Healthy Living
When in doubt, toss it out!
Just like the food you eat, beauty products have expiration dates, although they aren’t always printed on the label. Expiration dates mark when the product can no longer do its job and can even be harmful to your health. Expired beauty products can also carry bacteria, which can cause irritation, rashes and breakouts.
The FDA requires products like over-the-counter acne treatments and sunscreens to have their expiration date and drug information printed on the label. For products without a printed expiration date, here are some generic “toss or keep” guidelines to consider when cleaning your medicine cabinet.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner should be replaced after 3 to 4 months of being opened. These products are prone to carry bacteria and should be replaced frequently to prevent infection. Avoid pumping the mascara wand in and out of the tube – this puts air, and bacteria in the air, into the tube. Instead, keep the wand inside the tube and use a circular motion to gather mascara onto the wand.
Anti-aging products can last 3 months to one year. The antioxidants that make the products work can oxidize very easily, which can make the product change color. You should toss them when this happens.
Eye and lip pencils can last 3 to 5 years. The best way to keep them clean is to sharpen them before each use.
Lipsticks, foundation, and perfume can last 2 to 3 years. Body lotion can last this long, especially if it is in a pump where air can’t reach it. You can also count on shampoo, conditioner and shower gels to last for a couple years.
Store products in cool, dry locations, like medicine cabinets to help the product last longer. Sunlight and humidity can make the product expire sooner. An environment that is too cold, like the refrigerator, isn’t good either.
You should be sure to toss any product that has started to separate, has an odd odor, has discolored, has a different texture, or has a different appearance than it should. Luckily, products have been improved over the years to take these factors into consideration. Properly developed products are made to withstand these changes, and when the products do change, they have passed their shelf life. Tossing expired beauty products is good for your health!
What are some tips for extending the shelf life of your favorite beauty products?