When using beauty products, consumers should always be aware of expiration dates. Beauty products shelf life refers to the length of time you can expect a product to look and act as expected and to stay safe for use. This can significantly vary depending on storage, usage, and type of product.
Why it matters:
It may seem harmless, but expired beauty products can carry harmful bacteria. According to a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, up to 72% of the respondents indicated using cosmetic products that had expired. Up to 67% of these products were contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus, which can lead to acne, rashes, and eye infections because your skin may react to product ingredients if they have reached their expiration date.
1. Eye cosmetics
Expired cosmetics are a danger for your health and can truly harm your skin. Eye cosmetics, such as mascara and eyeliner, tend to have a shorter shelf life than other products as they are even more vulnerable to bacteria and can cause serious eye infections.
According to the FDA “because of repeated microbial exposure during use by the consumer and the risk of eye infections, some industry experts recommend replacing mascara 3 months after purchase. If the mascara becomes dry, discard it”.
2. Other beauty products
If you're hanging on to your skincare or makeup past its expiration date, chances are bacteria have taken their toll and could even be causing the skin problems you’re trying to fix.
To know the shelf life of your beauty cosmetics, look at the packaging for a small number (either 6, 12, 24 or 36). These numbers refer to the number of months you can safely use your product once opened.
Next to this expiration date, there tends to be a symbol of an open jar with a number followed by M (which stands for months). This means the product, once opened, can be used for the stated months safely. That period can range for 3 - 18 months depending on the product.
Additional steps you can take to make your products safer and last longer as suggested by the FDA:
-Keep containers and applicators clean.
-Store cosmetics properly. For example, don’t leave them where they are exposed to heat, such as in a hot car or under the sun. Heat can make preservatives break down and cause bacteria and fungi to grow faster.
-Don’t share makeup. You may be sharing an infection without knowing it.
