Storage and expiry
Bacteriostatic Water Shelf Life
Bacteriostatic water has a shelf life of 24 months sealed, stored between 15 and 25 °C away from light. Once the stopper has been punctured, use the vial within 28 days.
- 0.9%
- benzyl alcohol
- 3 mL
- per vial
- 28 days
- after first puncture
- 4.5–7.0
- pH range (USP)
A sealed vial keeps 24 months
An unopened vial keeps for 24 months from manufacture. Store it at room temperature, between 15 and 25 °C, in its box or a drawer away from direct light.
A sealed vial does not need the fridge. Avoid hot spots such as a windowsill, a radiator or a car in summer.
| Situation | How long | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed vial | 24 months | 15–25 °C, away from light |
| After first puncture | 28 days | 2–8 °C (fridge) |
| Reconstituted solution | See the reagent data sheet | 2–8 °C (fridge) |
| Frozen | Not recommended | Do not freeze |
An opened vial keeps 28 days
The 28-day limit starts at the first puncture of the stopper. It is the usual limit for multi-use vials in USP chapter <797>, and it holds even if plenty of liquid remains.
Write the opening date on the label. Once open, keep the vial in the fridge at 2–8 °C.
Where to buy
OXpeptides
Bac Water 3 mL
€10.90
- 3 mL glass vial, 0.9% benzyl alcohol
- Delivered in 4–6 working days, shipped from Europe
- Shipping €9.90, free on orders over €120
- 30-day returns, full refund
This water is sold and shipped by OXpeptides, from a warehouse in Europe.
Signs a vial should be discarded
Throw the vial away after 28 days, or earlier if anything looks wrong. Benzyl alcohol slows bacteria down but cannot rescue a contaminated vial.
- Cloudiness, particles or a change of colour
- A damaged stopper or a loose crimp cap
- No opening date written on an opened vial
- A sealed vial past its expiry date
Do not freeze it
Freezing can crack the glass and loosen the seal around the stopper. Keep sealed vials at room temperature and opened ones in the fridge, never in the freezer.
Common questions
Does bacteriostatic water expire?
Yes. A sealed vial keeps for 24 months at 15–25 °C. After the first puncture it should be used within 28 days.
Does bacteriostatic water need to be refrigerated?
Not while it is sealed. Once the stopper has been punctured, store the vial in the fridge at 2–8 °C.
Can I use bacteriostatic water after 28 days?
It is not recommended. After 28 days the preservative may no longer keep the vial free of bacterial growth, so discard it and open a new one.
Can bacteriostatic water be frozen?
No. Freezing can damage the vial and its seal. Keep it at room temperature before opening and in the fridge after.