Is there a shelf life for shaving soaps/creams?

I've heard about bricks of Cella needing to be kept in the refrigerator so that it doesn't get discolored and 'funky smelling' and Nancy boys say on their home page about their products "our products aren't formulated for extra-long shelf-life. This shave cream should be used within 6 - 9 months from date of purchase." (Link)

Then again...we're talking soap here...and I've had regular soaps around for years and years that doesn't "go bad".

Is it possible that tallow-based soaps and/or creams have a short/shorter shelf life and should be used w/in [insert period here] after they are made?

 

Dunno, but i've heard of people getting their hands on creams and soaps from the 50's and using them without any problems...i think soap can only loose it's scent and dry out

 

There should be a tiny logo on the packaging that says something like 12M or 36M (months). That is the time it takes to expire once opened. I've used a tube of Arko cream (12M) that was used for 2 years opened and it still worked exactly the same. But not all soaps use the same preservatives. The logo is probably just used as a disclaimer. The manufacturers would rather be on the safe side...

 

I've had my Cella a couple of months sitting with the package tightly closed to preserve the scent. No discoloration or funky odours yet. Many of the Italian barbers that still use it just keep it sitting in the shop in a cooler, dark place wrapped tightly and it stays fine for upwards of a year.

 

Hard Soaps almost indefinitely if stored in cool dry places.

Croaps and creams are quicker to deteriorate. I have read anywhere from 2 t0 4 years after manufacturing if they have some sort of preservative.

 

Usually the life logo on the back of a product or a manufacturer's recommendation are actually a half life. So if it says 12 mos, it's actually 24 or longer. They're saying that the product will remain as intended for that 12 mos or whatever it is. After that, scent may disappear and chemicals may break down, but you usually can still use it. The wetter the product is, the worse it will be, separation and that kind of thing. But a sold is just going to dry out.
So, nothing too terrible.

 

I shaved with TSD Lanolin this morning, it had a hole in the bottom of the soap, not container, soap. I'm wondering if it melted? Worked great. I don't remember the hole the last time I used it.
Note: my memory seems to be fading with age.

 

Who are you and why are you posting here on the PG&E review board?

 

LOL!

 

One time I lathered a donut and ate my puck of soap. Don't worry about your memory problems.

 

I think you and @blanka need to discuss the results of your soap taste testings.

 

Mmmm..bacon soap..

 

I have a tube of Palmolive Lather cream that's at least 50 years old. It still works fairly well. It wasn't sealed when I received it either and appeared unused before I got it.

 

As a service to members of TSD I will take any soap or cream that you are worried about and dispose of it if I determine that it is fact past it's prime. I know, don't thank me, it's the least I can do. However Williams will not be accepted, as it lasts forever.

 

I can see why creams might have a shorter shelf life, due to a higher water content. Anything with water in it, can incubate mold or bacteria, unless preservatives are used.

 

Oh no! I contain about 50-65% water. Hope I don't expire soon.

 

No worries... all the shaving stuff will preserve you.

 

Thanks I was getting a little worried.

 

I think the alcohol will take care of that

 

I better drink a few 6 packs just to be on the safe side. I guess we can call it preventative maintenance.