“Made to order” is often used as a marketing phrase, but in skincare it has specific, practical implications—particularly for shelf life, freshness, and the need for preservatives. Understanding these differences helps explain why made-to-order products, such as The Daily Grind products, behave differently from mass-produced, shelf-stable cosmetics.
What Made to Order Actually Means
Made-to-order skincare is produced after a customer places an order, rather than being manufactured months (or years) in advance and stored in warehouses or on retail shelves. This shortens the time between formulation, production, and use. At The Daily Grind we start making your order as soon after you place it as possible! This is only not applicable when we pre make products for markets, but we use the same ingredients and preservatives as our made to order products
In practical terms, this means:
- Ingredients are combined closer to the point of first use
- Products spend less time exposed to light, oxygen, and temperature fluctuations
- Shelf life begins closer to when the customer receives the product, not when it was manufactured
Shelf Life: Freshness vs Longevity
Shelf life refers to how long a product remains safe and effective when stored correctly. In conventional skincare, long shelf lives (often 24–36 months unopened) are achieved through:
- High levels of broad-spectrum preservatives
- Highly refined, stable synthetic ingredients
- Airtight, industrial packaging
Made-to-order products typically have shorter shelf lives because they prioritise freshness over long-term storage. However, a shorter shelf life does not mean the product is inferior—it means it is not designed to sit unused for extended periods.
Once opened, most skincare products—regardless of how they’re made—have a similar “period after opening” (often 6–12 months), which depends on formulation, packaging, and storage. At The Daily Grind, we sell on the basis of 6 month shelf life, but, if stored properly, your product may last a lot longer
Preservatives: Why They’re Still Sometimes Necessary
Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mould. Any product containing water (including hydrosols, aloe, or infusions) requires an effective preservative system to be microbiologically safe.
Made-to-order products may:
- Use lower levels of preservatives
- Use preservative systems chosen for skin compatibility rather than extreme longevity
- Rely on formulation design (low water activity, oils, butters, antioxidants) to reduce microbial risk
Oil-based products (such as balms, scrubs, and facial oils) generally do not require traditional preservatives, but they still need protection against oxidation. This is usually achieved with antioxidants like vitamin E, which slow rancidity rather than microbial growth. Vitamin E is the only preservative The Daily Grind uses in its products.
Why Made to Order Can Use Fewer Preservatives
Preservatives are often added in higher concentrations to compensate for:
- Long storage times before sale
- Repeated temperature changes during shipping and warehousing
- Unknown conditions on retail shelves
Because made-to-order products are not stored for long periods before use, formulations do not need to be designed for worst-case storage scenarios. This allows us to focus on stability for real-world use rather than prolonged inactivity. We are expecting that you will love your Daily Grind products so much that they will be used every day and not get a chance to go off.
Storage and User Responsibility
Shorter shelf life places more importance on correct storage. To maintain product quality:
- Store away from direct heat and sunlight
- Keep lids closed when not in use
- Avoid introducing water into oil-based products
These steps reduce contamination and oxidation, extending usable life without increasing preservative load.
And trust us, getting water into your coffee scrub just doesn't go well (we may or may not have accidentally done this in the shower - for testing purposes of course).
The Trade-Off: Freshness Over Convenience
Mass-produced skincare prioritises consistency and long shelf life. Made-to-order skincare prioritises freshness and reduced reliance on heavy preservation systems. Neither approach is inherently “better,” but they serve different needs.
Made-to-order products are best suited to customers who:
- Use products regularly rather than stockpiling
- Prefer formulations designed for active use, not long-term storage
- Understand that freshness and shelf life are linked
In Summary
Made-to-order skincare shifts the balance away from extended shelf stability and toward freshness. This naturally affects shelf life and reduces the need for aggressive preservation strategies. The result is a product designed to be used, not stored—formulated for performance within a realistic timeframe rather than longevity on a shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Made to Order Skincare
What does “made to order” mean in skincare?
Made to order skincare is produced after an order is placed, rather than being manufactured in bulk and stored for long periods. This reduces the time between formulation and use, meaning the product reaches the customer closer to its original production date.
Does made to order skincare last as long as mass-produced products?
Generally, made-to-order skincare has a shorter unopened shelf life than mass-produced products. This is because it is not formulated to sit in warehouses or on retail shelves for extended periods. Once opened, usable life is often similar to conventional skincare when stored correctly.
Does made to order skincare contain preservatives?
Preservatives are used when necessary, particularly in products that contain water. Made-to-order formulations may use lower preservative levels or preservation systems chosen for skin compatibility rather than maximum shelf stability. Oil-based products typically do not require traditional preservatives but still need antioxidant protection.
Why can made to order skincare use fewer preservatives?
Because made-to-order products are not stored for long periods before use, they do not need to be formulated for worst-case storage conditions such as prolonged heat exposure or extended retail display. This allows formulators to focus on real-world use rather than long-term inactivity.
Are oil-based skincare products preservative free?
Oil-based products do not require traditional preservatives because they do not support microbial growth. However, they still require antioxidants to slow oxidation and prevent oils from becoming rancid. This protects product quality rather than preventing bacterial contamination.
How should made to order skincare be stored?
To maintain quality and shelf life:
- Store away from direct sunlight and heat
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Avoid introducing water into oil-based products
- Use clean, dry hands or applicators
Proper storage significantly extends usable life without increasing preservative load.
Is made to order skincare better than conventional skincare?
Made to order and mass-produced skincare serve different purposes. Mass-produced skincare prioritises long shelf life and consistency, while made-to-order skincare prioritises freshness and reduced reliance on heavy preservation systems. Neither is inherently superior; suitability depends on how the product is used and stored.
How long does made to order skincare last after opening?
This depends on formulation and packaging, but many made-to-order products have a period-after-opening of 6–12 months when stored correctly. Always refer to the product label for specific guidance.