Does Makeup Expire If Unopened? (Answered!)

You know how it feels when the stars align and you discover the right shade of red lipstick or a skin treatment that effectively removes your blemishes?

I’m sure you’re one of those makeup and skin care lovers who will stock up on their favorite products.

You discover a lipstick that glides on like a dream, locks color onto your lips, and keeps them soft and nourished.

You discover a moisturizer that transforms your skin. You discover all of these items and feel compelled to stock up.

But if you buy all the moisturizer, lipstick, and other beauty items and keep them until you run out of the one you’re currently using, you could be anxious when you go to get any from your stash.

If the expiration date has passed, you may be wondering whether you should throw anything out. After all of your efforts to save money on your items by purchasing them on sale or in bulk!

However, there is no need to be unhappy because such unopened products may still be safe to use.

Before you throw out an expired makeup product that you haven’t yet opened, here’s what you need to know!

Care About Expiration Dates

These dates are significant because cosmetics and makeup are a breeding ground for microorganisms that can harm your health.

Bacteria-laden products can irritate or infect the eyes, as well as produce acne outbreaks and rashes.

That means you should declutter your makeup and toiletries on a regular basis, not only to get rid of items you’ve decided you don’t like, but also to ensure you’re utilizing fresh products.

Is the expiration date a suggestion?

The Period After Opening (PAO) symbol (an open jar with a number and a “M”) printed on the makeup will tell you how many months you have between the day you open it and the day it expires.

This is the makeup’s expiration date. In general, whether opened or unopened, all cosmetics expire at some point.

If your cosmetics expire, you should throw it away; however, if you use it a little past its expiration date, you may be alright health-wise but find it doesn’t perform as well.

How Long Does Makeup Last Unopened?

It may be difficult to identify when sealed, unopened makeup expires because it is not stamped on the package.

When properly maintained in a cold, dry atmosphere, most unopened and completely sealed makeup should last for 2 to 3 years.

Brown agreed that the most serious danger is being exposed to air.

“Sealing ensures no air or bacteria have entered the product, therefore it should be exactly as excellent as when you brought it,” she explained.

There are a few things you can do to avoid future expiration date uncertainty.

Even though the beauty product is sealed, it may go bad if it is a natural makeup composition without powerful preservatives.

You should never keep any product for more than three years.

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Can You Still Use The Expired Unopened Makeup?

Yes, according to the FDA, you can safely use expired but unopened cosmetic items long after their expiration date provided they have been properly maintained and seem to be in perfect condition, as expiration dates are only “rules of thumb.”

Of course, there’s a little more to it. You also can’t disregard those dates.

However, understanding what to look for is essential in avoiding wasting cosmetic products even after the expiration date has passed.

What about when it’s best to throw out your unopened, expired cosmetics?

When you open any skin care product, whether it’s makeup or something for your skincare routine, it begins to decay.

This is due to the fact that it is sealed within. Bacteria are exposed to it with each use.

This is why you should remember when you first took the product out of its original package and started using it.

Keeping a cosmetics journal can assist with this. Then you’ll know when it’s time to replace your makeup.

Once makeup has been unsealed, it might go bad even before the expiration date.

When makeup is stored unused, it can survive anywhere from one to three years after its expiration date. Don’t just throw it open and hope for the best.

Here’s where you’ll need to inspect the item to verify if it’s still in good condition.

How To Know If Your Makeup Is Expired?

Keep track of when you use your cosmetics.

I’m sure you had no idea when you opened the tube of mascara. I’m not sure either.

There are far too many things to remember for most people to keep track of.

So, the first step is to get into the habit of attaching a piece of masking tape or another label to your makeup container when you open it, noting the date you started using it.

If you do this, there will no longer be any guesswork in determining if something should be discarded due to its age.

Most cosmetic products don’t have a hard and fast expiration date, so it’s a good idea to learn how to recognize signs that a product is beyond its prime.

“The major warning signs are smell and product separation. If it smells a bit ‘off’ or the oil from the product is sitting on top of the rest of the product, it’s a big warning sign,” Brown said.

Subtle changes in color, texture, or aroma are strong indicators that your product has expired, and if you notice any discoloration or separation, it’s time to toss it.

Skin irritation and a loss of effectiveness are some apparent symptoms that a product has seen better days.

Furthermore, a general rule to remember for makeup is that powder and pencil products will stay longer than creamy formulas because oils change faster.

Here’s how long various types of makeup should last:

• Mascara: six months
• Eye liner: one to two years
• Lipstick: two years
• Lip gloss: one year
• Powders: one to two years
• Cream and liquid products: six months to one year

Proper Storage of Makeup

All products should be kept cool and dry.

“Sunlight creates heat, which causes liquids to separate, and putting makeup in a humid bathroom can develop bacteria,” Brown explained.

Even items that appear safe, such as your metal eyelash curler, should be kept in a cool place. The sun’s heat can cause the rubber curling pad to distort.

To keep your products fresh for as long as possible, use child gloves.

“Using an applicator or a plastic scoop is always recommended to keep products bacteria-free,” Brown said.

“Your hands carry more bacteria and moisture than you may be aware of and day-to-day hand touching of products also may be more wasteful.”

“Avoid sharing your cosmetics with friends in order to get the most mileage out of them,” Evans said.

More users of a product equals more bacterial accumulation and a higher risk of bacterial infection.

If you keep mascara, eyeliner, lip balm, and lipstick to yourself, they will last longer.

Last but not least, make sure to firmly close the lids of any products you’re using, especially those that will be exposed to moisture in the shower!

Our Thoughts

Certain beauty products, like foodstuffs, can go bad faster than others, even if they are in the same category.

Because of the skin active in it, one moisturizer you buy may go bad before another.

The functionality of these products deteriorates over time. Additionally, any preservation procedures used may lead it to expire sooner.

Storage is also important.

Wherever you get it from should keep it in a climate-controlled condition suitable for its preservation.

No cosmetic product, for example, would perform well in a hot, unventilated storage on a daily basis.

The fundamental general rules for preventing beauty items from going bad before you open them are to keep them at cool temperatures and out of direct sunlight.

Expiration dates on unopened beauty items are provided as a guideline.

They don’t immediately imply that they will turn back into a pumpkin on that date, like Cinderella’s carriage did.

Instead, they are intended to assist you in making a wise decision.

Your best bet is to use up your products as fast as possible and make wiser decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions