Slowly, the warm summer days are coming back, yes! We don’t need to tell you that you should protect your skin well from the sun. But unfortunately, this often goes wrong. We often just grab last year's sunscreen, but is that okay? We think we’re doing well, but does it still provide the protection you need? Do you know how long your beauty products are good for?
The expiration date on beauty products
Using a beauty product or cream that is past its expiration date seems harmless. However, not many people know that expired products often contain a lot of harmful bacteria. Whether it’s mascara or sunscreen, the effectiveness of preservatives stops after the product is opened. The average shelf life of a beauty product depends on when you first use it and how the product is packaged and/or stored.
If you use a product that has passed its expiration date, you may experience unpleasant skin irritations such as rashes, spots, or even an eye infection. You definitely want to avoid that.
PAO = the period after opening
The PAO symbol is a number followed by an M and an open jar. The letter M stands for month, and the number refers to the number of months. So a “6M” with an open jar means you should throw away the product 6 months after opening it.
This practice originated in Europe and must be displayed on every cosmetic product sold in Europe. However, the PAO symbol is not 100% accurate; it provides a good guideline for when to discard a product after opening.
How do you know when a product is expired?
Just like with food, you should always trust your instincts. Smell, look, and feel; your senses will never let you down. If the packaging suddenly looks different, it can be a sign that something is wrong inside. This is not only when a product is too old; it may have been exposed to bacteria before that. So always pay close attention!
- The product smells strange
- It has changed color
- It feels different
- It looks different: for example, a watery or clumpy texture
Products that contain water generally have the shortest shelf life after opening. Water promotes the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Products that do not contain water, such as powders, last the longest. If you have a product labeled ‘free from preservatives,’ be extra cautious! Bacteria tend to grow more easily in these products.
All beauty products are different, and how you store them varies from one to another. To help you out, we provide an indication for different products. Also, take a good look at the products you already have and see if you should throw them away now.
Make-up
- Eye products such as mascara and gel eyeliners are often good for four to six months after opening. Liquid eyeshadow lasts about a year. Note: always throw away dried-out mascara and do not add anything to extend its use.
- Foundation in all forms is good for six months to 1 year.
- Lip products: lip gloss, lipstick, lip balm, and lip pencils are generally usable for one to two years.
- Powder-based products such as eyeshadow or blush (including mineral makeup): two years.
Skin care
- Cleansers and toners are often good for up to one year after first use.
- Day creams, serums, and body products last about six months to a year. Products containing vitamin A do not last as long as other creams. When the products are used past their expiration date or have been exposed to high temperatures, they can cause skin irritations.
- Sunscreen is only good for one year , don’t forget this! The protection factor decreases after use. This happens even faster when it is frequently exposed to heat. The risk of sunburn increases.
Now that you know all this, you can immediately check the dates on your products. We certainly did as soon as we learned this. We want to avoid the risk of irritations and infections, don’t you?
Do you have any questions? Let us know!
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