Know the expiration date of your skin care products
Ever wonder if that lipstick that’s a year old is still working? Or why your moisturizer changes consistency over time? If you’re asking, “Do skincare products expire?” , the answer is yes! In this guide to understanding the shelf life of your skincare products, we’ll share expert tips on how to determine when to throw away products, the dangers of using expired products, and how to extend the shelf life of your cosmetics and skincare products.
Know when to renew your routine
An expiration date is a manufacturer’s guarantee that a product will remain safe and effective for use until then. However, it’s important to note that not all skin care products need to have a shelf life. For example, many products are designed to last up to three years, and there is often no date printed on these products.
Additionally, cosmetics and skincare products are not required to have a standardized format to show an expiration date. Some products may have a date printed on them, while others may use a logo with the number of months they should be used after opening.
When purchasing Wander Beauty, your expected general shelf life (after opening) is:
Foundation – 1 year
Mascara – 3 months
Eyeliner – 3 months
Eyeshadow – 1 year
Cream Blush – 1 year
Blush Powder – 2 years
Bronzer – 2 years
Lip Gloss – 1 year
Lip balm – 1 – 5 years
Regardless of how the expiration date is displayed, it’s important to keep an eye on it. Using expired skincare products can lead to a host of problems, from acne and irritation to inflammation and infection.
Unopened vs. opened products
So, do cosmetics expire if unopened? Unopened products can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the product and manufacturer. However, once the product is opened and exposed to air and bacteria, the shelf life is drastically reduced. This is because once the seal on a product is broken, the product is susceptible to contamination, oxidation and degradation.
For example, if you open a bottle of moisturizer and don’t use it for a few months, the product may begin to break down and lose its effectiveness. Similarly, if you use mascara every day, it may only last a few months before it starts to dry out and become clumpy.
Signs a Product Has Expired
Knowing when your skincare products have expired is important to keep them effective and prevent any negative effects on your skin. Here are some signs that your makeup or skincare products may have expired.
Changes in texture and consistency
If the texture of your product has changed, such as becoming more watery or thick, it may have expired.
Changes in color and odor
Expired products may emit unpleasant odors and change color, which can be a sign of bacterial growth.
Irritation or allergic reactions
Using expired products may cause redness, itching and other allergic reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may indicate that your product has expired.
Ingredient Separation
Some skincare products may separate over time, but if the separates don’t come back together after gentle shaking, it may be a sign that the product has expired.
It is important to note that expiration dates are for informational purposes only and products may expire before or after the date listed, depending on storage conditions and frequency of use. When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and replace the product to ensure it is still effective and safe to use.
How to extend the life of your skincare products
Now that you know how to recognize when a product has expired, let’s talk about how to extend the shelf life of your favorite products and make the most of your investment.
- Store your products in a cool, dry place.
Exposure to heat and humidity can cause skin care products to degrade faster. Avoid storing products in direct sunlight or near heat sources such as radiators or stoves. - Avoid exposing products to air
Oxygen can cause skin care products to oxidize, which can lead to changes in color, texture and scent. Try to keep lids tightly closed when not in use and avoid leaving products open for too long. - Don’t share your products
Sharing skin care products can speed up the expiration process by introducing bacteria and other germs into the product. Avoid sharing your products with friends or family, even if they are your good friends. - Keep your hands clean
Make sure your hands are clean and free of dirt and germs when using skin care products. Wash your hands with soap and water before using any products. - Skin care product shelf life check
Before using any skin care product, take a moment to check the expiration date on the package. If the product has expired, it’s time to say goodbye and move on to a fresh product.