Understanding Ingredient Shelf Life and Cream Formulation Shelf Life

The note about the 60-day period on the 3g syringe packaging for ingredients like Bisabolol refers to the recommended usage period after opening that specific small package. This recommendation is often related to the packaging itself, which may not be designed for long-term storage once opened, rather than the inherent shelf life of the ingredient.

The actual shelf life of the ingredient is indicated by the expiry date provided on the product page or label (e.g., "Expires: 02/2020"). As the staff reply mentioned, if you need to store the ingredient for a longer period after opening the syringe, transferring it to more protective packaging (like an airtight, light-resistant container) can help maintain its quality until its official expiry date.

The shelf life of your final cream formulation depends on several factors, not just the recommended usage period of one ingredient's packaging. Key factors include:

• Ingredient Expiry Dates: All ingredients used in the formulation must be within their respective expiry dates.
• Preservation System: A well-chosen and correctly used preservative system is crucial to prevent microbial growth in the cream.
• Packaging: The container for the final cream product affects its stability and protection from contamination.
• Storage and Handling: How the cream is stored (temperature, light exposure) and how it is used (e.g., avoiding introducing contaminants) impacts its longevity.

Therefore, the 60-day recommendation for the Bisabolol syringe after opening does not mean your 100g cream formulation will only last 60 days. With proper formulation, effective preservation, and suitable packaging, a 100g cream can potentially last 4-5 months or even longer, well within the typical shelf life of cosmetic products.