plus storing the product in a dark container versus a clear one to keep out any natural light.

Keeping water away from the mixture even avoiding dipping a wet finger into the mix.

I think maybe if these methods were used it might be ok to keep the product longer. ? your thoughts?

I have two reasons for wanting to no more on this one is i am going to start a gift basket business i would like to use organic or natural products, the challenge would be in the making and storing the products for long term use.

Second i would love to eliminate all commercial products from my own house an go as natural as possible.

Thanks again, Gina

Okay, I have to say first, I am not a chemist and have no real experience in this stuff other than having followed other people's recipes (and this recipe belongs to someone else, see the link I provided in the post). Second, I am so thankful that you brought this issue up because I learned a few startling fact this morning that I was not aware of before.

From what I've read today, this may not be a good gift giving option due to the food in it. I would say that (as the recipe is written, without any preservatives) this scrub should not be stored for more than 3-4 days, in the refrigerator (and I sincerely apologize to everyone for having not known this prior to publishing this recipe a year ago, I obviously didn't think it through!).

I just found two websites with information on preserving homemade products:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2270968_store-homemade-su…
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/preserv… (you can order the specialized preservatives on this website).

What you might want to do instead (and this is what I will be doing from now on), is write this recipe down on a cute gift tag and include it with a safer, non-food based homemade scrub, so your gift recipient can make it as needed. I did not realize just how dangerous a product like this can get if not preserved with an antimicrobial. The following is from the website, From Nature With Love:

If you are formulating something that contains water, milk, hydrosols or other aqueous liquids, you will have to preserve the product or use it within 3-4 days refrigerated. It simply is not optional. Water provides a medium for harmful bacteria, mold, yeast and fungi to grow over time. If used, a contaminated product could cause severe health problems, blindness and even death. Your product must be adequately preserved to prevent contamination and microbial growth.

Obviously it would be devastating if anyone was ever harmed from a gift you gave them, so unless you can properly preserve this, tell your gift recipient to store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (or just give them the recipe as a little bonus gift).

I can't believe I gave this as a gift last year without knowing all of this…

would you mind sharing and posting the directions?

thank you,Gina

I would like to make a bunch ahead of time to use or give as gifts.

However i am concerned on how long this can be kept?

thanks, gina

Any thoughts on homemade pumpkin shampoo and conditioner?

cant wait to try this too! Thanks, gina

That is a very good question! I wondered that myself, but did not know the answer since I got the recipe off of another website that did not mention an expiration date. I used mine pretty fast and I put a not on each gift tag suggesting that they use it within a month. I will look around to see if I can find anything on natural preservatives.

Heidi

I love this stuff, hope you enjoy!

Heidi