Does Makeup Expire?
Are you still using your favorite makeup product from three years ago? We all have that one favourite eyeshadow palette or former favorite lipstick which we have forgotten, at the bottom of our makeup bags.
According to a survey done by Stowaway Cosmetics 87% of consumers are not aware that makeup has expiration dates. A regular customer has at least 40 makeup products but only uses 5 out of them. This shows that an average person owns 8 times more makeup than they actually have in their stock.
People don’t find it important to check the expiry dates of their makeup products and fail to regularly check the expiry date labels. If you also struggle to keep track of exactly how long you’ve been using your beauty products, we’re here to help you.
Why does makeup expire ?
As you know makeup is made with a mix of ingredients like preservatives, oils, water, and pigments and hence are perishable.
As time passes by the ingredients break down, making the product less effective making it unsafe to use.
The reasons for this are very simple-
- Moisture exposure: Moisture from the environment or tools (like wet brushes or fingers) can get into the product, promoting bacterial and mold growth.
- Contamination from tools: Using brushes, sponges, or fingers to apply the product can introduce bacteria and other contaminants.
- Environmental factors: Dust, pollutants, and microbes from the surrounding environment can further contribute to contamination.
- Faster spoilage: All these factors intensify the breakdown and spoilage of your product.
- Exposure to air: Once you open the product it comes into contact with air, which leads to spoilage of the product due to oxidation.
How to Tell If Your Makeup Has Expired?
- Unusual or sour smell
- Clumps, separation, or dryness in the product
- Change in color or texture
- Skin irritation or breakouts after use
-
Packaging looks damaged or old
What to Do if the makeup is expired?
- Throw it away or recycle if possible
- Don’t try to fix it with water or other products
- Replace it with a new one
- Always check expiry dates and label instructions
Using expired makeup does not only mean that it is harmful to use. The old formula may cause skin irritations, acne, rashes, or even eye infections, especially with products like mascara or eyeliner. This is because preservative ingredients which help to keep ingredients stable have broken down in the expired cream making the product less effective with time.
Expired makeup can cause bacterial infection leading to another nest for germs.The pH levels have adjusted and may not be compatible with your skin. Using such makeup can cause serious health risks.
Makeup Expiration Guidelines by Product Type
Let’s learn about common makeup products with estimated shelf life once you have opened the product-
|
PRODUCT |
SHELF LIFE |
PERIOD AFTER OPENING |
|
Blush Refill |
36 Months |
1-2 years |
|
Brow Pomade |
36 Months |
1-3 years |
|
CC Cream |
24 Months |
1-2 years |
|
Cream Concealer |
24 Months |
Until Expiry |
|
Essential Foundation |
30 Months |
Until Expiry |
|
Eyeshadow |
30 Months |
Until Expiry |
|
Face Powder |
36 Months |
1-2 Years |
|
Lip Gloss |
30 Months |
1-2 Years |
|
Mascara |
30 Months |
Until Expiry, but 3 months ideal |
|
Setting Powder |
36 Months |
1-2 years |
|
Skin Luminizer |
36 Months |
12 Months |
How Exactly Do You Find Out If A Product Has Expired?
No once you know which product has how much shelf life, you might be thinking how do you find out when a product is expired.
So here are the two main factors to consider when it comes to finding out when the product will expire.
- The expiry date tells you how long the product is good from the time it’s made. The period after opening (PAO) tells you how long you can use it after you first open the product.
- It's not always easy to tell if makeup products have gone bad. If they smell weird, change color or texture, throw them away and get a new one.
Lets take an example to understand this - if a moisturizer is set to expire in May and has a PAO of three months, you would want to open it no later than January to ensure you have enough time to get through the product before it’s no longer effective.
Even if it looks and smells normal, there’s no value in using skincare products that have expired.
Time for a Beauty Refresh?
Still holding on to that old lipstick or eyeshadow palette? Explore our latest collection of fresh, skin-safe beauty products and give your makeup bag the upgrade it deserves.
Ending Note
Don’t let expired makeup just hang around in your makeup bag. Your skin deserves proper care and just more than these expired products. As a responsible individual, regularly check the expiry dates of your makeup products and warning signs like bad odour or texture changes. It is important to stay mindful about your skin to protect your skin from irritation and infections. Keep your beauty routine fresh, safe, and effective by decluttering and replacing old products on time.
