Makeup expiration dates

Avoid infections

• Makeup Expiration dates are usually found somewhere on the container of your makeup, but if you cannot find it, there are a few ways to check for yourself.
• Makeup Expiration dates are important because makeup expires and becomes less effective or even dangerous after its expiration date.
• You will want to avoid getting an infection from expired makeup because no one wants their face covered in hives!
• This article will teach you how to tell when your makeup expires, how to avoid infections from the makeup, and what happens when your makeup expires.
• Makeup is made out of different types of ingredients that react differently as time goes on.
• An expiration date should be printed somewhere on the product. Generally, this is located near the bar code or on the bottom of the product.
• Most makeup is good for 12-36 months.

If you are like me, you have a makeup bag full of products that are past their either prime or have just excessively much left. The last thing I want to do is hurt my skin by putting expired makeup on it. Therefore, I started looking at the ingredients in the makeup I wear, to see which ones were safe past their dates and which ones I should probably toss.

What causes expiration dates on makeup?

There are a few reasons that manufacturers put expiration dates on cosmetics, each one of them is a safety measure to help you avoid using expired products that could cause harmful effects to your skin or eyes. One common ingredient in many beauty products is iron oxide. The iron oxide will oxidize when exposed to oxygen. Oxidation can break down the compounds of a product, making it less effective over time. Therefore, by limiting the amount of oxygen exposure, manufacturers extend the shelf life of their products and ensure they will be as potent as intended for as long as possible. This also means that only certain preservatives can be used with iron oxide as well because they need to be compatible. 

Types of expiration dates for beauty products

Moisturizers and sunscreens

Moisturizers and sunscreens are typically good for one to three years after the period indicated on the packaging but check it anyway. Look at the texture, color, scent, and consistency of your product. If it looks too thick or grainy then you should replace it because that cannot be good for your skin. If its color changes drastically over time, you are better off throwing it out altogether. Another easy trick is spraying some sort of mist (either from a spray bottle or aerosol can) on them before using them because this will add moisture back into your product. If you start noticing any changes like bubbling or pilling then that means the ingredients in the product are breaking down and it’s time to get rid of them.

Concealer or foundation

Never use an expired concealer or foundation as these are two products that go directly on your face and any bacteria from your hands could easily transfer to this area of your body. Even if you do not plan to use your concealer for a couple of weeks, toss it at the three-year mark. There are a few tricks around using up foundation and concealers that you have had for an extended period. One way is adding a drop or two of saline solution to your old foundation and shaking it up vigorously to get the consistency back. If your makeup brush is starting to get dry, soak it in some warm water with a little shampoo and reshape it while it is damp.

Mascara

Most mascara has long shelf lives. Two to three months is typically, what you want to go by but check the label anyway. If it starts getting thick and clumpy or has an unpleasant odor, it is time to get rid of it. You must never use an expired eye cream, mascara, or eyeliner because any bacteria from your fingers could easily transfer to this sensitive area.

Powder

If I put powder on my face, wear blush or use any product with sunscreen in them (like SPF), I am ready to chuck them after about one year. The reason is that once you open these items they are exposed to air, which can break down the ingredients. What is even more important is that if I use any of these products on my eyes then I toss them as soon as possible. You must never use an expired eye cream, mascara, or eyeliner because any bacteria from your fingers could easily transfer to this sensitive area.

Lipsticks and glosses

Of course, lipsticks and glosses last longer than mascaras and eyeshadow. Once opened, most lip products will usually keep for two years before they need to be replaced. However, it is crucial that once you use lipstick, you replace the cap tightly after each use. Bacteria can infiltrate small cracks in the tube, which is how most infections occur with lip color. If the product becomes dry and clumpy then it is time to say goodbye to it forever.

Of course, if you notice a change in color or consistency, do not delay and toss it immediately.

If I use any of these products on my eyes then I toss them as soon as possible. You must never use an expired eye cream, mascara, or eyeliner because any bacteria from your fingers could easily transfer to this sensitive area.