Expiration Dates of Various Cosmetics: From Creams to Lipsticks and Nail Polishes
Expiration dates of different cosmetics and suitable usage time for them
Attention to beauty has made cosmetics one of the most used products globally. Many women use makeup daily to look more beautiful and youthful, but unfortunately, they don’t realize that cosmetics have a limited lifespan and expiration dates.
If you want to know the expiration dates of various cosmetics, read this section ofSelmaDermabecause using expired cosmetics can harm your skin and eyes.
Hygiene products also have expiration dates.
Expired cosmetics can become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can cause eye irritation or infections, and even lead toacneand skin rashes, thus impacting your health.
Unopened products do not harbor bacteria, but if you have opened your cosmetics and used them even once, you should pay attention to their usage duration. Below are the expiration times for some cosmetics.
Shelf Life of Cosmetics After Opening
Mascara:2 to 3 months
Foundation Cream:18 months
Liquid Foundation:6 to 12 months
Powder Concealer:2 years
Liquid Concealer:1 year.
Setting Powder:2 years.
Powder Blush:2 years
Cream Blush:1 year
Powder Eye Shadow:2 years
Cream Eye Shadow:3 to 6 months
Liquid Eyeliner:2-3 months
Pencil Eyeliner:1 to 2 years
Lipstick and Lip Pencil:2 years
Brow Pencil:2 years
Day and Night Cream:6 months
Brow Gel:3 months
Shower Gel and Shampoo:2 to 3 years
Body Lotion:9 to 12 months
Moisturizer CreamJar:9 months, Pump or tube bottles 12 months
Nail Polish:1 to 2 years
Concealer CreamDark Circle Cream:3 to 6 months
Makeup RemoverFor eyes, face:6 to 9 months
Scrubs and Exfoliants:6 to 9 months
Moisturizing and Cleansing Masks:6 to 9 months
Redness Cream:8 months
Makeup Brushes:When the bristles wear out, you must throw them away.
Hair Dye:2 years
Shampoo and Conditioner:2 years
Toothpaste:2 years
How to ReadExpiration Dates of Cosmetics
To determine the expiration date of cosmetics, you need to consider the expiration date of products before opening and after opening.
Before opening, cosmetic products usually have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years, and the seller can sell them for that duration; however, once opened, attention to their expiration date is essential.
Expiration dates are printed on the packaging of cosmetics.
With these instructions, you can understand the date to avoid causing any harm to your skin when using different products. Look at the bottom or side of your product; you will see a small symbol like an open jar containing a number and a letter.
The letter M stands for month and Y stands for year. For example, if the symbol shows M6, it means the product will expire 6 months after opening.
Important Note:
The expiration dates indicated on brands of a product may differ because cosmetic and hygiene products contain various ingredients, and these differences can affect their longevity.
Liquid products generally have a shorter shelf life compared to powdered products due to moisture and oils commonly present in them.
Signs of Spoiled Cosmetics
If the expiration date of your cosmetics has not yet passed but they show the following signs, pay attention to these signs and dispose of them. Signs of spoiled cosmetics include:
- Color change and darkening
- Change in scent and unpleasant odor
- Change in texture and drying of powder products
How to Store Cosmetics
The durations mentioned above are the maximum time you can use a cosmetic product, provided that the product has been stored correctly. Proper storage methods for cosmetics are as follows:
- Cosmetics should be kept in a dry environment away from moisture.
- Opt for more tube and pump products. If your cosmetics are not pump-style, you can use a small spoon to scoop a little out.
- After using cosmetics, make sure to seal them tightly.
- Never share your cosmetics and makeup tools with anyone.
- To enhance the shelf life of powdered blush, regularly wash your brush to avoid the accumulation of oil from moisturizers and primers.
- Pencils last longer if sharpened regularly, which helps eliminate bacterial growth.
- Wash your makeup sponges and brushes occasionally.