Of course, the effects of using expired products can be worse than a loss of potency, including irritation and breakouts. The rules are a bit different for skincare products that are used for sun protection or treating acne. Unopened skincare products last longer than the ones that have been opened. Skin irritation and a change in a product’s efficacy are also sure bets that a product has seen better days. If you aren’t convinced your decades-old serums are really ready to be tossed, here’s why you may want to reconsider. Eventually, everything in your skin-care collection expires, and while it’s unfortunate that your favorite face creams and products can’t last forever, you’ll need to get rid of those expired products before they negatively impact your skin. Perfumes can last as long as three to five years, but let your nose be the guide for figuring out when it's time to toss your fragrances. Do not use expired skincare products whether is it opened or not. “The major warning signs are smell and product separation. Brown agreed that being exposed to air is the biggest issue. "When it has been sealed, it means no air or bacteria have entered the product so it should be just as good as when you brought it," she said. Unfortunately, we’re not quite there yet, and with so many variations of products and formulas, it’s not always easy to define a clear shelf life. Mascaras usually have a faint citrus smell when you open a brand new tube, but fast forward a couple months and that smell is usually long gone, a pretty good indicator that it’s time for a new one,” he said. Most products have preservatives in them to keep fresher longer but over time, even preservatives lose their effectiveness," Sellers said. It could depend on the ingredients found in your shampoos, conditioners and styling products said hairstylist Sunnie Brook, a part of Tomlinson Management Group. Also, bear in mind that some personal care products such as sunscreens and facial moisturizers contain skin protectants that may oxidize and spoil more quickly when exposed to air. So when is it time to toss your eyeliner? Clean applicators and brushes can extend the shelf life of your products. What about your beloved hair products? Is There a Way to Get Rid of Stretch Marks? Failure to do so will expire the product faster than it should. Many manufacturers use a batch code on the product and you can scan or enter that into the app with your phone to determine the shelf life. . And use common sense when it comes to sharing your beauty products! (2) How long can you use a skin/hair care product after it is opened? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and Mascara definitely wins the award for the shortest shelf life — you should toss yours every three months! If you’re outside of that window, it may be time for some spring (or summer, or fall or winter) cleaning. Nail polish, on the other hand, typically only lasts a little over a year once opened and exposed to air. Foundations and concealers can also last anywhere from six months to a year. The speed of how fast the skincare products expire depends on the active ingredients. Skin care is a whole other beast, and your favorite lotions and potions have their own unique suggested shelf life. Important Question: When Will Unopened Beauty Products Expire? I also started stocking up on beauty products when I discovered Priceline's 40% off sales when I joined BH. Like most things in life, skin care products, toiletries and beauty products don’t last forever. "Avoid sharing your cosmetics with friends in order to get the most mileage out of them," Evans said. Cookies, related technologies and device identifications are used for personalized advertising. "More people using a product means more bacterial buildup and a higher likelihood of bacterial infection. They say that all good things come to an end, and we’re here to break the news to you that this also goes for skin-care products. Once your products have expired, no matter how much you may have left to use up, they lose their effectiveness. As the New York Times reports, anti-acne products containing Benzoyl peroxide have a shelf life of three months once opened. If you have not opened the skin-care product and it’s past its PAO (period after opening) date, we recommend opening it up and inspecting the formula to see if there is a change in texture, color or smell. “Sunscreens tend to have a long shelf life, and should be effective for about two years after opening,” Dr. Shainhouse says. Some products that remain unopened and sealed may retain their potency for at least three to five years (however, this varies from product to product). Last but not least, make sure to securely close the lids of products you are using, especially ones that live in the humid shower! “In general, liquids and creams expire fastest, while powders tend to last much longer,” Evans explained. – Expired unopened skin care products Skincare products like face creams can last 1 to 3 years, if unopened and stored in a dark and dry environment. Do skincare products and makeup really have a shelf life? To a skin-care junkie, there are few things more satisfying than opening up your bathroom mirror to find an expertly curated collection of products. Instead, store products in a dry, cool space with a consistent temperature, which is a better fit. You’ll often find a small icon that looks like an open jar with a number inside. Products containing essential oils, for example, may expire quicker than others as these oils will degrade over time, especially when stored incorrectly, making them less effective. While we can’t offer you any tips that will make a product last past its expiration date, there are a few things you can do to avoid decreasing their shelf life.