Over the years, we have researched what helps to balance and maintain the pH of the skin so that it is conducive to promoting a healthy skin barrier. At Garden of Wisdom, we have the opinion that using an alkaline ingredient on the skin will help balance the pH level of the skin, calming the skin down. The pH of the surface of the skin should not be too high in alkalinity (pH 10 or above) because keeping the skin with a slight acidic pH is necessary for keeping bacteria and yeasts in balance. The pH of the skin should not be too acidic, either. Acne Bacteria and other yeasts and bacteria's thrive on the skin when it is too acidic (the bacteria and yeast multiply aggressively to try and save themselves. This is what causes the bacteria's and yeasts to mutate and become stronger. This is why a product can work on acne for a while, and then later not work at all). The alkaline nature of the product will also help to loosen blackheads and possibly help them from forming again.

Method of Application
Apply several drops to targeted areas two times per day after cleansing and toning. Let dry and continue with layering your serums or adding oil and/or cream if deemed necessary to seal these important actives into the skin.

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.

Neroli Hydrosol astringent, toning, antibacterial
 

Glacier Water hydrating, mineralizing
 

Panthenol-D moisturizing, healing
 

Manuka Honey antibacterial, soothing, very healing
 

Sodium Bicarbonate skin pH adjuster
 

Cosmocil CQ (polyaminopropyl biguanide) preservative
 

Aspen Bark Extract antibacterial, preservative