Buying pretty beauty products is fun, even if you know you’re only going to save this gorgeous lipstick for special occasions and big outings. A girl can never have enough makeup and skincare products, right?! Especially if you suffer from acne or other skin conditions that require multiple products to manage and pull off that polished, flawless look.
But, nothing lasts forever, including your impressive stash. As much as it pains us, beauty products do have an expiration date and their lifespan can be shorter than you think, depending on their packaging, format, active ingredients, and preservatives.
Do Skincare And Makeup Products Really Expire?
Unfortunately, yes. What’s even worse, is that once your makeup and skincare products reach their expiration date, they become less and less effective. Of course, their longevity varies significantly from before they’re opened and after, as unopened products can last anywhere from 2 to 3 years if stored properly in a cool, dark, and dry place.
It’s a slightly different story for products that have been opened, however, it’s super easy to tell if they’re still safe to use. All you need to do is check the label, and look for the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol printed on the makeup (an open jar with a number and an “M”). If you’re worried that you may not remember when exactly you opened a product, write down the date when you broke the seal right next to the symbol!
If the product doesn’t have a label, it’s probably best to be safe than sorry and stick to a simple rule of 1 to 2 years. Also, pay special attention to whether or not your product contains any preservatives since many organic and natural beauty brands refrain from using them in the products as that has a huge impact on the product’s longevity.
How to Know If Your Beauty Products Have Gone Bad
Most of the time, it’ll be pretty obvious the product is no longer any good for use. Makeup products tend to become dry or crumbly, while many skincare products can change color or texture, or even start smelling a little. If you notice a beauty product that doesn’t look right, don’t hesitate to throw it away, even if the packaging still says it’s safe to use it.
Is It Safe To Use Skincare And Makeup Products That Are Past The Stated Expiration Date?
No, no, no. Products becoming less effective with time is only a minor inconvenience when compared to the fact that expired makeup or skincare can harbor bacteria and result in rashes, acne breakouts, or even staph infections. And of course, an expired sunscreen won’t protect you from harmful UV rays, even if it still smells and looks usable.
