Shelf Life & Storage

All Usk Valley Herbs products are preservative free, made in small batches with natural, botanically sourced ingredients. Because we don't use synthetic preservatives, how you store your products matters — and with a little care, everything we make will last beautifully.

Every product carries a 12-month shelf life. You'll find a best before date on each label.

A note on Vitamin E: some of our products contain Vitamin E oil (tocopherol). This is a natural antioxidant that protects our plant-based oils from oxidising and going rancid — not a synthetic preservative. It's one more way we protect the integrity of our ingredients naturally.

Soaps

Shelf life: 12 months

Our hot process botanical soaps are made without synthetic preservatives. To get the most from your bar:

  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — heat and light can cause essential oils to leach out over time
  • Keep on a well-draining soap dish between uses; standing water will soften the bar and shorten its life
  • Unused bars are best stored unwrapped in a dark cupboard or drawer

Balms

Shelf life: 12 months

Our balms are made with kokum butter, shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil — all natural ingredients that are sensitive to heat and light.

  • Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
  • Avoid leaving balms in warm environments such as a sunny windowsill or a hot car — the natural butters and beeswax can soften or melt
  • Always use clean, dry fingers to scoop product from the jar to maintain freshness

Bath Salts

Shelf life: 12 months

Our mineral bath salts are blended with dried botanicals and essential oils. Moisture is their main enemy.

  • Store away from damp environments — keep the pouch or container sealed between uses
  • Avoid storing in the bathroom if it's a high-humidity space; a bedroom or linen cupboard is ideal
  • Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the essential oils and botanicals

Home Fragrance

Shelf life: 12 months

Our botanical home fragrance products are made with natural essential oils that are sensitive to light and temperature.

  • Store away from direct sunlight, which can degrade essential oils and alter the scent over time
  • Keep in a cool, stable environment away from heat sources
  • For room sprays, store upright and keep the cap on when not in use

A note on natural variation

Because we use real botanicals, plant-based butters, and essential oils, you may notice slight variations in colour, texture, or scent between batches. This is completely normal and a sign of genuine natural ingredients — not a quality issue.

If you ever have a concern about a product, please get in touch. We're a small team and we stand behind everything we make.