Do you have a trusty jar of CBD cream that’s been hanging out in your medicine cabinet for months? Maybe you found an old tube of CBD lotion in the back of your closet and aren’t sure if it’s still good. If you’re a CBD cream devotee, you likely want to get the most bang for your buck from every precious drop.
But, does CBD cream actually expire? What’s the shelf life? And how can you tell if your cream has gone bad? This is vital info for CBD users.
At Standard CBD, we’re dedicated to providing high quality CBD products and helpful education. We specialize in premium CBD creams made with the utmost care and expertise. Today, let’s explore everything you need to know about CBD cream expiration.
CBD’s rise from hippie health trend to mainstream marvel is nothing short of amazing. According to Consumer Reports, 15% of Americans use CBD products, a figure projected to reach 20% by 2024.
From oils to edibles, one of the most popular ways to use CBD is topically with creams. CBD cream allows you to target relief straight to problem areas. It’s ideal for sore muscles, arthritis, eczema, sunburn, bug bites, and more. No wonder CBD creams are all the rage.
But, what is CBD cream exactly? CBD cream is a topical product infused with the trendy cannabis-based compound CBD, or cannabidiol. It often contains other soothing natural ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and essential oils. CBD creams allow you to harness the benefits of CBD directly where you need it most.
Now, onto the million dollar question – does CBD cream expire? The short answer is yes. But, with proper storage, CBD cream typically lasts 1-2 years before going bad. Let’s look at why CBD cream has a shelf life and how you can maximize freshness.
Pain Cream with 1000mg Delta-8 & 500mg CBD
Looking for relief from sore muscles and joints? Look no further than Standard Extracts’ Pain Cream with Lidocaine, Arnica, Menthol, and Delta-8 THC. Our powerful formula combines the numbing effects of Lidocaine, the anti-inflammatory properties of Arnica, and the cooling sensation of Menthol.
How Long Does CBD Cream Last?
Most CBD creams have a shelf life between 12-24 months. After this point, the cream will slowly become less potent and effective.
There are a few factors that determine how long CBD cream remains usable:
Type of CBD – Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD creams last longer than CBD isolate creams. This is because cannabinoids and terpenes work together to stabilize the product.
Other Ingredients – Creams with natural preservatives like vitamin E and quality carrier oils generally resist spoiling longer. Look for creams without water or aloe vera as the first ingredient.
Storage Conditions – Heat, light and oxygen degrade CBD over time. Storing CBD cream properly plays a big role in shelf life.
Time Already On The Shelf – CBD cream begins losing potency from the manufacturing date, not when you open it. Fresher cream lasts longer.
While CBD cream does expire, most products have a shelf life of over a year – ample time to polish off the product. Proper storage also greatly extends how long your cream will last. Next, let’s talk about storage best practices.
How to Store CBD Cream Correctly
To get the most life out of your CBD cream, keep these storage tips in mind:
Avoid Light Exposure – Light breaks down CBD over time. Store your CBD cream in a dark, opaque container away from direct light.
Moderate Temperatures – Heat above 80 degrees F accelerates spoilage. Avoid very hot areas like inside cars. Refrigeration can extend shelf life significantly.
Minimize Air Exposure – Oxygen causes oxidation (spoilage) so limit how much air is in the container. Don’t repeatedly open the lid.
Control Humidity – Moisture quickens degradation. Keep CBD cream sealed in an area with average humidity around 60%.
Check Expiration Date – Purchase the freshest CBD creams possible and pay attention to expiration dates. Use oldest products first.
Proper storage stops environmental factors from ruining your CBD cream prematurely. With care, you can keep a jar around for 1-2 years. Next, let’s go over the warning signs that your cream is past its prime.
Pain Cream with
1000mg Delta-8
& 500mg CBD
Does My CBD Cream Seem “Off”?
Hemp’s natural earthy odor means CBD cream won’t smell like fresh daisies. However, if you notice an especially unpleasant or chemical smell, it might be spoiled.
Here are signs your CBD cream has expired:
Change in Color – Natural color variation can occur, but a dramatic lightening or darkening indicates spoilage.
Change in Texture – Your cream may go from smooth to chunky, become overly runny, or lose its whipped consistency when it goes bad.
Change in Scent – Rancid or unpleasant smells denote a spoiled product. Trust your nose.
Less Potent Effects – As CBD degrades, you may notice the pain or inflammation relief isn’t as powerful.
Irritation After Use – Expired CBD cream may cause skin itchiness, dryness, or rashes. Discontinue use.
Mold – Fuzzy spots or tendrils indicate the cream has been contaminated with mold. Toss immediately.
When in doubt, it’s best to discard an iffy CBD cream. Using expired CBD cream likely won’t make you sick, but it won’t provide benefits. Toss old cream and treat yourself to a fresh, high quality replacement.
Don’t Waste a Drop of Your CBD Cream
For CBD cream devotees, it can be heartbreaking to throw away that last bit of precious product in the bottom of the jar – but using old, expired cream won’t provide relief.
To enjoy CBD cream’s myriad benefits for sore muscles, dry skin, arthritis aches, and more, be sure to store your product properly in a cool, dark place. Purchase small quantities or share with friends to use up cream quickly. Check manufacturing and expiration dates, and replace CBD cream annually for ideal freshness.
Finally, pay attention to how your cream looks, smells, and feels. If anything seems “off”, let it go. Your best bet is starting fresh with a new CBD topical so you experience peak results.
At Standard CBD, we oversee CBD cream from seed to shelf, using natural farm-to-bottle manufacturing and rigorous quality control testing, so your cream is as fresh and effective as possible. Try our fast-acting CBD relief cream today and soothe your aches away.
So, does CBD cream expire? Yes – but with proper storage and handling, this versatile cannabinoid product can retain potency and freshness for 12-24 months. Now that you know how to keep CBD cream from going bad, you can relax knowing every luxurious application will be as soothing and rejuvenating as the day it was made.