How Long Will DIY Sunscreen Last?

Q:
Hi Tracey

I took your workshop in May on safe sunscreen and bug spray. I can't remember what the shelf life of the sunscreen is. Can you please let me know.

Thanks

A: Great question!

Because we are using food grade ingredients,
you can tell if it's off just like you can with food.
Visible mold and/or a "wrong" odour will tip you off to compost the remainders.

I still have cocoa, shea and zinc sunscreen that aren't off from two years ago, so the 6 month shelf life I tell stores about is very conservative.

It depends a lot on how well you sterilize things when you are making the sunscreen
whether you open it (starts to go off)
whether it's kept in a cool dark place (good)
and whether you touch the product when using it (inserts bacteria).
No matter how "off" it might get, it would never be harmful on unbroken skin!

Let me know how long yours lasts!

Best, Tracey
Tracey TieF
Certified Natural Health Practitioner
www.anarreshealth.ca