Timekeeping: understanding the expiration dates of cosmetics

A lot of us have a collection of cosmetics that we’ve amassed over time, ranging from a nearly empty bottle of moisturizer to our go-to lipstick. However, have you ever wondered how long it’s safe to use those cosmetics? It’s essential to know when your beauty products expire in order to preserve your skin’s health and the products’ efficacy.

Cosmetics that have gone bad can cause a lot of issues, like infections and skin irritation. A product’s shelf life is a guideline to help you avoid potential problems, not just a suggestion. Avoid unpleasant shocks by learning to read expiration dates and spot the telltale symptoms of a spoiled product.

This post will explain the meaning of the symbols on the packaging, how to find the expiration dates on different beauty products, and why it’s crucial to pay attention to these details. By the time it’s over, you’ll know how to keep your beauty routine safe and efficient and how to organize your collection of cosmetics.

It’s critical to keep in mind cosmetic expiration dates if you want to keep your beauty products safe and effective. Ingredients may degrade with time, possibly causing skin irritation or lessening the effects. You can make sure you’re always using makeup and skincare products at their best, protecting your skin and optimizing their benefits by knowing when to replace them.

What determines the expiration date of cosmetics?

Let’s start with the definition: the time frame within which the manufacturer’s research indicates that the beauty product is still effective is known as the expiration date. In other words, it doesn’t delaminate, keeps its stable state, and retains some microflora. Simultaneously, the expiration date of funds within the same category of beauty products may differ based on the brand, as certain components and the makeup of a given means play a significant influence. Let’s examine the most widely used ingredients and how they affect how long cosmetics last on the shelf.

The first ingredient on the list of ingredients of many products, and the one that determines how long the product will last. The main idea is that the ideal conditions for bacterial reproduction are produced by a humid atmosphere. Therefore, liquid products are safe to use and have the shortest shelf life.

They all appear to be the same. However, the truth is that no. Which kind of micellar water should you use?

Take the examination.

Avoid letting these active ingredients come into contact with air. The truth is that they are destroyed when they oxidize due to the influence of oxygen.

Beauty products containing oils, plant extracts, and other natural ingredients are best used "fresh" because they don’t last very long.

They can withstand a lot of outside pressure. Long-lasting cosmetics with them in the formula are possible. But, you should be aware of any changes in texture and scent; if the tool has turned into a runaway, you should discard it.

These are only a few of the elements that have an impact on cosmetics’ shelf life. You will need to carefully examine the composition in each case to determine the qualities of specific ingredients. Manufacturers include a date or unique code on the packaging to indicate the shelf life, saving the need for private investigations.

How to check the shelf life of cosmetics by batch and barcode?

Let’s discuss the codes used to identify cosmetics.

  • Firstly, you can find a batch code on the packaging – a special code combining letters and numbers, which is also the code of the batch of goods. It also contains information about the expiration date of the product. But the catch is that each brand has its own coding system, and it is not publicly available. However, this did not stop the inquisitive Beautigolics to create entire bases of batch codes on the basis of the foreign-firm, received from consultants in stores and by representatives of brands. This information is not always accurate, but among the most famous and popular services are CheckFresh, Makeup-Review, DateCalculator.
  • As for barcodes, they, contrary to popular belief, cannot help with determining the expiration date. They encode other data, such as the country in which the cosmetics were produced, as well as the company that released the product, but nothing more.

Determine the expiration date before opening the package

It is preferable to check the store’s expiration date. The truth is that beauty retailers frequently offer significant savings on products whose expiration dates are drawing near. Many people purchase inexpensive cosmetics without giving it much thought, even though it will soon become impossible to use them if you want to keep your skin healthy. If there isn’t a clear indication of the production or expiration date on the packaging, you’ll need to figure out how to interpret the batch code.

shelf life after opening the package

The amount of time that beauty products can be used after being opened is indicated separately on the packaging. Frequently, the use window that is allowed does not align with the expiration date. The truth is that the moment the product comes into contact with oxygen after the seal is broken, the oxidation process begins, eventually rendering the product unfit for use. Here, no additional decoding is needed; the icon that shows an open-topped jar will inform you of the safe usage windows. There are markings on the jar, including 6M, 12M, and 18M. They specify the number of months that a specific cream will continue to work after the initial "test."

Shelf life of decorative cosmetics

  • Mascara will have to be changed most often: after the first use, it is "reliable" for 6 months, but it is recommended to buy a new one after 3.

  • Concealer, lip gloss, liquid eyeshadow – all these products can be used in makeup for no more than six months.

  • Foundation is a product whose shelf life varies depending on its texture: it can last from 6 months to 1 year. There are thick, long-lasting formulas that “live” for 1.5 years, but it’s better to use it up faster so as not to use a stale product.

  • Classic lipstick can be used for about 1.5 years.

  • Powder, blush, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow — if we’re talking about a dry texture, the shelf life will be about 2-3 years. However, each product still has certain nuances. We talked about the shelf life of eyeshadow in more detail here.

  • Eye pencils are practically “unlimited”. They last longer than powder textures.

Life hacks: how to monitor the expiration date of cosmetics?

Make it a habit to check your makeup bag on a regular basis. Not just to determine what products you still need and what is out of date. Examine the products’ state; perhaps there are indications that it’s time to switch out the makeup. Unpleasant smells, stratification, and texture changes (moisturizer, for instance, can "clump" into lumps) will all be signs of this.

To help you remember when certain cosmetics expire, try to adhere to a set cosmetics storage schedule.

Place a small sticker with the product’s first usage date on the package after you’ve opened and purchased it.

Select a system for product organization. Depending on factors like texture or usage duration, they can be sorted into smaller groups and kept in various containers. You can find additional helpful hints here.

If you’re prepared to give it some serious thought, record the dates you opened each product in your beauty journal.

  • How to bring "broken" cosmetics back to life?
  • Expiration date of eyeliner and eyebrow pencils
  • How to "fix" broken powder?
Type of Cosmetic Typical Expiration Period
Nail Polish 12-24 months
Hand Cream 12 months after opening
Cuticle Oil 6-12 months
Foot Cream 12 months after opening
Exfoliating Scrub 6-12 months
Top Coat 18-24 months

Maintaining good skin and making sure your beauty products work are dependent on knowing when your cosmetics expire. It’s critical to replace expired items on time to avoid irritation, breakouts, and infections.

You can better manage your products and minimize risks by paying attention to the dates and symbols on the packaging. Keeping an eye on your collection and getting rid of outdated pieces is a basic but crucial part of your skincare regimen.

You can get the most out of your beauty products and maintain the safety and health of your skin by being proactive and knowledgeable about the shelf life of your cosmetics.

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Tatiana Petrova

Hello everyone! My name is Tatiana, and I am a certified nail care specialist. My experience includes working with both regular clients and show business stars. I know everything about trends in manicure and pedicure and love to share my knowledge and ideas. On this site I talk about the most relevant innovations in the industry, give advice on choosing cosmetics and tools, and also share my recommendations for hand and foot care.

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