Do Cosmetics Expire? – Learn About Skincare Expiration

We’ve all been there, right? You’ve got that half-used, pricey moisturizer from a year ago that you can’t bear to throw away, or that ancient lipstick you’re holding onto, convinced that someday you’ll have the perfect occasion to wear it. It’s completely normal to have an emotional attachment to these products; they can evoke memories of special moments or remind you of a particular time in your life. But here’s the thing: keeping these items around for too long might end up being more of a burden than a blessing. Let’s talk about finding the balance!

Well, it’s time to cut the emotional cord to that twelve-year-old eyeshadow palette and put it in the garbage. It might feel difficult or even wasteful, but the truth is that beauty products come with expiration dates and safety concerns. When products are past their prime, they lose their efficacy and can even become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can lead to skin irritations or infections.

Hanging on to beauty products past their prime isn’t doing your skin any favors and might be causing the very problems you’re trying to remedy. For example, using that old foundation can lead to breakouts or an uneven complexion. Outdated serums may not deliver the results you expect and can potentially be harmful if they have degraded in quality.

Let’s walk through what you need to know about when to hold onto beauty and skin care products and when to fold them. It’s important to recognize signs that indicate it’s time to say goodbye.

• Can You Use Cosmetics After They Expire?
• How Long Do Skincare Products Last?
• How Long Do Make-Up Products Last?
• What Should You Do With Expired Cosmetic Products?

Is It Okay To Use Expired Cosmetics?

Using expired cosmetics can be tempting, especially if you have a favorite product that you don’t want to part with. Always make it a point to use fresh, high-quality products. Pay attention to expiration dates and storage instructions to ensure your products remain safe to use.

If a product changes in smell, texture, or color, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to replace it. Prioritizing fresh, high-quality cosmetics helps maintain healthy skin and enhances your overall beauty routine.

Using expired cosmetics is risky, but it depends on the type of product and how long it has been expired. Here’s why you should avoid using expired products –

• Bacterial Growth: Expired products may harbor bacteria, which can lead to skin infections or irritations.
• Irritation: Ingredients may break down over time, potentially causing skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Decreased Efficacy: Active ingredients (like those in anti-aging creams or sunscreens) may lose their potency, making the product less effective.

However, it’s important to consider a few key points regarding cosmetic expiration dates:

Every cosmetic product has an expiration date or a period after opening (PAO) symbol that indicates how long the product is safe to use. This is crucial for ensuring that the ingredients remain effective and safe for your skin.

Using products beyond their expiration date can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, or even infections.

Every cosmetic product has an expiration date or a period after opening (PAO) symbol that indicates how long the product is safe to use. This is crucial for ensuring that the ingredients remain effective and safe for your skin. Using products beyond their expiration date can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, or even infections.

How to Check Whether Cosmetics Have Expired

To ensure your cosmetics are still safe to use, it’s important to regularly check their expiration dates and look for any changes in consistency, color, or odor. Follow these steps:

Check the Expiration Date: Look for the printed expiration date on the packaging.

Check the packaging carefully, as the expiration date is often printed on the side, bottom, or near the seal.

Inspect the Product: Look for changes in color, texture, or smell. If something seems off, it’s best to discard it.

Observe for any unusual signs such as mold, leaks, or an expired date.

Consider Storage Conditions: Heat and humidity can shorten the shelf life of cosmetics, so store them in a cool, dry place.

While it might be tempting to use expired cosmetics, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Prioritize your skin’s health by adhering to cosmetic expiration dates and understanding the shelf life of your products. If in doubt, it’s always safer to toss it out!

How To Identify A Beauty Product That Has Gone Bad

Cosmetics and skincare items may show noticeable changes in texture or scent as they age or reach their expiration date. It’s important to use your eyes and nose to evaluate them!

Look out for the following indicators to assess whether a product is still suitable for use:

• Separation of the product or alterations in texture (such as runniness, clumps, lumps, or graininess)
• Changes in smell or an unpleasant odor.
• Products labeled as “preservative-free” tend to become contaminated much more quickly
• Emollient or liquid-based products are more susceptible to contamination compared to powders.

Cosmetic Shelf Life – This refers to the length of time a cosmetic product remains effective and safe to use after it has been opened. Cosmetic Expiration Date – This is the date after which a product should not be used, typically indicated on the packaging. Shelf life focuses on how long a product lasts after opening, while the expiration date tells you when to stop using it altogether. Always check both to keep your skin healthy and happy!

How Long Do Skincare Products Last?

Skincare products are essential for maintaining healthy skin, but it’s important to acknowledge that they do have an expiration date.

This expiration date varies depending on the type of product and its ingredients. Generally, products containing active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C may have a shorter shelf life compared to more stable formulations.

Expiration dates are often indicated on the packaging, but if you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is to consider how long it’s been since you opened the product. Most skincare products have a shelf life of 6 months to 2 years once opened. Factors such as exposure to light, air, and bacteria can alter their effectiveness over time.

Using expired skincare products can lead to decreased efficacy and potentially harm your skin, as the ingredients may break down or become contaminated. To avoid this, always check the date, store products in a cool, dry place, and follow storage instructions.

Remember that if a product changes in color, texture, or smell, regardless of the printed expiration date. Taking care of your skincare products ensures that they work effectively and helps you achieve the best results for your skin.

Sunscreen and anti-acne products must not be used after their expiration date, as their effectiveness will not be guaranteed.

What if a Skincare Product Doesn’t Show an Expiration Date?

In the USA, it’s legal for cosmetics not to show expiration dates unless they are classified as OTC drugs.

Regulations: The FDA does not require expiration dates on cosmetics unless they contain drug ingredients (like sunscreens).

Cosmetics vs. OTC Drugs: Only OTC drugs must have expiration dates; regular cosmetics do not.

Manufacturer Practices: Many brands voluntarily include expiration dates or “period after opening” (PAO) symbols for consumer safety.

Consumer Awareness: Products can degrade over time, so users should be mindful of quality even without an expiration date.

If a skincare product doesn’t show an expiration date, you can take the following steps to ensure its safety and effectiveness:

As a general rule, most unopened skincare products last about 1-2 years, while opened products typically last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on their ingredients and formulation.

Check for a Batch Code: Many products include a batch code or lot number that can help you determine the manufacturing date. You can search online or contact the brand to decode the batch code.

Look for Changes in Texture, Smell, or Color: If the product has an unusual smell, discoloration, or altered texture, it may have gone bad and should not be used.

Follow General Guidelines: Every product, whether skincare or cosmetics, has an expiration date. Always discard items that show changes in texture, smell, or color, as these can be signs of spoilage.

Do Skincare Products Expire if Not Opened?

After using a product, always refer to the “period after opening” timeline indicated by the jar symbol, typically 6 months for creams and 12 months for gels. Nonetheless, not all beauty products with this symbol will have an expiration date. This is due to the legal requirement that mandates an expiry date only if a product has a shelf life exceeding 30 months from its manufacture date.

While this may seem lengthy, time can pass quickly; the 30-month period starts from production, and products might take a while to get through the supply chain before they reach consumers. Therefore, a skincare product you receive could already be one to two years old, which may leave it with little time before its expiration. When there is no expiration date, it’s crucial to keep track of the purchase date to ensure timely use.

We advise using products soon after buying them for better safety assurance. Additionally, we recommend purchasing from reliable retailers, such as the brand itself or respected authorized sellers.

In the end, even though unopened skincare products tend to have a longer shelf life compared to those that have been opened, it’s essential to keep track of when these products were bought and opened to confirm their safety for use. If you have any doubts, it’s advisable to play it safe and dispose of any products that may have expired or are close to their expiration date.

How Long Do Make-Up Products Last?

When was the last time you took a peek at the expiry date on your mascara or foundation? Just like food and skincare, makeup products have a shelf life and don’t last forever. Using expired makeup can lead to pesky skin irritation, breakouts, or even infections, yikes!

Do Facial Cleansers Expire? Yes, facial cleansers do expire! Most cleansers typically last about 1-2 years after opening, but this can vary based on their ingredients and formulation. Products with preservatives tend to have a longer shelf life, while those with natural or organic ingredients may expire sooner. It’s important to check the packaging for the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, which indicates how long the product is safe to use after you’ve opened it. If you notice any changes in texture, color, or smell, it’s a good idea to toss it out.

Most cosmetics have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol on the packaging, usually an icon of a jar with a number (e.g., “6M” means 6 months). Here’s a general rule of thumb:

Product Type	Shelf Life (After Opening)	Notes
Mascara	3–6 months	Replace early if it dries out or starts to smell.
Liquid Eyeliner	3–6 months	High risk of eye infections if used too long.
Pencil Eyeliner & Lip Liner	Up to 2 years	Sharpen regularly to keep bacteria away.
Liquid Foundation	6–12 months	If it separates or smells, discard it.
Concealer	6–12 months	Especially important for under-eye or spot treatments.
Powder Foundation	12–24 months	Less prone to contamination if applied with clean tools.
Blush / Bronzer / Highlighter (Powder)	12–24 months	Keep brushes clean to extend life.
Cream Blush / Highlighter	12 months	Use clean fingers or brushes to apply.
Lipstick	12–24 months	Store in a cool place; discard if texture or smell changes.
Lip Gloss	12–18 months	Store in a cool place; discard if the texture or smell changes.
Eyeshadow (Powder)	12–24 months	Clean brushes regularly to avoid bacterial buildup.
Eyeshadow (Cream)	6–12 months	More prone to bacterial contamination than powders.
Skincare (General)	6–12 months	Check for changes in color, scent, or texture.
Sunscreen	Gloss can become sticky or change color when expires.	Strictly follow the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Perfume	2–3 years	Store in a cool, dark place to preserve scent.
Nail Polish	1–2 years	Gloss can become sticky or change color when it expires.

How To Keep Your Beauty Products Safe?

A product that remains unopened and sealed can typically last three to five years. However, this duration may decrease if the product is kept in a bright, hot, or humid setting. It’s best to store your skincare products in a cool, dry area, preferably not in the bathroom.

Store in a cool, dark place
Keep products in a cabinet or drawer away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent breakdown of active ingredients. Exposure to sunlight can lead to photo-oxidation, a chemical reaction that diminishes the potency of these ingredients. Similarly, heat can accelerate chemical reactions that may lead to the breakdown of the product’s formulation.

Wash your hands before use
Clean hands help avoid transferring bacteria and microorganisms into your products.

Ensure you wash your hands before using any skincare products on your face or body to avoid introducing dirt or bacteria. Utilizing a clean spatula or a baby spoon can help keep the container free from contaminants.

Always secure caps and lids tightly
Exposure to air accelerates the degradation of products, particularly liquids and creams, by promoting oxidation and microbial growth. To preserve their quality, it’s essential to store them in airtight containers and minimize their contact with air during use.

Be mindful of your environment
Heat and humidity (especially in bathrooms) can shorten product lifespan. Try storing essentials in drier spaces when possible.

Discard eye products after an infection
Bacteria can linger in makeup and reinfect your eyes if reused after an illness. Bacteria can linger in makeup and reinfect your eyes if reused after an illness. To avoid this, always replace or thoroughly clean makeup tools like brushes and sponges after recovering. Additionally, consider discarding old or expired eye products to minimize the risk of contamination and protect your eye health.

Follow expiration dates on specific products

Sunscreens, acne treatments, and prescriptions have strict expiration dates; don’t ignore them.

For sunscreens, using expired products can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage, as the active ingredients that protect against UV rays may no longer work effectively.

Similarly, acne treatments may not provide the desired results or could irritate if past their expiration date. Prescriptions, especially those for chronic conditions, can lead to serious health risks if taken after they expire, as they may not only lose efficacy but also change in composition.

Avoid jar packaging when possible
Dipping fingers into jars introduces bacteria. Choose pumps or tubes instead to reduce contamination risk. To minimize this contamination risk, it is recommended to opt for products that are packaged in pumps or tubes.

These types of packaging help to maintain the integrity of the product by providing a barrier that prevents direct contact with hands and reduces the chance of introducing bacteria.

Don’t refrigerate your products (with one exception)
Most formulas are made for room temperature. Long-term cold or hot storage can alter consistency and effectiveness.

Exception: Water-based ascorbic acid (vitamin C) products can benefit from refrigeration to maintain stability, if the other ingredients allow it.

Never share your beauty products
Sharing increases the chance of cross-contamination and infection, especially with eye and lip products.

Don’t add water or saliva to revive dried products
This disrupts the preservative system and can introduce harmful bacteria.

Clean any dropped caps or lids thoroughly
Use soap and water or rubbing alcohol to disinfect, then dry before reattaching.

What Should You Do With Expired Cosmetic Products?

Many of us have a drawer packed with partially used lipsticks, dried mascaras, and old creams. However, what should you do when your makeup goes past its expiration date? While throwing them away might be your initial thought, there are more intelligent and eco-friendly methods to handle expired beauty products.

Recycle the Packaging (Don’t Just Toss It!)

Most cosmetic packaging, especially from foundations, lipsticks, and skincare, includes plastic, glass, or metal that can often be recycled.

• Check for the recycling symbol on the packaging.
• Rinse out any remaining product before tossing it into the recycling bin.
• Separate components (like caps, pumps, and tubes), as they may be made from different materials.

Many beauty brands and retailers have green initiatives that accept used or expired products and packaging:

• MAC Cosmetics – Back to MAC: Return 6 empty containers and get a free lipstick!
• Lush – Bring It Back: Return 5 clean, empty black pots and receive a free fresh face mask.
• Kiehl’s Recycling Program: Drop off empties in-store and earn rewards.
• Sephora (in partnership with Pact Collective): Many locations offer bins for hard-to-recycle beauty empties like compacts, mascara tubes, and more.
• Origins – Return to Origins: Accepts empties from any brand at participating locations.

Outdated makeup doesn’t need to be discarded in a landfill. By recycling, repurposing, and opting for eco-friendly brands, you contribute to minimizing beauty waste, and that’s a lasting shine.

Frequently Asked Questions