THE ABCs OF HYGIENE in cosmetic manufacturing

What you should pay attention to so that you can enjoy your products for a long time

You can safely and cleanly produce your cosmetics within your own four walls. It is important to know that cosmetics do not need to be "germ-free" or "sterile" – we wouldn't even be able to achieve that at home.

Nevertheless, cleanliness is a key rule in cosmetic production. It is important that as few germs as possible enter your end product; your preservative system will take care of the rest.

Here are a few tips on how to succeed in making individual and effective products that are safe to use.

Hygiene in the workspace

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before you start (or wear gloves).
  • Equipment and containers should be clean – ideally fresh from the dishwasher.
  • Avoid sponges, especially used ones: they are sources of germs.
    Use freshly laundered cloths or disposable paper towels.
  • Tie back long hair so that nothing falls into the product.

Disinfection

You can use ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (70–85 %).
A tip: 2 % Preblend Easy in the alcohol improves the effect, as it continues to provide protection on the surface after evaporation.
It remains on surfaces and continues to act even after the alcohol has evaporated. However, it is slightly oily – keep this in mind if you intend to clean with it.

The shelf life of your cosmetic products

The shelf life of your homemade products is primarily influenced by packaging, preservation, and working cleanly.

  • Packaging:
    Airless dispensers protect against germs better than jars.
  • Preservatives:
    They inhibit bacteria, yeasts, and molds and ensure product stability.
  • Clean working habits:
    The cleaner you work when mixing and filling, the fewer germs will enter the product.

With our "Preblend" products, you have an inherently effective preservative against most germs. However, it is often useful to supplement – or "boost" – them further. Glycols such as Butylene Glycol Green are suitable for this, as are co-preservatives like Magnolia Bark Extract or Hydroxyacetophenone.

Bacteria and fungi feel particularly at home in water-based products. Effective and safe preservation works against the germs that inevitably get into the product during production, as well as against germs that may enter in the future.

Rule of thumb for shelf life

Products with a lot of water are more susceptible to germs than low-water or anhydrous formulations.
The shelf life of your product depends primarily on:

  • Clean working habits
  • The choice of raw materials
  • The packaging (airless is recommended!)

Disinfected and airtight packaging, such as our airless dispensers, will have a positive effect on the shelf life of your product. If you decide to fill your product into a jar, do not remove the product with your finger; use a clean spatula instead.

Guidelines:

  • Water-based serums: approx. 1–3 months
  • Emulsions (creams/lotions): approx. 1–6 months
  • Surfactant formulations (shampoos, shower gels, cleansing gels): approx. 1–6 months


Our preservation systems are professional systems that are also used in commercial manufacturing. However, manufacturers work according to GMP and ISO 22716 standards and additionally conduct preservative efficacy tests, stability tests, and long-term storage tests. This is why commercially produced products can guarantee a longer shelf life than DIY products.

Important: Always note the name and manufacturing date on your finished product.
This way, you always know what it is and how long it will last.

Adjusting the pH value

A correct pH value is important so that:

  • the preservative works optimally
  • the product remains skin-friendly

How to adjust the pH value:

  • Lower the pH: a few drops of citric acid solution
  • Raise the pH: a little sodium bicarbonate solution

After each addition:

  1. mix well
  2. wait a few seconds
  3. then measure again – this way you avoid incorrect readings

Measuring the pH:

  • pH test strips: perfect for beginners
  • pH meter: for frequent mixers and very accurate measurements

Find out more in our blog posts "The pH value in cosmetic products" and "Adjusting the pH value"


The best tips to make your cosmetics last particularly long

  • Store your raw materials in a cool and dry place
  • Do not touch raw materials with your fingers
  • Do not touch the inside of product or raw material containers with your fingers
  • Cold-processed products naturally contain more germs than hot-processed ones
  • Always use the specified usage concentrations for the preservative
  • When mixing, incorporate as little air as possible. Keep the mixer/kneading attachment submerged in the product
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