There’s one thing we all have in common—we probably all have expired beauty products in our house. I get it, once you buy a beauty product, you don’t want to throw it out before you finish it, particularly if you spent a good chunk of money on it.
Before you continue using your favorite serum that maybe (definitely) expired a few months ago, keep in mind that you could actually be harming yourself. “If a product is used after the expiration date, it can lose its effectiveness, as well as even cause damage to your skin,” says Dr. Shuting Hu, cosmetic scientist and founder of Acaderma. The same goes for makeup, haircare, and even fragrance.
I talked to industry experts to find out when exactly is the best time to throw out your old beauty products and opt for newer versions. There are a few guidelines to remember, however. “For all beauty products, it is important to look at the packaging for a product’s shelf life,” says Hu. “Look for a container icon, where it should say how long the product is good for once opened. If there is no icon, an expiration date should be printed at the bottom or on the cap.”
Of course, expiry ranges from product to product. If a product you own is refillable, we recommend re-filling it instead of tossing the whole thing, and be sure to recycle old products instead of throwing them in the garbage whenever possible! Keep reading for specific tips on when to replace skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance.
It is particularly important to pay attention to skincare’s shelf life, as expired skincare products can wreak havoc on your skin. “Usually, you should toss skincare products after one year, closed, or 6 months, open,” says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Joanna Vargas Skin Care. “Also, always make sure your SPF is fresh. Once expired, it won’t work well.”
Like sunscreen, Hu recommends being especially careful with oil-based products and vitamin C serums. Oil can be a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause product separation, so make sure any oil-based products are tossed once they hit their expiration date. Vitamin C loses its efficacy quickly once it’s expired, and if it’s not packaged properly, it will go downhill even more quickly. “Vitamin C should always come packaged in a dark or opaque bottle, and if the serum starts to look more brown than clear, it is best to purchase a new one,” says Hu.
Since makeup also goes directly on your skin, it’s smart to follow expiration dates closely as well. Expired makeup can cause clogged pores and breakouts. Hu says that no matter what, you should make sure to replace your mascara every six months. “Since it is in close proximity to your eyes, you want to make sure that the product is clean and still safe to use,” she explains.
Liquid products like foundation and concealer can typically last a year, but Hu warns to pay attention to their consistency, smell, and application. “If it separates, smells funny, or cracks when applied, it is time to toss it,” she says.
Unlike skincare and makeup, hair products aren’t required to have expiration dates by the FDA, but it’s better to toss haircare before it no longer works the way it’s supposed to. “I have an across-the-board rule: toss hair products after one year,” says Clariss Rubenstein, R+Co Collective member and celebrity hair stylist.
If you want some markers to look out for, Kylee Heath, R+Co Collective member and celebrity hair stylist has some tips to keep in mind. “If products start to get crusty, dry, or if you notice a change in the smell, it’s time for them to go,” she says. “Also, if left in direct sunlight often, you will have to switch them out more frequently.”
Fragrance is an interesting case, because some perfumes last longer than others (and some people claim that certain perfumes get better with time, like a fine wine). “It is recommended to toss out fragrance products after one to three years,” says Hu. “However, some fragrances have a longer shelf life, ranging from four to five years. It is important to pay attention to the scent of the fragrance, as when fragrances go bad they can begin to smell sour.” When it comes to fragrances, storage is key. Keep them out of direct sunlight, and make sure they’re stored in a cool, dry place.
