Yes, it may surprise you to learn that skincare products do indeed expire. The effectiveness and safety of these products can decline over time, and using expired products can potentially cause skin irritation or other issues.
Cheap scrubs will last only a couple of months before they become visibly worn out. However, investing in good quality luxury scrubs means you will only have to replace them yearly. Sometimes, however, scrubs will not last that long.