The beauty product expiration dates you need to know
If you go through your makeup stash right now, how many items have you had for years on end? While it may seem economical to use the same blush for 25 years, it isn’t the greatest idea once you start thinking about the risks involved. Makeup, like anything else, come with expiration dates and if you use items past their used by dates you may be at risk of infections, dermatitis, allergic reactions etc.
But there is good news in case you’re heartbroken over having to part ways with your favourite eyeshadow palette. Some expiration dates should be followed religiously, while others you can be a bit more relaxed about. Here is everything you need to know.
How do you know if your beauty products are expired?
Every beauty product will expire eventually, but how soon depends on factors such as preservatives, ingredients and how you store your products. Natural beauty products may be better for the skin, but they also expire quite quickly due to lack of preservatives. Check the expiry date by finding a pot logo, inside the graphic it will have a number. That’s how many months after opening it will last for.
What if there is no logo?
No date? No problem. Some beauty products don’t come with a set expiration date, so you’ll have to figure it out on your own. Luckily, we’re here to help. So here’s a guide on when you should throw out certain items.
2 years after opening
- All powder items
12 months after opening
- Lipstick
- Lip gloss
- Perfumes
6 months after opening
- Moisturisers
- Foundation
- Oils
- Serums
- Sunscreen
3 months after opening
- Mascara
- Liquid liner