Beauty products aren't always bound to the expiration date on the package. Find out how long cosmetics really last, based on the ways you use and store them.
Beauty products can often expire before the date printed on the
package or they can last longer if they're used and stored
correctly. Find out when most old cosmetics really expire, based on
their ingredients and their use.
When Do Natural and Organic Beauty Products Expire
Going through your beauty and makeup products, you should always
pay extra attention to the natural and organic products, since
they usually last less than the ones with preservatives.
Exposure to light and air can make them break down more quickly and
changes in color, texture and smell are a sure sign that you should
stop using them. Natural body lotions should be used in 6 months,
while organic makeup can spoil in even 3 months.
Which Beauty Products Spoil the Easiest
Once you've checked your organic cosmetics along with the ones that
contain very little or no chemical preservatives, it's time to
check any creams or products with antioxidants.
Whether they're anti-aging or anti-acne, cosmetics that contain
antioxidants like vitamin C, glycolic acid and retinol break down
faster, especially when they're not refrigerated. Make sure you pay
extra attention to washing your hands before you use them to
prevent exposing them to bacteria that can shorten their life
span.
When Do Beauty Products Really Expire
Protecting your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays shouldn't
rest solely on sunscreen, but you should
always remember when you opened it. Sunscreen can lose the potency
of its ingredients as little as 1 year, so you should get rid of it
after that time.
Most lotions, shampoos and shower gels can last up to two years,
whether they're natural or contain chemical preservatives. Keep
water out to extend their life span. Hair styling products usually
last 2 years or more, especially if they contain alcohol, which
keeps them fresh for a longer time.
Even if the expiration date hasn't been reached, most makeup
products, including nail polish, usually last for up to one year
without any problems, but anything that you use on your lips
shouldn't stick around in your makeup bag for more than 6
months.
Perfume and cologne are some of the beauty products than need to be
stored away from light, especially when they're in glass bottles.
Even so, don't keep them around for more than 2 years.
Keep your most sensitive makeup and beauty products refrigerated,
or at least stored in a cool, dry and dark place to make them last
longer, but lose them once you notice any changes.