Most women use cosmetic products like mascara daily without even noticing when it should have been thrown away. Not only food has an expiration date, but cosmetics do too. Today I want to talk about how to determine shelf life of cosmetics and how long mascara, perfume and other beauty products are good for after opening.
Oh, woe: The natural yogurt has been expired for several weeks now. So it should not be eaten, but rather disposed of right away. But are you just as critical with your cosmetics products? After all, products that come into direct contact with our skin can accumulate harmful bacteria and germs if used for too long in an opened state. How long you can use mascara, blush and more – and when these should rather go directly into the trash bin?
Women love beauty products. Accordingly, many products are in our bathroom shelves. But do you know when you opened each one of your cosmetics – and when it is time to dispose of them? Because many beauty fans do not consider that the same rules apply to cosmetics as to food: even products for face and body consist of perishable ingredients. Especially after opening, the shelf life of cosmetics is limited, oxygen and germs can enter and accelerate the process of spoiling. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to optical and olfactory changes in addition to the printed expiration date.
Where can I find the expiration dates on my beauty products?
It’s actually required by law for cosmetic manufacturers to label their products with expiration dates since way back in 2005. The symbol for cosmetic expiration is an open jar with a number inside – this number tells you how long you can use the product after opening it. For example, if you see “12M” on a cream jar, that means it’s good for around twelve months after you first open it. This labeling is required for cosmetics that can last longer than 30 months after production and packaging.
For products that have a shorter shelf life of less than 30 months, manufacturers need to specify a concrete expiration date, just like with food products. This will be marked in the same way, like “12/2023” for a product that expires in December 2023. So, make sure to check those expiration dates on your beauty products to keep yourself looking and feeling your best!
But beware: the information on minimum durability and usage period refers to normal storage. Products that are exposed to a lot of heat, for example due to sunlight in the bathroom cabinet, can spoil before the printed shelf life has expired. Therefore, when it comes to cosmetic products such as creams, serums, and perfumes, it is essential to pay attention to good storage – ideally in a cabinet protected from direct sunlight or heating.
How to tell if your cosmetics are expired
In general, trust your instincts – and your nose! Beauty products that change in color, consistency, or scent usually indicate an expired shelf life. If you are unsure due to a changed appearance, you should dispose of the product as a precaution.
Tip: For an environmentally friendly use of cosmetics, you should make sure to only open products when you actually want to use them. In a sealed state, cosmetics can last much longer than indicated on the packaging if stored properly and protected.
Decorative cosmetics: What is the shelf life of mascara, blush, and other make-up products
Mascara and liquid eyeliner
With mascara and liquid eyeliner, you should exercise special caution due to the contact with the eye. Although mascara and liquid liner are said to be durable for at least three months according to the manufacturer’s instructions, sometimes even up to a year. With each use, however, the risk increases that germs and bacteria will enter the product and thus your eye – conjunctivitis can be the unpleasant consequence. Therefore, it is recommended to dispose of mascara and liquid eyeliner after six months at the latest. Often the product already shows signs that it belongs in the bin: especially mascara clumps due to frequent oxygen contact and can no longer be applied well in its dry state.
Foundation
You can use most liquid foundations and cushion foundations with a clear conscience for about a year, in some cases – depending on the manufacturer’s instructions – even up to two years. However, pay attention to cleanliness with your makeup utensils: be sure to clean foundation brushes and sponges regularly to prevent the formation of germs in the product due to contact with the brush or sponge. Bacteria can multiply particularly quickly in liquid makeup and penetrate the pores of your skin when applying the product.
Tip: If your foundation changes its consistency before the minimum durability date and a liquid layer settles on top, a phase separation has occurred due to spoilage. Then you should dispose of the product. Foundations with a pump dispenser have a particularly long shelf life: here, contact with the hands is particularly low, so the foundation stays clean for a long time.
CC Cream
During the past several years, CC creams—also known as color correcting creams—have gained popularity as a fantastic method to even out skin tone and offer some sun protection. How long does it last, though? It depends, is the response. Generally speaking, if properly stored, the majority of CC creams may last up to 12 months after being opened. Nevertheless, this might change based on the product’s type and usage frequency. For instance, a product with natural compounds like antioxidants or essential oils may have a shorter shelf life than one with more artificial additives like preservatives or scents. Also, the lifespan of your product might shorten due to contamination if you use it regularly.
Concealer
Concealers are durable for six to twelve months when opened. To ensure durability and germ-free use, always wash your hands before applying the product and only use clean brushes.
Powder, blush, bronzer, and highlighter
In powder form
You can use bronzer powder, powdery highlighters, and compact powder for two to three years without any problems.
In cream form
Creamy powder, bronzer, or highlighter products are somewhat more susceptible to germs and become contaminated more quickly – nevertheless, you can use them for around a year after opening. However, if the color or consistency changes, you should dispose of the product. With both variants, you should – just like with foundation – make sure to regularly clean your brushes, sponges, and so on.
Lipstick and lip gloss
Lip products are usually durable for one to two years.
Tip: If the lip gloss suddenly feels stickier or the lipstick crumbles when applied, they should be disposed of. Lip products also belong in the bin if there is a change in color or a strange smell.
When lip gloss suddenly feels stickier or lipstick crumbles during application, it’s time to toss them out. Lip products should also be discarded if they change color or have a strange odor. Lipstick is particularly susceptible to bacteria due to contact with food residues, so if you suspect contamination, throw away the product.
Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow behaves similarly to powder products: powder eyeshadow is good for about two years with proper, dry storage, while cream eyeshadow is at least one year. If you prefer to apply eye makeup products with your hands, hand washing is mandatory due to the proximity to the eye! Eyeshadow brushes should also be regularly and thoroughly cleaned.
Body and Face Care: How long creams, serums, and oils last
If you want to use your facial and body care products for as long as possible – and germ-free – you should prefer to use products in pump dispensers, as these are particularly hygienic. Alternatively, you can use a spatula with cream jars to reduce direct contact with the product.
Face and Body Creams
Unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer, opened face and body creams should be discarded after one year at the latest. If you want to use the products beyond that, you should sort them out at the latest after a phase separation: you will recognize this when a liquid layer is floating on top of the solid cream.
Serums and Oils
In general, facial serums and oils for face and body are well protected from light, air, and germs due to their storage in mostly dark vials with pipettes or pump dispensers. However, due to the partially perishable ingredients that are particularly effective for anti-aging, moisturizing, and the like, serums and oils usually last only six to twelve months. Since these products are usually relatively expensive in purchase price, it is advisable to only open the vials that you want to use immediately.
What is the shelf life of Vitamin C serum?
Products with antioxidants such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can oxidize and lose effectiveness within 3 months. When vitamin C serum oxidizes, it changes color. Once your serum turns yellow, red, or brown, it has oxidized and is no longer effective. With most formulas, this usually occurs after about three months at room temperature or five months if refrigerated. However, the exact duration varies from brand to brand.
Toner, Cleanser and other
Facial products for removing makeup, clarifying, and cleaning are good for six to twelve months after opening.
And what about the shelf life of fragrances?
Even perfumes have an expiration date. If stored in a dark, dry place, you can enjoy your favorite scent for at least one to three years. However, sunlight or the proximity to the shower is the enemy of every Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette: heat, light, and moisture can cause the expensive fragrance to “go bad” – a change in color and odor is the result. The higher the alcohol content of the perfume, the better it will last.
Tip: Artfully decorated perfume bottles are decorative on the living room shelf or in the bathroom glass shelf. However, if you want to keep your fragrance for as long as possible, be sure to store it in a dark, dry place. An ideal place to store it is in a place protected from light in the bedroom, as the temperature and lighting conditions there are also suitable for sensitive fragrances.
How to avoid using spoiled cosmetics
Finally, here’s a tip on how to avoid unknowingly using spoiled cosmetic products: Mark your products immediately after the first use with a small sticker indicating the month and year of first use. This way, even without paying attention to the indicated shelf life, you can ensure that you don’t apply spoiled cosmetics to your skin.
While beauty may be timeless, your makeup won’t be – so use it wisely! And don’t be too sad when those eyeshadows and lipsticks reach their expiration date; just grab some new ones for a fresh start!