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Does Shampoo Expire? – How Long Does Shampoo Last
All beauty products have an expiration date. This can be a hard truth to accept for those who often save items for future use or hesitate to use them due to their cost or rarity. However, beauty products have a finite shelf life, and even essentials like shampoo and conditioner are not exempt from this.
You’ve finally decided to tackle that long-postponed bathroom deep clean, perhaps it’s been waiting since the last season changed, or even earlier. As you empty your shower caddy and rummage through bathroom cabinets, you uncover several nearly forgotten shampoo bottles alongside some leftover shampoo bars you meant to finish.
It can be incredibly frustrating to find that the expiration dates on the bottles are either missing or so faded that you can’t read them. It’s understandable to feel uncertain about whether these products are still safe to use or if it’s better to discard them. Your health and safety are important, and it’s always wise to err on the side of caution in situations like this.
In this article, we will read in detail about:
- Does Shampoo Expire?
- How To Identify Whether Shampoo Has Expired?
- Can Expired Shampoo Cause Hair Loss
- How To Properly Store Your Shampoo
- Do Shampoo Bars Last Longer Than Commercial Shampoo
Can Shampoo Expire?
Do shampoos expire? The answer is yes! However, it’s important to understand that the precise use-by date of a shampoo can vary based on the manufacturer and the specific formulation of the product.
We all use shampoos almost every other day, but most time we forget to check the expiration dates on these products while purchasing them. But, like every other product, even shampoos that are commercially produced can go bad.
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not impose regulations on the shelf life of cosmetic products, including shampoos. In a statement, the FDA has clarified that “There are no U.S. laws or regulations that require cosmetics to have specific shelf lives or have expiration dates on their labels.” Consequently, it’s up to individual brands to determine and communicate the safety and efficacy of their products over time.
Generally, personal care items like shampoos include an expiration date and/or a recommendation for a “period after opening” (PAO).
The PAO indicates the optimal timeframe during which the shampoo is expected to maintain its intended performance, safety, and cosmetic properties after being opened.
The FDA elaborates on this by stating that this is “the length of time you can expect a product to look and act as expected and to stay safe for use.” Thus, keeping track of these timelines is crucial to ensuring the quality and safety of the personal care products we choose to use.
Shampoos are essential hair care products that typically contain a mixture of ingredients designed to cleanse and nourish the hair and scalp. The primary component of most shampoos is water, which acts as a solvent for the other ingredients.
Does Purple Shampoo Expire?
Yes, purple shampoo can expire. Like most hair care products, purple shampoo has a shelf life, typically ranging from 12 to 24 months after opening. It’s important to check the packaging for any specific expiration date or period-after-opening (PAO) symbol, which indicates how long the product is safe to use once opened.
Expired shampoo may not work as effectively and could potentially cause irritation or other issues. If the shampoo changes in smell, color, or consistency, it’s best to discard it.
| Shampoo Expiration Date An unopened shampoo bottle can last for 2 to 4 years if stored correctly. On the other hand, an open bottle may expire in a range of six months to two years. Naturally, this also varies based on the specific type of shampoo formula, particularly regarding the preservatives utilized. Although many personal‐care products in Europe must display a “best‐before‐end” (BBE) date once their lifespan falls below 30 months, U.S. law does not mandate expiration dates on cosmetic labels, including shampoos, unless they contain active drug ingredients (e.g., dandruff shampoos) regulated as over‐the‐counter (OTC) drugs. A “Julian date” batch code (YYDDD) may be printed on the bottle for deciphering the manufacture date; tools like CheckFresh.com can translate these codes |
Can You Use Expired Shampoo?
Using expired shampoo is generally not recommended. Over time, the ingredients in shampoo can break down, leading to changes in texture, smell, and effectiveness.
Expired shampoo may not clean your hair properly and could potentially cause scalp irritation or other issues due to the degradation of its ingredients in the shampoo. If your shampoo has an unusual odor, color, or consistency, it’s best to discard it and replace it with a new one.
How To Identify Whether Shampoo Has Expired?
Most of us don’t recall when we first opened our shampoo. To check if it’s expired, look for changes in color, consistency, or fragrance.
To determine whether your shampoo has expired, you should look for these three indicators:
✅ Color Change: The original color of the shampoo may have faded or darkened. If you notice a significant change, it could indicate that the product is no longer viable.
✅ Consistency: If the texture of the shampoo has altered, becoming either too thick and gel-like or overly runny, it might be a sign that the formulation has broken down and is no longer effective.
✅ Fragrance: A shampoo that has spoiled may emit a rancid or off-putting smell, differing from its original pleasant aroma.
“There are several issues that can arise when a product expires,” according to hair experts. “Often, the chemical components can separate, resulting in a clumpy, unusual look. This separation may affect the product’s texture and consistency, potentially impacting its overall performance or appeal.”
As a general guideline, consider your shampoo too old if it has an unusual smell, appears clumpy, has altered in color, or doesn’t lather like it used to. This can be hard to detect if your shampoo is in a non-transparent bottle and you can’t see the separation.
| Indicator | What to Look For | Solution |
| Color Change | Shampoo appears darker, yellower, or noticeably faded compared to when new | Oily layer forms on top, or the shampoo has become too runny/watery due to ingredient separation |
| Odor Alteration | Fragrance is weaker than usual, sour, rancid, or “off” | Discard to avoid scalp irritation |
| Texture/Lump Formation | An oily layer forms on top, or the shampoo has become too runny/watery due to ingredient separation | Discard; impurity risk rises with clumping |
| Phase Separation | Shampoo feels lumpy or curdled—doesn’t pour smoothly, and may look like clumps | Stop using the shampoo as the preservatives have likely degraded |
| Reduced Lather/Performance | Noticeably less foam, ineffective cleansing, or hair feels sticky/dry after washing | Consult the manufacturer or discard if unsure |
| PAO Symbol/Batch Code Expired | Bottle shows a “6 M”, “12 M”, etc., and that period has passed; batch code indicates manufacture date over 2–3 years ago (unopened) or >18 months (opened) | Consult the manufacturer or discard if unsure |
PAO Symbol
The Period After Opening (PAO) symbol is a key indicator on shampoo and other cosmetic products that informs you how long the product remains safe and effective after opening.
Understanding this symbol helps ensure you use products within their optimal time frame, maintaining their quality and minimizing potential risks.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|
| 6M | Use within 6 months |
| 12M | Use within 12 months |
| 24M | Use within 24 months |
Once opened, shampoos can become susceptible to contamination from air, moisture, and contact with hands or applicators. Over time, this exposure can degrade preservatives and active ingredients, potentially leading to:
- Reduced effectiveness
- Changes in texture, color, or smell
- Increased risk of scalp irritation or infections
By watching the PAO symbol, you can guarantee that your shampoo stays safe and effective over its designated usage timeframe. Generally, you can consider your shampoo expired if it emits a strange smell, appears clumpy, changes color, or doesn’t lather like it used to.
If your shampoo is stored in an opaque bottle, it may be difficult to detect these changes, as any separation will be impossible to see.
Can Expired Shampoo Cause Hair Loss
Expired shampoo might not be the best choice for your hair care routine, and while it’s not directly linked to hair loss, it can cause some issues. Expired shampoo might not be the best choice for your hair care routine, and while it’s not directly linked to hair loss, it can cause some issues.
Using expired shampoo can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the product, as the active ingredients may break down over time and lose their potency. This can result in a less effective cleansing or moisturizing effect, leaving your hair feeling dull or unclean.
Moreover, expired shampoo may also contain preservatives that can degrade and potentially lead to irritation or allergic reactions on your scalp. Symptoms might include itching, redness, or flakiness, which are not only uncomfortable but could contribute to scalp health issues. The scalp is a crucial part of maintaining healthy hair growth, so any irritation or damage can indirectly affect hair vitality.
In short, expired shampoo may not be the best choice if you have hair problems, but shampoo beyond its expiry date may lead to:
- Effectiveness: Over time, the ingredients in shampoo can break down. Using expired shampoo may mean it won’t clean or condition your hair effectively.
- Skin Irritation: Expired products can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. If your scalp becomes inflamed, it might contribute to hair shedding.
- Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is essential for strong hair growth. If expired shampoo disrupts your scalp’s health, it could create an environment that isn’t great for keeping your hair.
How To Properly Store Your Shampoo
The expiration date and the potency of the ingredients are crucial factors in deciding whether to keep or discard shampoos and conditioners. Additionally, how these products are stored and maintained can lead to them losing their effectiveness more quickly.
Ensure the bottle cap or lid is tightly closed after each use to reduce exposure to moisture and humidity.
Avoid placing products in direct sunlight, as this can damage active ingredients and cause them to deteriorate sooner.
Store unopened shampoo in a cool, dark location, since heat and light can break down the shampoo’s formula and diminish its effectiveness.
Use a permanent marker or sticker to note “Opened on MM/DD/YYYY” for accurate PAO tracking
To ensure your shampoo remains safe and effective throughout its intended lifespan, kindly consider understanding how shelf life is determined, recognizing key packaging symbols, and observing any sensory changes.
For optimal safety and performance, it is recommended to store bottles in a cool, dry place, note the opening date on the packaging, and consult batch-code checkers or manufacturer resources if you are uncertain.
Do Shampoo Bars Last Longer Than Commercial Shampoo
Yes, shampoo bars generally last longer than commercial shampoos. Shampoo bars are solid and contain little to no water. In contrast, liquid shampoos often contain up to 80% water, which means you’re getting more active ingredients per gram with a bar.
Lack of plastic in Shampoo bars means lesser preservatives required to keep the product last longer.
Solid Shampoo Bars, like the Tangie Shampoo Bar, often outlast traditional liquid bottles, offering both eco-friendly benefits and economical value. Unlike commercial shampoo, which can be over-dispensed and diluted with water, a concentrated bar requires only a few swipes to build lather, translating to more washes per unit.
On average, one Organic Shampoo Bar can replace two to three 250 ml bottles of liquid shampoo, depending on hair length and frequency of use. Because bars lack water, they’re more compact and travel-friendly, reducing waste from plastic packaging.
Customers who use shampoo bars often report that bars retain their shape and efficacy for up to 80 – 100 washes, compared to roughly 30 – 40 washes from a standard shampoo bottle. With proper care, keeping your Solid Shampoo Bars dry between uses, you’ll maximize longevity.
Switching to a zero-waste lifestyle and moving from buying commercial shampoos to solid shampoo bars can be the right choice, not only for your wallet but also for the health of this planet. Everything that you purchase from big corporations generally comes with expiration dates and has a significant environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, conditioners can expire faster than shampoos. This is often due to their formulation, which may include more natural oils and ingredients that can degrade over time. While both products have a shelf life, conditioners typically have a shorter one, especially if they lack preservatives.
It’s essential to check the expiration date on the packaging and store them in a cool, dry place to prolong their effectiveness. If a conditioner has changed in smell, color, or texture, it’s best to discard it.
Using expired shampoo is generally not recommended. While it may not be harmful, its effectiveness can diminish over time. Ingredients may break down, leading to reduced cleansing ability and changes in texture or scent. If the shampoo looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it. Additionally, expired products could cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions.
To ensure optimal results, always check the expiration date and store shampoos in a cool, dry place. If in doubt, it’s safer to replace expired shampoos with new ones.
Yes, sulfate-free shampoos can expire. While they often contain fewer harsh chemicals, their natural ingredients may have a shorter shelf life. Over time, the effectiveness of active ingredients can diminish, and the product may change in texture, color, or scent. It’s important to check the expiration date on the bottle and store the shampoo in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality.
If a sulfate-free shampoo appears discolored or has an unusual smell, it’s best to discard it. Always prioritize using fresh products for optimal hair care results.
Expired shampoo is unlikely to directly cause hair loss, but it can lead to scalp irritation or allergic reactions due to degraded ingredients. Using an expired product may result in ineffective cleansing, leaving buildup on the scalp, which could contribute to issues like dandruff or clogged hair follicles. These conditions can indirectly affect hair health.
If you notice changes in your scalp or hair condition after using expired shampoo, it’s best to discontinue use and switch to a fresh product. For persistent hair loss, consulting a dermatologist is advisable.
