Do Unopened Beauty Products Expire?

We’ve all decided at the last minute to buy a backup moisturizer during a sale or on the spur of the moment, only to rediscover it months or years later in the back of our bathroom cabinets – still sealed and untouched.

Now you’re finally ready to use it. But the question is – can you?

If you’re wondering whether unopened beauty products expire or not, the short answer is yes, they do. But the long answer is more interesting and a lot more useful.

We’re here to break it down for you and help you make peace with your forgotten stash (and avoid wasting money in the future).

The Shelf Life of Unopened Products

The harsh news is that even if your beauty product has never been opened, it’s not immune to the ticking clock. Unopened products still degrade over time, thanks to exposure to light, air, temperature changes, and the natural breakdown of ingredients.

Typically, most unopened beauty products have a shelf life of two to three years from the date of manufacture. That includes skincare, makeup, and haircare products.

However, this can vary based on the type of product and the ingredients used.

For example:

● Water-based products (like serums, lotions, and liquid foundations) usually expire faster than oil-based ones.

● Natural or organic products, which often don’t contain synthetic preservatives, typically have a shorter shelf life overall.

● Products with active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide often lose effectiveness well before the two-year mark, even if unopened.

Look for Dates, Codes, and Symbols on Products

Here’s where it’s time to play detective. Most beauty brands include expiry-related info somewhere on the packaging.

The trick is knowing what to keep an eye out for:

● Manufacture date: Sometimes printed as a date or batch code, this informs you when the product was created. It’s best to use unopened products within two to three years of this date.

● PAO (Period After Opening) symbol: This little open jar icon will have something like "6M" or "12M" inside, in relation to months. However, while very useful, this tells you how long the product stays good after opening, not before.

● Expiry date: While rare, some brands (especially sunscreen or products with potent actives) will list an actual expiration date. If you’re unsure, you can check batch codes on websites like CheckFresh, which help you work out the manufacture date based on the brand.

Storage Matters (A Lot)

Even if a product is unopened and completely sealed, how you store it makes a huge difference in its lasting power. Cool, dark, and dry spots are ideal for storing beauty products, such as a bedroom drawer rather than a steamy bathroom shelf or a sun-soaked windowsill.

Heat and humidity can break down ingredients and packaging pretty fast. So, that unopened serum sat in the back of your hot car boot for a summer or two? Maybe that’s one for the trash can.

What Happens If You Use Expired Products?

Found a sealed product from three years ago and feeling pretty confident it’s fine to use?

It’s possible, but here’s the risk:

● At best, the product just won’t work. That’s especially true if it contains active ingredients like acids or antioxidants that degrade over time.

● At worst, it could cause irritation, rashes, or breakouts, especially if used on sensitive areas like the face or eyes.

Using an old screen is particularly risky. Expired SPF may not offer sun protection, putting you at risk for burns and skin damage.

By the time you’ve realized, you’re probably all red. Always, always check expiration dates, especially on sun care products.

How to Keep Track Of Your Products (Without a Spreadsheet)

It’s easy to lose track of when you bought what, especially if you’re a product junkie or skincare enthusiast (hello, multiple beauty box subscriptions).

But here are a few ways to easily track your products:

● Write the purchase date somewhere on the packaging with a Sharpie or sticker when you buy it.

● Keep your beauty items in areas you use often or won’t forget about.

● Complete seasonal clean-outs of your beauty drawer and be honest about what you’ll actually use. If you know you won’t have time to use certain products or have a backlog, consider giving some items to friends and family. You’re sure to be in their good books.

● Prioritize actives and time-sensitive ingredients first in your routine, rather than hoarding them.

● If your products have expiration dates, make sure to prioritize the ones coming up soon.

Don’t Hoard, Rotate

We know, we know. It’s tempting to stock up on your favorite toner when it’s 40% off. But unless you’re absolutely sure you’ll use it within a year or two, it’s probably not worth the risk of wasting it (plus the clutter).

Instead, buy what you need and rotate through your products regularly. If you have quite the collection, keep an eye on dates. If something’s still sealed but seems off, has separated, or looks weird when you open it, trust your instincts and toss it.

Remember, unopened beauty products last longer than opened ones, but they’re certainly not immortal. By understanding common shelf-life dates, knowing what warning signs to look for, and storing your products smartly, you can maximize your beauty routine – and money.

Go ahead and check that abandoned drawer. Who knows? You might rediscover a long-lost favourite – just in time. Do you want more skincare advice? Here’s your guide to pretty, pampered feet.