Why We Don’t Use Preservatives and How to Store Your Skincare Products So They Last

When you invest in high-quality skincare products, you want them to last and, more importantly, you want them to perform the way they’re meant to. Anytime we talk about the benefits of our clean, handcrafted cosmetics, like short ingredient lists, no toxins, no synthetics, and no conventional preservatives, there’s a very fair follow-up question:

“If you don’t use preservatives, how long does my makeup and skincare last, and how should I store the products?”

Totally valid. Let me walk you through our formulation process and exactly how to store your skincare so it maintains its integrity, protects active ingredients, and supports your best skin.

Why A’del Skincare Products Don’t Use Preservatives

When we first started formulating skincare and makeup, our goal was simple: to include only truly necessary ingredients and leave everything else out.

One of the biggest decisions we made was moving away from traditional water-based skincare formulations and focusing on:

• Oil-based products

• Oil + wax-based formulations

This single choice dramatically reduced the need for preservatives and helped protect sensitive active ingredients.

Water vs. Oil in Skincare Products

Here’s the key difference most people don’t realize:

• Water allows bacterial growth

• Oil does not

Water-based products require preservatives to protect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Without them, mold would form quickly, especially in a warm, humid bathroom environment.

Oil-based products don’t grow bacteria. Instead, oils need protection from oxidation (going rancid), which is why ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and botanical antioxidants are used thoughtfully.

How Our Skincare Formulation Makes a Difference

Because our skincare products are water-free, we focus on:

• Preserving oil integrity

• Extending shelf life naturally

• Protecting the formulation without toxins

Product Examples

Essential Skincare Line

• Cleanse and Moisturize contain no water

• Preserved naturally with vitamin E

Duo Balm

• Oil + wax base

• Vitamin E oil

• Protects the other carrier oils, which support acne, eczema, and signs of aging

How to Store Your A’del Products Properly

Proper storage protects your ingredients, supports your skin type, and helps your products last longer.

Key Factors That Affect Skincare Products

1. Temperature

• • Store products at room temperature or a slightly cooler temperature

  • Avoid excess heat

  • Why it helps: Protects active ingredients like hyaluronic acid 

2. Light Exposure

• • Store away from direct sunlight

  • Avoid window sills or bright vanity lighting

  • Why it helps: Prevents breakdown of skincare formulations

3. Moisture & Humidity

• • Avoid shower shelves and steamy areas

  • A drawer or cabinet is ideal

• • If you use your fingers to scoop out product, make sure your hands are clean and dry so you don’t introduce water into the product. The same goes for any applicator tools.

  • Why it helps: Extends shelf life and prevents contamination

4. Air Exposure

• • Close lids tightly after every use

  • Respect the type of packaging designed for freshness

  • Why it helps: Keeps skincare products and cosmetics fresh longer

Do You Need a Skincare Fridge?

The skincare fridge trend gets a lot of attention. Here’s the truth:

• Not necessary for most skincare products

• Most board-certified dermatologists and skincare professionals agree that room temperature is fine

A skincare fridge is a luxury, not a requirement.

Quick Skincare Storage Tips

• Use a makeup organizer to keep products clean and upright

• Store beauty products away from direct sunlight

• Keep lids tightly closed

• Use clean, dry applicators or fingers when applying makeup or skincare

This ensures you’re getting the full benefit of the ingredients and avoiding visible signs of product breakdown.

A simple makeup organizer in a drawer or cabinet often works better than leaving products out on the counter.

How Long Do Skincare Products Last?

Most natural skincare products should be used within:

• 6-12 months after opening

Signs Your Skincare Product Needs Replacing

• Change in smell or texture

• Past the recommended shelf life

If it smells off or looks different, it’s time to let it go, even if there’s still product left.

A Note About Powder Makeup Products

Powder-based makeup products are a fantastic investment, especially if you don’t wear makeup daily. This includes:

• Loose Powder Foundation

• Setting Powder

• Eyeshadow

Because they contain no water, these cosmetics:

• Have a longer shelf life

• Don’t require preservatives

• Can last well beyond a year when stored properly

Product Expiration & Recommended Use Timeline

Because our products are made with clean, thoughtfully chosen ingredients and without conventional preservatives, each one has a recommended use window to ensure freshness, effectiveness, and safety. (Even the American Academy of Dermatology emphasizes that makeup and skincare products have a shelf life and should be stored properly to protect their ingredients).

These timelines are based on proper storage and use (clean, dry applicators and lids closed tightly). Think of this as a helpful guide, not something to stress over.

Face Masks & Skincare

• Rose Face Mask: 1 year from purchase

• C&C Face Mask: 1 year from purchase

• Blue Lagoon Skincare Line: 9 months from purchase

• Essential Skincare Line: 12 months from purchase

Body Care

• Blue Lagoon Body Oil: 12 months from purchase

• Duo Balm: 6 months from purchase

• Lotion Bars: 12 months from purchase

• Body Butter: 1 year from purchase

Face Makeup

• Cream Foundation: 2 years from purchase

• Moisturizing Foundation: 12 months from purchase

• Loose Foundation: 2 years from purchase

• Cream Blush: 12 months from purchase

• Bronzing Cream: 12 months from purchase

• Bronzer (Powder): 2 years from purchase

• Finishing Powder: 2 years from purchase

• Glow: 12 months from purchase

Eyes & Lips

• Eyeshadow: 2 years from purchase

• Cream Eyeliner: 12 months from purchase

• A’del Mascara: 6 months from purchase

• Lipstick / Lip Conditioner / Lip Tint: 9 months from purchase

Caring for Your Skincare Products

These timelines help ensure you’re getting the very best performance from your products, but always trust your senses. If a product smells off, looks different, or just doesn’t feel right anymore, it’s time to let it go.

When stored properly and used with clean, dry applicators, these products last beautifully within their recommended window.

Caring for your skincare products is an extension of caring for your skin.

You don’t need to be perfect or obsessive, just intentional. Small habits protect your products, your investment, and ultimately help you in your skin health journey.

If you ever have questions about A’del, a specific product, or how to store your skincare properly, we’re always here to help!