That once-in-a-blue-moon body lotion under your bathroom sink may have seen better days, but is it still safe to use? How do you know if a lotion or moisturizer has expired? Keep reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Lotions and moisturizers can expire, especially if they are not stored properly.
- In general, lotions last 6 months to 1 year after being opened, but others can last up to three years.
- Find the "Period After Opening" on your product packaging to check the shelf life of your products.
- Expired products often have changes in texture, consistency, or color, and are often not as effective or safe as their unexpired counterparts.
See Related: Why Is My Skin So Wrinkly at a Young Age?
Does Lotion Expire?
Yes, lotion and moisturizers can expire. But that doesn't mean what you think it might! Unlike milk or cheese, which, once expired, are definitely not safe for consumption, you can usually still use expired lotion without worry.
There are many reasons why you're here reading this blog. Perhaps you buy lotion in bulk, or you enjoy exploring different products and fragrances. This can leave you with a collection of unused or barely-touched lotion - and, odds are, a tub or two are expired.
How Long Does Lotion Last?
From oily skin-specific moisturizers to heavenly-scented creams, there are many types of lotions out there for your skin. Each product you come across will have an expiration date printed on the packaging. This is referred to as the Period After Opening (PAO).
The PAO tells you how long after opening a product it's good to use. For example, a PAO of "12M" means that the product is good to use for 1 year after opening.
But if you don't have the packaging, it can be hard to know the best-by date. In general, lotions last 6 months to 1 year after being opened. Some skincare products are suitable for use for 1 to 3 years.
This timeline depends on a few factors. Let's discuss those now.
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What Can Affect the Expiration Date of Lotion?
Not all expiry dates are created equal. Anything from the quality of packaging to the method of storage can affect how long your lotions are good for.
Packaging
From tubs to jars to bottles, there are many ways to buy your lotions. Some require you to dip your finger to scoop out some product, while others have dispensers that offer convenience.
Tubs or jars will usually go bad faster than pump-style packaging because you have to put your finger into the product, which spreads bacteria into the product. Just be sure to use clean hands or a product scoop when getting out your lotion.
And just remember, once you open your products, the clock starts ticking!
Storage
Things like high humidity, hot temperature, and sun exposure can cause your lotions (even unopened lotions) to break down fast. They can even contribute to the growth of mold or bacteria.
Be sure to store your skincare products in a cool, dry place, ideally away from direct sunlight, hot temperatures, and high humidity.
Ingredients
Certain active ingredients can cause your lotions and moisturizers to spoil more quickly than expected. Active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide expire faster than others.
Because of this, many experts recommend using vitamin C products within 4 months of opening and retinol products within 2 months.
How to Keep Lotion Good for Longer?
If you want to prolong the shelf life of your cosmetics, lotions, and skincare, be sure to follow these tips.
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Buy your products and cosmetics from reputable sources. Flea markets or resale stores may sell products that are used or expired. Buy new, unopened products from reputable skincare sellers - like JUARA.
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Don't buy products that are missing a seal. New products should be sealed to ensure safety and freshness. A missing seal could indicate tampering or contamination, which compromises the integrity and safety of the product.
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Read the expiration date. Especially for skincare products like sunscreens or eye creams, check the expiration date. If not, be sure to review the POA.
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Store your products properly. Keep your skincare products away from heat, humidity, or direct sunlight.
While using expired skincare usually isn't a cause for concern, it's not a foolproof idea. At best, your products lose effectiveness and fragrance. However, at other times, expired or contaminated products can cause itching, irritation, or an allergic reaction.
Keep Reading: Is Cold Water Good for Your Skin?
People Also Ask
Is It Safe to Use Expired Lotion?
While it is usually safe to use expired lotion, it's not recommended in the event that it does lead to irritation or an allergic reaction. Most likely, your expired lotion just won't be as effective as possible - meaning your sweetly-scented lotion won't do much to cure your cracked elbows.
How to Know if Lotion Is Expired?
There are a few good ways to tell if your lotion is past its prime. Things like a sour smell, runny texture, new coloring, or visible mold can all indicate that your lotion is living past its expiration date.
Can I Use a 3-Year-Old Lotion?
Many lotions can live past the 3-year mark and be A-OK if they have chemical components or non-organic compounds. Usually, organic or natural lotions don't stay good for as long since they forego the artificial preservatives. Be sure to check the expiration date on your product and review the ingredient list.
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
