We check expiration dates for all sorts of food and beauty products, but you’re probably not checking your bar of soap. What is the shelf life of soap? Does it ever expire?
You might not know that most soap is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Yes, soap can expire, especially if it’s handmade. However, your soap is probably still effective even after the expiration date. Read on to learn more about soap expiration dates and why you should pay attention.
How to tell if your soap has expired
As the pandemic has taught us all, soaps don’t have to be antibacterial to be effective. They’re surfactants, which means that they break the surface tension of water. When you lather up and wash your hands for 20 seconds, the soap traps dirt, oils, grease and bacteria and viruses. They slide right off your hands and rinse down the sink.
Another way soaps help kill germs is by destroying the lipid structures in viruses. The COVID-19 virus is easily destroyed by basic hand washing.
Most manufactured soap has a two to three-year expiration date, but it may last longer than that. As long as the soap creates a lather, it’s working. If, however, your soap doesn’t seem to be creating a lather, it’s probably not killing germs and cleaning effectively.
When it comes to natural and handmade soaps, the expiration date is usually around a year. That’s because natural ingredients can become rancid or moldy. When you buy soap from small soap makers, only buy as much as you can use within a year. In fact, some handmade soap makers recommend using their soaps within three months of purchase.
Another indication of soap expiration are orange spots on its surface. This means that the oils in the soap have gone rancid. It might still be effective, but it’s not going to smell good.
Scent is a good indication of whether either kind of soap is still effective—especially when it comes to handmade soaps. Essential oils are volatile: they evaporate when they’re exposed to air. If your soap no longer has a scent, it’s probably past its prime. You can use it to see if it lathers, but you won’t get the same experience or efficacy.
Finally, some soaps may appear dry and cracked. This is also an indication that they’re past the expiration date, and probably should be tossed.
Natural, handmade soaps for you
When you want the benefits of high-quality, handmade soaps, be sure to visit Soaps & Scents. Our mission is to provide beautiful and delicious-smelling soaps made with natural ingredients. They’ll keep you clean without sacrificing comfort or cost.
If you have questions about our expiration dates, and how much soap we recommend purchasing at one time, reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions—and match you with the perfect scents for your home, office and for gifts. Shop online or contact us through our form.
Why Soap Makes a Great Gift This Holiday Season
What do you get the person who seems to have it all? If you ask the team at Soaps & Scents, there’s only one answer: soap! Soap is a great Christmas or holiday gift for anyone. After all, we all need to stay clean—and that’s much more pleasant when you have high-quality, handmade soaps to get the job done.
Whether you need a stocking stuffer for a close family member or an easy gift for that person who’s impossible to buy for, consider gifting Christmas soaps this holiday season. Here’s why you should make handmade soaps your go-to holiday gift:
As you can see, handmade soaps make great Christmas and holiday gifts. There are plenty of varieties and scents to choose from, so you’re sure to find something suitable for everyone on your list. For something extra fun, try our “cupcake” soaps or one of our holiday scents. When you buy handmade Christmas soaps as a gift, your only problem will be deciding exactly which kinds to give to everyone on your list.
Soaps & Scents also offers a variety of other soap and spa products. Mix and match scents to create the perfect gift basket for the stressed-out recipient on your list—or reward yourself. Shop online, or reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Why Soy Wax Is the Best for Candles
During this time of year, lots of people purchase candles to make their homes feel cozy and to add a pleasant aroma. While a lot of people select candles based only on how they smell, it’s also important to consider what candles are made of when deciding which candles are right for you.
If you’re wondering what wax is best for candles, keep reading to learn about different candle wax options.
Types of wax used in candle making
There are lots of different types of waxes that are used for candle making. Some of the most common types of waxes used for candles are paraffin wax, soy wax, palm wax and granulated wax. Some of the waxes used for candle making, including paraffin wax, are derived from crude oil purification. Unlike paraffin wax, soy wax is made from soybean oil which is extracted from soybeans after they are harvested.
Why soy wax is the best option for candles
For people who are serious about finding the best candles, the general consensus is that soy wax candles are the best choice. One of the reasons why soy wax candles are so popular is that they are made from sustainable crops—soybeans—that are easy to grow quickly. Other waxes, like paraffin wax, are derived from unsustainable sources like fossil fuel refinement. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option for candles, soy wax is the best way to go.
Another reason why so many people choose soy wax candles is that soy wax burns more slowly than paraffin wax. This slower burning means that soy wax candles will last longer than other types of candles. Even though soy candles are often more expensive than paraffin wax candles, they offer greater value because they last longer. In addition, other types of candles produce more black soot when they’re burned, unlike soy wax candles which don’t produce nearly as much soot.
Despite the fact that soy wax candles are eco-friendly and burn more cleanly than other candles, they still smell wonderful. Soy wax is an excellent carrier for candle fragrances which allows candlemakers to create candles that smell great without the use of chemical additives to enhance aroma. Because soy wax candles can be made without chemical fragrance amplifiers, they don’t have the risk of toxicity that other candles do.
If you’ve never purchased a soy wax candle before, it’s worth it to give it a try. There are so many benefits of using soy wax candles, and there are so many options out there to choose from when it comes to size, style and fragrance. Go to a candle store to check out your options and find out what all the hype is about when it comes to soy wax candles.
What wax is best for candles
Find high-quality soy wax candles with great aromas that will make your home smell amazing this season by stopping by Soaps & Scents. We have been making beautiful handmade soaps for over 20 years, and we are passionate about creating products that our customers will love. Stop by today to check out our extensive line of products for yourself and pick out some beautiful, new handmade candles for your home.
Does Soap Expire?
We check expiration dates for all sorts of food and beauty products, but you’re probably not checking your bar of soap. What is the shelf life of soap? Does it ever expire?
You might not know that most soap is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Yes, soap can expire, especially if it’s handmade. However, your soap is probably still effective even after the expiration date. Read on to learn more about soap expiration dates and why you should pay attention.
How to tell if your soap has expired
As the pandemic has taught us all, soaps don’t have to be antibacterial to be effective. They’re surfactants, which means that they break the surface tension of water. When you lather up and wash your hands for 20 seconds, the soap traps dirt, oils, grease and bacteria and viruses. They slide right off your hands and rinse down the sink.
Another way soaps help kill germs is by destroying the lipid structures in viruses. The COVID-19 virus is easily destroyed by basic hand washing.
Most manufactured soap has a two to three-year expiration date, but it may last longer than that. As long as the soap creates a lather, it’s working. If, however, your soap doesn’t seem to be creating a lather, it’s probably not killing germs and cleaning effectively.
When it comes to natural and handmade soaps, the expiration date is usually around a year. That’s because natural ingredients can become rancid or moldy. When you buy soap from small soap makers, only buy as much as you can use within a year. In fact, some handmade soap makers recommend using their soaps within three months of purchase.
Another indication of soap expiration are orange spots on its surface. This means that the oils in the soap have gone rancid. It might still be effective, but it’s not going to smell good.
Scent is a good indication of whether either kind of soap is still effective—especially when it comes to handmade soaps. Essential oils are volatile: they evaporate when they’re exposed to air. If your soap no longer has a scent, it’s probably past its prime. You can use it to see if it lathers, but you won’t get the same experience or efficacy.
Finally, some soaps may appear dry and cracked. This is also an indication that they’re past the expiration date, and probably should be tossed.
Natural, handmade soaps for you
When you want the benefits of high-quality, handmade soaps, be sure to visit Soaps & Scents. Our mission is to provide beautiful and delicious-smelling soaps made with natural ingredients. They’ll keep you clean without sacrificing comfort or cost.
If you have questions about our expiration dates, and how much soap we recommend purchasing at one time, reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions—and match you with the perfect scents for your home, office and for gifts. Shop online or contact us through our form.