The organic ingredients you use in making homemade lip balm or chapstick have natural preservatives. This is convenient for making bulk lip balm for your business or just for fun. However, after a certain period of time, it expires and becomes unusable.
The lifespan of a homemade lip balm or chapstick is six to twelve months. After this period, this is how you will notice your product has expired:
Signs Your Lip Balm or Chapstick Has Expired
When using lip balm or chapstick, there is a chance for bacterial transfer from the lips or hands to the container. Frequent use can cause bacteria to build up inside it. The bacteria thrive in moisture.
When your lip balm or chapstick expires, it changes in smell and appearance. The easiest way to know if it has expired is to smell it. Your lip balm starts having an unusual and unpleasant odor. This is caused by the bacteria reacting to moisture and being in an enclosed container. Lip balm also has fats and oils, which, when broken down by enzymes in the saliva, start going bad. This causes a strange smell after a long period of use.
When it expires, your lip balm will change color. At this point, it is beyond the expiration date, and you are advised to throw it away and get a new one. Homemade lip balm products should be produced in quantities that last you a year for personal use. If you are making bulk lip balm, package them in small containers that can be used in the time frame before it expires.
When you notice a watery substance in your chapstick tube or container, then the time is up. The ingredients break down and settle separately in the container when it expires. You see water settling at the bottom while oil floats at the top. When applied to your lips, it might feel loose or runny.
Making Your Lip Balm Last Longer
To keep your lip balm in good condition to serve you for a long time, consider the following:
Caring For Your Body and the Environment
The harsh chemicals used in industrially produced goods cause reactions in your body. Using homemade chapstick and lip balm is safer for you. These products include only components with healthy properties and no harmful substances. Using organic ingredients to make and package the products is better for you and the environment.
Organic containers decompose when disposed of and cannot cause harm to the environment. This is the best way to kill two birds with one stone; with homemade chapstick, you can keep your body and environment healthy.
Keeping It Natural
If you want your lip balm to serve you for a long time, make it with fresh, natural ingredients and oils. The quality of your ingredients will dictate how long your product will benefit you and your clients. Make lip balm with natural preservatives that will prolong its shelf life.
Storage
Like many other products, storing your lip balm contributes to its life span. Keep it in a cool and dry place. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight, which breaks down the particles in the product and hastens its reaction with moisture.
Use on Dry Skin
To prevent your lip balm from spoiling before the expiration date, wipe your lips clean and dry them before applying the chapstick. If you are using lip balm, dry your hands before scooping the balm out of its container, or use a clean popsicle stick or spoon to scoop out the product.
Cover Your Container
After using your lip balm, keep it covered. Leaving it open exposes it to dirt and dust. If foreign particles settle on the lip balm, they may cause decay and the growth of bacteria and molds.
Maintain Hygiene
Before scooping the lip balm out of the container, wash your hands with soap and water. Clean hands prevent the introduction of bacteria and germs into your lip balm. For chapstick, clean your lips before use. Wipe off any saliva and food particles before applying it. Foreign particles and substances in the container spoil the product before it can serve for the full, intended time.
Making Bulk Lip Balm
When making bulk lip balm, source your supplies from a reliable seller. Use natural ingredients to produce products and packaging materials approved by the FDA cosmetic.