You've probably heard it before - when you're cleaning out your makeup bag, you discover your favorite cream or lipstick, but are surprised to find that the expiration date has long passed. What now? Can you still apply it to your skin, or should you throw it away?
Let's break it down: which cosmetic products can be used even after their official expiration date and which ones should immediately end up in the trash.
Skin care
In this case, it depends on the composition. If the cosmetics contain preservatives such as parabens or phenoxyethanol, they may still be usable after the stated date.
✅ What else can be used:
• Facial wash gels – if they haven’t changed their scent or consistency, the risk is minimal. Their effectiveness may only decrease slightly.
• Oil-based creams and serums – if the ingredients have not separated or they do not smell rancid, they can still be used 6-12 months after expiration.
• Oil serums – have a longer shelf life if stored properly. But if there is sediment or a nutty smell, it’s time to throw them out.
❌ What to throw away:
• Creams with active ingredients (vitamin C, retinol, acids) – these ingredients break down long before their expiration date. Once the texture or smell changes, there is no point in using them.
• Cosmetics in jars that you reach into with your fingers – bacteria multiply in them within the first month after opening.
Decorative cosmetics
In general, the drier the product, the longer its shelf life.
✅ What else can be used:
• Powders, highlighters, blushes, eyeshadows – as long as they don't change color, smell, or stain, they can last for several years.
• Lipsticks and lip glosses – if they don’t have a weird smell or a white coating, they’re probably still fine. But if they smell like rancid oil, it’s best to throw them out.
• Makeup in a pump bottle – if the ingredients do not separate and the smell has not changed, it can still be used for about 6 months after the expiration date.
❌ What to throw away:
• Mascara and liquid eyeliner – bacteria begin to multiply in them after 6 months.
• Cream products (cream blush, eyeshadow, concealer) – once they change color or smell, they are no longer safe.
Body care
The situation is a little easier here, because body products tend to be less susceptible to spoilage.
✅ What else can be used:
• Body lotions, oils, creams – if they have not changed their scent or consistency, they may be safe even a year after expiration.
• Shower gels and shampoos - thanks to preservatives, they usually do not spoil even 1.5 years after the expiration date, unless they have changed color or become cloudy.
❌ What to throw away:
• Sunscreens – after the expiration date, they lose UV protection, so their use is useless.
What do the experts say?
If you don't want to blindly believe marketing claims, here are the facts:
✔ FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) – recommends regularly changing water-based cosmetics (such as mascara) and points out that dry products last longer.
✔ European Union (Cosmetics Europe) – the EU has a PAO (Period After Opening) standard, which specifies how long a product can be used after opening.
✔ Cosmetic chemists – studies show that oil-based products last longer, while water-based preparations with active ingredients (vitamins, acids) lose their effectiveness sooner.
✔ Manufacturers' recommendations - stated expiration dates are often conservative, but with proper storage, some products can last longer.
So, when was the last time you checked your cosmetics? Maybe it's time for a proper overhaul!
