Does skincare expire? 

The most common question we get asked is does skincare products expire and whether can we use the products after the expiration date. 

Yes, your skincare does expire. The common timeline for the expiration date for skincare is 12 months, although this is based on the type of products and ingredients. If the product is used correctly and often the product would be all finished by the time the expiration date comes along. If you don’t use a certain product often, it is important to cross-check the expiration date of the product. This should be done every 4-6 months. 

Can I use products after the expiration date? 

We strongly recommend that you don’t apply skincare products to your skin once they have expired. This can cause irritation to your skin and ultimately the product is no longer effective. 

Today shared the ingredients that expire faster than normal ingredients. “Beauty favourites like retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid and vitamin C are all relatively unstable if left exposed to oxygen, so if you’re going to incorporate these ingredients into your skincare routine, it’s a good idea to invest in products that come in a tube with a pump rather than an open jar," Evans said.

How to tell if your skincare has expired? 

There are multiple ways to tell if your skincare has expired. On the back of the packaging, it will say a number like “6M or 12M”. Another way to check is the colour and consistency of the product, has the colour changed? A little more yellow or orange. Has the skincare texture changed? A lot more clumpy or oily? The smell of the product can also be an indicator of if the product has expired. 

*Tip if a product allows you to open it and put your finger in the product to then apply it to your face it will expire faster. These types of products allow the bacteria from your fingertips to spread in the product. This bacteria can also cause skin irritation. 

Oprah shared the 5 skincare products that expire faster than normal skincare products. 

• Sunscreen
• Moisturiser 
• Treatment products
• Products in a jar
• Masks

If I have unopened a product does it still expire? 

Specific products can vary, but in general, unopened skin care can last from one to three years. Before you use the product ensure that the product isn’t discoloured, doesn’t have a strange order and check the consistency hasn’t changed. 

 

 

Jess xx 

Marketing Coordinator here at Sabbia Co