Even the most expensive skincare creams, serums, oils, tinctures and ointments eventually spoil enough that you probably want to throw them away. Sure, you can use them, but there are some consequences to using certain types of expired skin care products. If the product does not have this symbol on the packaging, one or two years is a good rule of thumb for shelf life, unless otherwise stated on the packaging. While products may vary, in general, unopened products have a shelf life of about two years when properly stored, says Stenzel.
After opening a product, it must be used as directed, within one year. Of course, this does not apply to over-the-counter products such as sunscreens or acne formulas, which have an expiration date indicated on the packaging. Whether it is moisturizing or mascara, the preservatives in the products only last for a while after opening, and the stability of the ingredients also has a shelf life. The hard part is that only products regulated as over-the-counter drugs (i.e., the average expiration date of a beauty product depends on when you first use them and how the product is packaged and stored).
Nothing lasts forever, especially cosmetics. However, some products last longer than others. Simply put, the answer is yes, but it all depends on the product, when it is opened and how it is stored. Most beauty products don't actually indicate a fast and strict expiration date, so it's a good idea to learn how to spot clues for when a product is past its prime.
Fans of products made from mostly natural ingredients can find themselves buying replacement products more often. Products that beat their prime simply won't be as effective as they used to be, and you certainly can't count on them to work as described. Products can also dry out, start to smell (or lose the scent they had when you first bought them) and change color. For example, a lotion dispenser may last more than a year, but a bottle you take the product out of is more likely to experience bacterial growth, so they usually last six to nine months.
The general guideline you should know is that skin care products usually last from six months to a year. Another useful tip is to try to turn the products upside down and check the bottom of the jars for the entire shelf life of the product, whether it's a lotion, sunscreen, moisturizer, soap or serum. Aerosol products or creams start to separate over time, so you'll notice that the product doesn't work or builds up, Brook said. If you can't find the PAO on your product (for example, you have thrown away the packaging and it's not in the packaging itself), a good rule of thumb is to keep your products one or two years after opening them.
Most products contain preservatives to stay fresh longer, but over time, even preservatives lose their effectiveness, sellers said. The PAO symbol (a number followed by an M and an open jar symbol) was born in Europe and should be used on any skin care or makeup product sold in the UK, including U. A product doesn't have to be old to have been damaged or exposed to bacteria, so you should always pay attention to how your products are holding up every time you use them. In that case, focus on creating a skincare routine that works for you with products you'll actually use.
According to Allure, expired sunscreen often acquires a watery consistency and its use can increase the chance of severe sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. .
