Why Do Your Beauty Products Have an Expiry Date?
, 3 min reading time
While it can be tempting to keep using a favourite product until every last drop is gone, cosmetics do not necessarily last forever. Over time, exposure to air, moisture, heat, light and microorganisms can cause products to deteriorate. Old cosmetics can potentially contribute to skin irritation, dermatitis, allergic reactions and, in some circumstances, infection. So, before you reach for that old mascara or foundation, it might be time for a glow-up spring clean!
Why does makeup go off?
Cosmetic products are carefully formulated with ingredients designed to maintain their texture, appearance, stability and safety. However, once a product is opened, it is repeatedly exposed to the environment.
Every time you dip your fingers into a moisturiser, swipe lipstick across your lips or put a mascara wand back into its tube, you potentially introduce microorganisms into the product. Products containing water, creams and emulsions can be particularly susceptible to deterioration.
Remember: if a product smells strange, changes colour or texture, separates, becomes unusually dry or develops an unusual appearance, it is time to let it go, even if you have not reached the recommended timeframe.
How long should you keep your makeup?
There isn't one universal expiry date for every cosmetic. In Australia, cosmetics are not generally required to display an expiry date in the same way therapeutic products do. Many products will instead display a small open jar symbol with a number such as “6M”, “12M” or “24M”. This indicates how long the manufacturer recommends using the product after opening.
As a practical guide, here is what I recommend keeping in mind.
1. Foundation & face moisturisers – approximately 6 months after opening
Pharmacist tip: Pump bottles are generally preferable from a hygiene perspective because they reduce the amount of direct contact with the product. Avoid adding water to old foundation to make it last longer.
2. Mascara – approximately 3 months after opening
Pharmacist tip: If you develop eye redness, irritation, discharge or discomfort after using an old eye cosmetic, stop using it. Persistent or significant eye symptoms should be assessed by an appropriate health professional.
3. Lipstick – approximately 12 months after opening
Pharmacist tip: If you've been unwell with a cold sore or another infection around the lips, replacing used lip products may be a sensible precaution.
Pharmacist’s Advice:
My advice is simple, don't wait for your makeup to become visibly “bad” before replacing it.
Makeup is something we use directly on our skin, lips and, in some cases, very close to our eyes. Keeping products within their recommended period, storing them correctly and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of irritation and contamination.
Have a quick beauty bag spring clean every few months. Check the age of your products, look for changes in smell or appearance, clean your brushes and throw away anything you're unsure about.
Quick guide
|
Product |
Approximate timeframe after opening* |
|
Mascara |
3 months |
|
Foundation |
6 months |
|
Face moisturiser |
6 months |
|
Lipstick |
12 months |
Find your nearest Direct Chemist Outlet store.