Shelf life and storage of homemade cream with preservative

Subject: Shelf life of homemade cream with preservative

Hello,

Regarding the shelf life of homemade cream using 1% preservative:

• If the preservative used is effective in controlling microbial growth, your homemade cream can generally last for at least 2 years, provided it is stored under normal conditions and not exposed to harsh environments (like extreme heat or direct sunlight).
• Similar to commercial creams found on shelves, if your homemade cream is properly preserved, it does not necessarily require refrigeration for storage. The purpose of the preservative is to maintain stability at room temperature.
• Commercial creams use preservatives according to regulations set by authorities like the FDA (อ.ย.). The specific percentage varies depending on the type(s) of preservative(s) used and the overall formulation. Manufacturers follow these guidelines to ensure product safety and stability for the stated shelf life, typically allowing them to be stored at room temperature.

It's also important to note, as mentioned by the staff, that while preservatives prevent spoilage from microorganisms, the overall shelf life of a cosmetic product can also be affected by other factors, such as the stability of other ingredients (e.g., oxidation of oils, degradation of active ingredients) and packaging.