Vitamin E Storage in Finished Cream
Question
I have a question regarding the storage of Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate, Product ID 65) when used in a finished cream formulation that includes a preservative (like Product ID 34).
I understand that the raw Vitamin E (Product ID 65) should be stored at 4-8°C for a 3-year shelf life. However, if I formulate it into a finished cream and store it at room temperature for approximately 1 year, how much of its efficacy would remain? Is storing the finished cream at room temperature for this duration acceptable, given that the raw material requires cold storage?
Answer
Subject: Re: Vitamin E Storage
Hello,
Thank you for your question regarding the storage of Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) when incorporated into a finished cream.
You are correct that the raw Vitamin E (Product ID 65) is recommended to be stored at 4-8°C for a shelf life of 3 years to maintain its quality. However, the storage conditions and shelf life considerations change when this ingredient is used in a finished cosmetic product like a cream, especially when a preservative (like Product ID 34) is included.
Storing finished cosmetic products at room temperature is standard practice in the industry. While it's true that ingredients, including Vitamin E, will gradually degrade over time, and this degradation might be faster at room temperature compared to cold storage, finished products are formulated and tested to remain stable and effective for a reasonable period under typical storage conditions.
Regarding your question about a 1-year shelf life at room temperature for the finished cream: While it's difficult to give an exact percentage of remaining efficacy, storing finished cosmetic products at room temperature for up to a year is generally considered acceptable and is the standard for commercially available products. This is because products are typically stored and transported at room temperature before reaching the consumer.
In summary, while the raw Vitamin E benefits from cold storage, a finished cream containing Vitamin E and a preservative can typically be stored at room temperature and is expected to remain usable for around 1 year, accepting that there may be some gradual loss of potency over that time compared to the raw ingredient stored optimally.
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