Our Lotion Germicidals
December 4, 2025
Lotion is a combination of oils/fats and water. Any time water is an ingredient, there is an opportunity for microbes to grow. Your skin has microbes on it at all times, even after you shower. I’m sorry to say there are even germs in your soap. Your body usually has a healthy balance of good and bad germs, but the germs can reach a tipping point under certain conditions. Most notably, if you have a break in your skin (even a microabrasion from shaving) you could develop an infection. Germicidals in lotion are important because they slow the growth of bacteria and mold and also can kill the microbes.
Oak Manour offers a few different options for our lotion germicidals because not everyone’s needs are the same. I happen to be a Registered Nurse, and my skin is not overly sensitive, so I like a lotion with a germicidal that lasts a long time and is reliable even if I have to sacrifice the “all natural” label. For sensitive skin or people who prefer 100% all natural, we offer germicidals with a shorter lifespan.
Our primary germicidal (the one I prefer) is called Germall Plus and lasts approximately a year. It is composed of Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea and Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate. It protects against bacteria, yeast and fungus. It should not be exposed to temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit, but you should be storing your lotion well below that anyway. Lotion stored between 60 and 75 degrees and kept out of sunlight will have the longest shelf life.
Geogard ECT is our mid-range germicidal in terms of lifespan. It can give up to 6 months of shelf life. It is considered all natural with ingredients of Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin and Sorbic Acid.
We currently stock Leucidal SF complete if you prefer or need something even more natural. It’s made with Lactobacillus Ferment or Radish root ferment filtrate, Lactobacillus and Coconut fruit extract. The shelf life on this is only 3-4 months. If you would like your order made with Leucidal SF complete, please message us.
Leucidal SF complete and Geogard ECT meet COSMOS and ECOCERT standards. This means that they are certified environmentally friendly and all natural in addition to other requirements.
It’s important to respect the expiration dates on our lotions as the germicidals are only guaranteed to work for a limited time. Keep your Oak Manour products from heat and sunlight and avoid touching/contaminating your lotion any more than necessary.
In the past I was tempted to stick my finger inside my lotion bottle repeatedly to get the last bit of lotion, but over time, this led to a skin infection on my legs. Thankfully it went away with using Hibiclens (it pays to be a nurse) and now you get to learn from my mistake instead of your making your own.
We want your skin to be amazing, safely.
Wendy