Does aloe vera gel expires?

Aloe vera gel is like that best friend who’s always there for you when you need it. It soothes your sunburn, cools down inflamed skin, and can even be ingested to help with digestion. But as much as we love this miracle plant, there is a question that needs to be addressed: does aloe vera gel expire?

The Short Answer

Yes, aloe vera gel does have an expiration date. Most manufacturers recommend using the product within 2 years of purchase.

How Do You Know If Your Aloe Vera Gel Has Expired?

It’s quite easy to tell if your aloe vera gel has gone bad by taking note of any discrepancies in appearance or smell:

-Consistency changes
-Texture hardens
-Smells sour
-Liquidity differs

If any of these things happen, it’s time to toss the bottle and buy yourself some fresh ointment. Keep reading below for more information on what causes these cosmetic differences!

Why Does Aloe Vera Gel Expire Anyway?

A few factors contribute to an expired batch of aloe vera gel:

1) Exposure To Light – Prolonged exposure to light breaks down the compounds within the product diminishing its effectiveness and quality.
2) Bacteria Growth – After opening any skincare item other than single use packets or capsules creates room for potential growth upon first-touch introduction with bacteria or dust in the air depending on how/where stored.
3) Oxidation – When oxygen comes into contact with antioxidants like vitamin C breaking them down over time reducing efficacy.

Proper Storage Techniques Can Help Prolong Shelf Life

Although most products come ready-to-use straight from the package which includes details about storing methods; certain pre-cautions individuals can take themselves include:
-Storing away from sunlight/direct heat,
-Tightening caps tightly after each use,, allowing the product to stay in a cool, dark dry place.

The Sodium Benzoate Myth

Sodium benzoate is sometimes listed as an ingredient in some aloe vera gels or other skincare products. Some have concluded that the appearance of sodium benzoate grants eternal life to these products; however this is simply untrue.

Although sodium benzoate and benzyl alcohol can inhibit bacteria growth, they cannot stop it completely.
It’s important not to fall into “false sense security” believing myths like this will keep your items safe indefinitely.

DIY Solutions: How To Make Your Aloe Vera Gel Last Longer

If you want your precious jar of aloe vera gel to last longer than usual, there are certain tips and tricks one can follow:

1) Keep In Fridge Or Freezer

Storing cosmetics at lower temperatures decreases time till liquidation and evaporation rate leaving higher viscosities. Moreover cold application may help reduce puffy areas around eyes for example = win-win!

2) Use Preservatives

The addition of small amounts of antibacterial agent such as citric acid, papaya extract or vitamin E could prevent bacteria growth by creating acidic pH levels within tbe solution. Once again though quantity should be small enough so effectiveness does not negatively impact quality over time.

#### 3) Mix With Other Natural Products
A great way utilize natural ingredients you already own while making your favorite aloe gel go further! Mixing with ingredients like honey (which has antibiotic properties), lemon juice (natural antioxidant/preservative) among others + storing ~cool/dry area~ no direct sunlight could prolong its shelf life quite efficiently

Quantity Control

It’s always worth considering why all-natural skincare essentials aren’t cheaper considering raw materials costs. One factor being limited commercial lifespan- especially when homemade – pay attention too how often/generously using & frequently replacing empty bottles to avoid misuse ruined with age.

Multi-Use For An Over-Purchased Batch

No matter how one uses it, excess aloe vera gel is an issue all of us encounter at some point. Rather than letting it go to waste there are plenty situations where that extra ointment will come in handy:

1) Hair Mask – Aloe vera is great for restoring moisture and nourishment back into the hair strands/cuticles
2) The Body Moisturizer – What’s good for head (hair) can also be used on body! It has same hydrating abilities benefiting skin while providing added cooling sensation!
3) Foot / Sunburn Treatment –Think especially refreshing properties; whether working double time on cracked feet or sooth burned skin
4] Facial Mist/ Hydrator– By adding water and essential oils together within spray bottle make something close dupe luxurious facial mist products minus price tag!

It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

At the end of the day fresher is better when it comes to anything skincare related. Although yes this means sometimes throwing away items we love, following proper storage techniques will ensure you get most out any product no matter shelf life. If you take care your items they’ll do right by you.. Just don’t forget replace whenever necessary; nothing lasts forever after all 😉

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