Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
Black Garlic Fermentation (more bio-available to the skin) Don't shy away from topical garlic if you are opposed to eating it anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic
Coffee Fruit Extract high in anti-oxidants, excellent for reducing redness in the skin
Ecogel natural thickener
Resveratrol resveratrol functions [in plants] as a phytoalexin, a substance produced by plants that can inhibit the growth of infecting fungi or other pathogens. As a 'nutraceutical', Resveratrol [which offers the dark brown look to this serum], presents itself with antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities which fight the degradation of cell functioning to fight the free-radicals
Please I beg that this product never be discontinued. I have been using this alongside some other products from GOW when multiple breakouts began popping up on my face & this has literally been the counterattack & it has also decreased the duration of the breakout from lingering.
Thank you so much for your kind words about our Pre-Emptive Strike Skin Protectant! We are thrilled to hear that it has been a serious skin savior for you in combating breakouts. We understand how frustrating and lingering acne can be, so we are happy to hear that our product has been able to decrease the duration of your breakouts. Rest assured, we have no plans of discontinuing this popular product. Thank you for choosing GOW as part of your skin care routine and we hope to continue providing you with great results.
M
MW
Anti-inflammation & blemish secret weapon
When I ordered this I was nervous about the possibility of it having a very strong odor, but it really doesn't. The scent is mild and it fades quickly. I will be ordering a large bottle now, as it really does keep blemishes at bay and it also reduces inflammation of any current breakout. I find it to be mildly hydrating but I also have dry skin. It is perfect layered over a hydrating mist and my emu oil.
Thank you so much for your review! We're glad you are loving this!
Z
Zosha
Can't go without it
Another reviewer called this an anytime product- I definitely agree. While I often apply it to my full face in the morning under sunscreen, it's also great to have on hand when you notice a lurking blemish or irritated spot in the middle of the day. It glides on smooth, dries down satiny with no residual stickiness, and plays nicely with all of my other skincare and makeup products. This is particularly great for that itchy-swollen feeling hormonal breakouts can have as it's really effective at soothing the irritation. Aside from breakouts, I've used a bit on rosacea flares to great effect. Definitely a workhorse product for me.
So glad you are liking this product!
H
Hunter
Amazing
I got the .25oz size of this to try it out. It's a weird little product. I couldn't figure out when to use it - morning or night, with other serums or on its own, after a mask?? The answer is "anytime", because it's truly fantastic. I keep finding myself reaching for it when my skin is being a little problematic. I have a tendency for acne and clogged pores, and while this doesn't seem to be clearing what's there (maybe minorly), it keeps any acne I have from getting worse or more inflamed and makes my skin look supple and glowy. I've been using it under a vitamin A cream I use at night, and the combination has my skin looking like porcelain in the morning. It does not make me oily or dry me out, and it has a slight earthy smell, which I like. It's brown and has the texture of a more gel-like liquid. Just repurchased the full size, since I don't want to be without, but the smaller size really lasts a long time (3 weeks and still have some left), as you only need about a drop out of the squeeze bottle for your whole face.
I've been using azelaic acid for a couple of years for my pustular rosacea. It is the one thing that helps my skin stay clear the most. I've tried so many different brands, and most contain ingredients that clog my pores or my skin can't tolerate (like silicones, glycols, and other acids). This product has been AMAZING--it smooths my skin and bumps, it isn't harsh, and gives me a nice glow without being oily or sticky. Also I've noticed azelaic acid works better for me than other derivatives. The slightly grainy texture of this product doesn't bother me and doesn't linger on my skin. Please don't stop making this version!!!
Nicole ❤️ and WOW WOW WOW, thank you so much!
Azelaic acid can be a lifeline for some skin types, and we’re very intentional about keeping this formula simple, focused, and free from common troublemakers that can overwhelm sensitive or reactive skin. We’re especially glad to hear that this version works well for you without feeling harsh, sticky, or pore-clogging. 😲
Your note about preferring azelaic acid itself, rather than derivatives, is exactly why this product exists in its current form. The texture is a deliberate trade-off to keep the formula gentle and effective, and it’s reassuring to know it hasn’t affected our experience.
We appreciate your being a part of the GoW family.
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Thank you, Sheryl,
We all agree here that Neroli in any form is such a delightful experience for the nose and the soul.
We appreciate your being a part of our GoW family.
Markey ͙֒
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row.
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row, and overall I like it. I'll have to use it for much longer to determine just how effective it is. I do, however, really like the rooster derived HA serum, which I have purchased from GOW before, because I know it's the real thing, so to speak, and I don't mind that it's animal sourced, because I'm not a vegetarian, and fowl is being consumed in huge quantities by non vegetarians in any case, i.e., they're not on the endangered species list. :)
Danyelle
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience, especially so early on. We truly appreciate how thoughtfully you approach ingredients and sourcing.
Our Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid is intentionally simple and clean, designed to let the ingredient speak for itself over time. You’re absolutely right that hyaluronic acid benefits are best judged with continued use.
We also appreciate your openness in mentioning our rooster-derived hyaluronic acid. Transparency matters to us, and we respect that different customers make different choices based on their values and needs.
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Our goal is always to offer high-quality options clearly labeled so you can choose the option that best aligns with you.
Thank you! for your trust and for being part of the Garden of Wisdom community.
I've been using azelaic acid for a couple of years for my pustular rosacea. It is the one thing that helps my skin stay clear the most. I've tried so many different brands, and most contain ingredients that clog my pores or my skin can't tolerate (like silicones, glycols, and other acids). This product has been AMAZING--it smooths my skin and bumps, it isn't harsh, and gives me a nice glow without being oily or sticky. Also I've noticed azelaic acid works better for me than other derivatives. The slightly grainy texture of this product doesn't bother me and doesn't linger on my skin. Please don't stop making this version!!!
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Sheryl Paradis
Refreshing and calming
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Neroli Orange Blossom Hydrosol Organic
Danyelle Scott, RF, MT, PTA
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row.
So far I have used this HA serum only four days in a row, and overall I like it. I'll have to use it for much longer to determine just how effective it is. I do, however, really like the rooster derived HA serum, which I have purchased from GOW before, because I know it's the real thing, so to speak, and I don't mind that it's animal sourced, because I'm not a vegetarian, and fowl is being consumed in huge quantities by non vegetarians in any case, i.e., they're not on the endangered species list. :)
Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Khalua Kinard
Amazing!
I love the smell and the glow you have after using it.
Pineapple & Red Wine Exfoliating Gel
Jennifer Goldberg
Can finally tolerate dry air
Can finally tolerate dry air.
Ceramide Hydrating Complex Serum with Cosmocil CQ
SV
Miracle
Beta glucans for the win! This really did wonders for my dry skin. I feel like it does more than HA alone. I have combination skin and eczema and I did not experience any issues regarding acne or irritation.
Oat Enriched Facial Serum
Anonymous
TXA - the wonder drug
I just started using the TXA+Z Radiance Serum so it’s a little too soon to tell if it will help with my dark patches but I think it’s starting to help. As a surgical RN, I am very familiar with TXA (given IV) and find it an amazing and very useful drug in the OR so I have no doubt it will be beneficial on my skin.
Most effective clean aluminum-free plant-based deodorant
I've been using clean plant-based deodorant for a decade, and this seems to do the best job of controlling odors that develop because of hormones, stress, and exercise. When I saw the size of the bottle, I checked to make sure I hadn't ordered the trial size; however, this tiny bottle delivers a lot in a small dot applied to each armpit and will likely last several weeks.
Rosemary and Mint Deodorant Gel
Melanie McCarthy
Absolutely Love this oil!!
I have quite a variety of carrier oils from GOW that I rotate depending on what my skin needs and love each and every one, but I absolutely love the way my skin looks and feels when I use the prickly pear, to me it feel light and smoothing, has the faintest natural smell which I love in the carrier oils, and just feels so great on the skin!! I love using it under my eyes especially!!!
Prickly Pear Seed Oil - The Secret to Timeless Radiance