For the CocoCoat spray, you have the option of buying it Mixed or Unmixed. This is intentional and meant to maximize your use of the product without any risk of it going rancid. I do use natural preservatives to increase the shelf-life, but it only lengthens it, and it is not indefinite, like its commercially available cousins.
Mixed means that it comes with the water pre-mixed with the concentrate, and is ready to spray. Unmixed is the concentrate only in the 16 oz bottle, and you add water when you’re ready. The clock on the shelf-life doesn’t start until you add water, so if you intent to store it before use, this is a better option for you.
Preservatives are a necessary ingredient in any product containing water, and especially those that are nutrient-dense, like CocoCoat. Because these are natural products, without the usual harsh preservatives of its commercial counterparts, the shelf life of CocoCoat is not indefinite. But it does last a good while!
I’ve opted to use natural preservatives that leverage probiotics to inhibit the growth of fungus, molds, and microbes, and are also known to increase moisture levels on the skin’s surface.
The two that you’ll find in Elemental Grooming products are AMTicide Coconut, and Leucidal® Liquid SF. AMTicide Coconut is a natural preservative blend that occurs by fermenting coconut with Lactobacillus. It is effective at preventing the growth of fungus, specifically yeast and mold. Leucidal® Liquid SF a probiotic-based ingredient created by the fermentation of Lactobacillus in a defined growth medium.
They are both Non-GMO, not tested on animals, are ECOcert approved ingredients in Certified Organic products, and are on the Whole Foods Acceptable Premium Preservative List.
If you’d like to read more on these two natural preservatives, see this article: An Alternative to Conventional Preservatives?