Whatever is born or is produced has an expiry date and this is a universal truth! This truth might be a pain in the heart for those who love their cosmetics. We’ve all been there. You really love that discontinued eyeshadow or just can’t bear to toss that two-year old skincare product you’re certain you’ll use again. If you’re hanging on to your skincare or makeup past its expiration date, chances are microbes and bacteria have taken their toll and might be causing skin problems you’re trying to solve! Here is when exactly to throw away your beauty products:
MASCARA
A mascara tube is a dark, wet environment which can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria! Not only does the mascara encounter bacteria growth, but it also dries out. It becomes chalky and powdery, and any lengthening or thickening fibres often separate from the fluid, so the mascara stops going on in a smooth, even coat.
USE BEFORE: 4 to 6 months (always toss out dry mascara—never add water to extend its life)
NAIL POLISH
One may think nail polishes don’t come in contact with skin so it can be used even after it has expired or dried- wrong! Expired nail polishes can dry out your nails, damage the cuticles and also make your nails yellow and prone to breakage or peeling. When polish expires, the consistency turns gooey or stringy.
USE BEFORE: Until the nail polish dries out or maximum 2 years.
LIPSTICK
Lipsticks are a great breeding ground for bacteria and moulds thanks to the moisture content and frequent usage. Lipsticks’ water content makes them potential mini reservoirs of bacteria. No surprise, they also dry out with age. Long-wearing formulas may have an even shorter life span since they often contain ingredients that evaporate more quickly than creamier formulas.
USE BEFORE: Lipsticks can be used to maximum limit of 3 years.
SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
Skincare products need to be used wisely as they can act vice versa when expired. They do good to the skin but can do bad as well when bacteria grows in them or cause contamination after they expire. Some ingredients [such as vitamin C, retinol, and hydroquinone] degrade even more rapidly if they’re left in direct sunlight or exposed to air. Active ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid become more concentrated as their bases degrade, separate, or evaporate. And when proportions change, your skin may get irritated.
USE BEFORE: Acne creams and other over-the-counter products that contain drugs are FDA regulated and usually carry expiration dates. Other skin care products should be used before 6 months from manufacturing.
EXPIRY DATES FOR SOME PRODUCTS:
- Cleansers: 1 year
- Toners: 6 months to 1 year
- BHA or AHA Exfoliants: 1 year
- Facial or Body Moisturizers and Serums: 6 months to 1 year
- Lip Balms: 1 year
- Cream, Liquid or Stick Foundations or Concealers: 6 months to 1 year
- Powder-based products (including mineral makeup): 2-3 years
- Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, & Lip Pencils: 2-3 years
- deodorant, anti-perspirant, mouthwash, soap, powder-based makeup- 3 years
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR PRODUCTS LAST LONGER:
- Toss out eye products after you’ve had an eye infection.
- Tighten/secure the cap after each use.
- Wash your hands before using products.
- Store products in a cabinet or drawer.
- Avoid buying products packaged in jars of any kind. Jar packaging carries a 100% risk of bacterial contamination due to the fact your sticking fingers or other objects into them.