Ever wonder if that year-old tube of lipstick is still good? Or why your moisturizer has changed consistency over time? If you’re asking, “does skincare expire?”, the answer is a resounding yes! In this guide to understanding the shelf life of skincare products, we’ll share expert tips on how to identify when to throw a product out, the dangers of using expired products, and how to prolong the shelf life of your makeup and skincare products.

Know when to update your routine

Expiration dates are the manufacturer's guarantee that the product will remain safe and effective to use up until that point. However, it's important to note that not all skincare products are required to have an expiration date. For example, many products are designed to last for up to three years, and these generally don't have a date printed on them.

Additionally, makeup and skincare products aren't required to have a standard format for displaying the expiration date. Some products may have a date printed on them, while others may use a logo with a print of the number of months within which it should be used after opening.

When shopping Wander Beauty, you can expect a general shelf life (after opening) of:

• Foundation – 1 year
• Mascara – 3 months
• Liquid eyeliner – 3 months
• Eyeshadow – 1 year
• Creamy blush – 1 year
• Powder blush – 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 pay attention to it. Using expired skincare products can lead to a host of issues, from breakouts and irritation to inflammation and infection.

Unopened vs. opened products

So, does makeup expire if unopened? When a product is unopened, it can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the product and the manufacturer. However, once the product has been opened and exposed to air and bacteria, the shelf life drastically decreases. This is because once the seal on the product has been broken, the product becomes vulnerable 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 start to break down and lose its effectiveness. Similarly, if you use your mascara every day, it may only last for a few months before it starts to dry out and become clumpy.

Signs that a product has expired

Knowing when your skincare products have expired is important to maintain the effectiveness of the product and prevent any negative effects on your skin. Here are some signs that your makeup or skincare products may have reached their expiration date.

Change in texture and consistency

If the texture of your product has changed, such as becoming more watery or thick, it may have expired.

Change in color and smell

Products that have expired may have a foul smell and a change in color, which may be a sign of bacterial growth.

Irritation or allergic reaction

Using expired products may cause redness, itchiness, and other allergic reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be a sign that your product has expired.

Separation of ingredients

Some skincare products may separate over time, but if the separation does not blend back together with gentle shaking, it may be a sign of product expiration.

It's important to note that expiration dates are a guide, and products may expire before or after the date listed, depending on storage conditions and frequency of use. When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and replace your product to ensure that it remains effective and safe to use.

How to prolong the life of your skincare products

Now that you know how to spot when a product has expired, let's talk about how to extend the shelf life of your favorite products and get the most out of your investment.

1. Keep your products in a cool, dry place

Exposure to heat and humidity can cause skincare products to degrade faster. Avoid storing your products in direct sunlight or near a heat source like a radiator or stove.

2. Avoid exposing your products to air

Oxygen can cause skincare products to oxidize, which can lead to a change in color, texture, and smell. Try to keep the lids and caps tightly closed when not in use, and avoid leaving products open for too long.

3. Don't share your products

Sharing your skincare products can introduce bacteria and other germs to the product, which can speed up the expiration process. Avoid sharing your products with friends or family members, even if they're your besties.

4. Keep your hands clean

When using your skincare products, ensure your hands are clean and free of dirt and bacteria. Use soap and water to wash your hands before applying any product.

5. Skincare expiration date check

Before using any skincare product, take a moment to check the expiration date on the packaging. If the product is expired, it's time to say goodbye and move on to a fresh product.

Shop clean and effective skincare from Wander Beauty

From skincare to makeup, when you shop from Wander Beauty, you're guaranteed safe and effective ingredients free of parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), mineral oil and synthetic fragrance. Each of our products contains a unique expiration date displayed in a logo format with the number of months within which you’ll need to use the product after opening.

Shop our effortless everyday essentials with utmost confidence.