Most skincare sits in a cupboard for two years without changing at all. Ours doesn't, and we think that's actually something to be upfront about, not hide.

Quick answer: Our face packs are made fresh, in small batches, and are meant to be used within a few weeks of reaching you, kept in the fridge the whole time. That's shorter than what you're used to with regular skincare, and it's because we don't use the ingredients that let a product sit around for years untouched.

Why our packs don't last as long as other skincare

Most brands use ingredients whose entire job is to make a product last a long time on a shelf. We've chosen not to use them. That means our packs are closer to something freshly made than something manufactured to survive months in a warehouse. The upside is that what reaches you is closer to how the ingredients actually work in their natural state. The downside is you can't leave the jar untouched for a year and expect it to still be good.

How to actually use it before it's no longer fresh

• Keep it in the fridge from the moment it arrives

• Use a clean spoon or spatula, not your fingers

• Try to finish it within the window mentioned on the pack

• If the smell, colour, or texture feels different from when you first opened it, stop using it

Why we see this as a good thing, not a flaw

A product that lasts two years without a single preservative would be unusual, to put it mildly. We'd rather be honest that our packs have a shorter life and ask you to treat them with a little care, than quietly extend their life with ingredients we don't want to use. Think of it the way you'd think about fresh food versus packaged food — one needs more attention, but it's also closer to how it started out.

To understand our overall approach to ingredients and freshness, read our piece on what's actually in NB's face packs, and browse the full range to see this in practice.

FAQ

Why don't NB products last as long as other skincare brands?

Because we don't use the ingredients that extend shelf life for months or years. We'd rather keep things fresh.

Is it safe to use a face pack after its window has passed?

We wouldn't recommend it. Once a product is past its window, especially without preservatives, it's better to be cautious. Smell it and if there is any foul smell or discoularation it is no longer good to use.

Does refrigeration really make a difference?

Yes. Keeping it cold slows down changes in the product significantly, it keeps it fresh for longer and since the ingredients are natural without preservatives, we strongly advise customers to keep it in the refrigerator the moments it arrive.