How Long Do Creams Last?

[Sterling Cooper]

So far, I'm just using one cream (truefitt) and one soap (cade). I'd like to get a wider variety, but I'm worried about whether there is an expiry date for creams. Do they go rancid? Or dry out? If so, how long do I have and is there any prevention measures?

I'd hate to get a cupboard full of expensive creams and lose half the lot to spoilage.

 

[Mooncalf]

Most of the creams I've seen are marked as good for 24 months after opening; One or two indicated 12 months. I would assume this is a conservative number for which they've actually performed stability testing.

You can usually find a small icon of an opened jar on the packaging, with a number inside. This is the number of months the product should be shelf stable after opening.

Provided nothing starts to get fuzzy, I wouldn't worry too much if you exceeded even those recommended expiration times slightly.

 

[Rudy Vey]

Some of my Floris tubes show a 36 month logo, others a 12 month. The two new tubs of TOBS I just got, also show a 12 month logo. I would guess that the shown time is only a minimum, guaranteed shelf-life, and under very good storage conditions, the effective shelf-life might be much longer. I let you know in 36 month

 

[Luc]

Now, this is only an indication...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12M

The manifacturer has an indication on how long the product will be good for but it doesn't mean it will turn bad after that. As mentionned up here, some cream can go x2 x3 time longer than what they are supposed to. I think storage is a big factor.

 

[Leche]

I have a tub of TOBS avocado that is more than a year old. Perfect still. It is also marked for 12 months.

 

[gaseousclay]

I just bought a tube of Godrej today and it expired on 3/08. still made a great lather

 

[john parker]

I think that they will dry out. Only one I have had that happen to is a sample of TOBS sandalwood which is well over a year old, and probably not as tightly sealed as it should have been. However, it still made a good lather when I pulled it out to try it again.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Many creams can be "re-charged" with a hint of water and TLC. So, go forth and buy a few more! If you dont like them after a few months, the B/S/T will help you out!

 

[nemo]

Well, let's see...this tube I've had at least a decade...probably longer. Gee, when did they stop making this stuff in the USA? Only the slightest bit dry and easily rehydrated with my brush to form a great lather. Used it a few weeks ago just for kicks and no, I'm not kidding.

Peanut oil? Cool!

 

[Sterling Cooper]

Sounds good! I picked up my second soap and cream today. Both are based on the high recs that I've read here-truefitt rose cream and art of shaving sandalwood soap.

One question is that I picked up some art of shaving aftershave balm for the sandalwood. Truefitt and Hill didn't have any aftershaves to go with the rose. What are my options there; I'm open to either a splash or balm.

 

[Lucky11453]

I have notice that after a while my creams will get a little dry. When this happens I add a small amount of water " just a few drops" and then mix it up with a plastic spoon. This gets it back into good creamy texture.

 

[kingfisher]

Truefitt and Hill didn't have any aftershaves to go with the rose. What are my options there; I'm open to either a splash or balm.

Go to www.saintcharlesshave.com and get yourself some rose aftershave; if I'm not mistaken Sue carries two different rose aftershaves, both in splash and in a balm. Great products at a great price!

 

[Hodari D.]

DR Harris Pink aftershave is a great compliment to any rose cream.

 

[HoratioCaine]

Well, let's see...this tube I've had at least a decade...probably longer.

Well, Doug's got me beat. I've got some Coate's going back almost five years, and it's only looking the slightest bit dehydrated, and otherwise in fine shape. I hardly ever use it, though, so it's not exposed to the elements much; this no doubt helps preserve it. Basically, though, I'd say you're safe buying another cream or two; just beware that this is virtually an engraved invitation to descend into some type of acquisition disorder, whereby you'll end up with so many creams you'll just shake your head and chuckle when you look back on your concern of acquiring so many as two.

 

[HoratioCaine]

DR Harris Pink aftershave is a great compliment to any rose cream.

Agreed. I also think Harris Pink is a great complement to any number of creams or soaps, so long as they are basically rose compatible. For instance, just about any lavender cream, a number of woods, some citrus (lemon more so than lime), and also Trumper Coconut. (I know coconut and rose sound odd together, but both the cream and splash are quite dry versions of their respective scents, and they go together very well. It's actually my go-to combo on most days.) Harris Pink is a great a/s with a very faint scent that goes with a lot of things.

 

[Topgumby]

How many years will a cream last? One, tawhoo, three?

I hope a bunch. I have squirreled away more than I'll use in a few years....

 

[Hughies_online]

Depends on how well they are sealed. If the lids are faulty they can dehydrate, but a little water and mixing should revive them. You should get 2 years easy out of a cream in normal weather (providing you store it properly).

 

[redbike]

I have four (two Taylor and 2 T&H) tubs of shaving cream that I have used on and off for 2 years. None of these creams have needed added water in that time. I haven't noticed any physical or performance deterioration.

 

[blackbeard360]

I've had an AOS Unscented tub for a few years that I've started using regularly... works just fine IMO...

 

[WhosYerBob]

I thought I read that Cella cream has gone bad for some guys here?