Calculating Expiration Date for Finished Cosmetic Products

Hello,

Thank you for your question regarding the expiration date of your lotion. You are correct that the general principle is to consider the lifespan of the shortest-lived ingredient in your formula.

However, as the staff member C7 and the subsequent reply explained, the expiration date of the finished product is calculated from the production date of the finished product itself, not directly from the expiration date printed on the ingredient's label.

The date 04/2016 on your rice bran oil bottle is the "guaranteed quality date" provided by the supplier for that specific batch of oil. It signifies the date until which the supplier guarantees the oil meets its specifications.

When you use this oil (or any ingredient) to make your lotion, the lotion's expiration date will depend on:

• The production date of your lotion.
• The expected lifespan of the shortest-lived ingredient within the finished formula.

For example, if the shortest-lived ingredient in your lotion formula typically has a lifespan of 2 years, and you produce the lotion in June 2024, the lotion's expiration date would be around June 2026, regardless of the 04/2016 date on the rice bran oil bottle.

The staff also mentioned that ingredients stored properly might remain usable past their guaranteed date, but using them is at your own risk regarding the supplier's quality guarantee.

In summary, the expiration date of your finished lotion is calculated from the date you make the lotion, based on the expected shelf life of the most unstable ingredient in your specific formula. The 04/2016 date on the rice bran oil is a reference for the oil itself, not a direct transfer to the finished product's expiration.

Hope this clarifies the matter!