Skincare does expire. Active ingredients break down, preservatives weaken, and products that have been open a long time can grow bacteria. Most products do not have a printed expiration date, though, so you have to know where to look. Here is a quick guide.
How long skincare lasts
Unopened, most skincare stays stable for about 2 to 3 years. Once opened, go by the open-jar symbol on the pack — usually 6, 12 or 24 months — and throw it out sooner if it changes color, smell or texture.
In the US, the FDA does not require expiration dates on most cosmetics. Products that count as drugs are different: sunscreen and some acne treatments carry an expiration date, and you should follow it.
How to read the open-jar symbol
The period-after-opening (PAO) symbol is a small drawing of an open jar with a number and an “M”, such as 6M or 12M. It means the product should be used within that many months after you first open it. Write the opening date on the bottle with a marker; it makes this much easier to track.
Products that go off fastest
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) serums: oxidize once opened. A clear or pale yellow serum that turns dark yellow, orange or brown has lost much of its strength.
- Retinol: breaks down with light and air. Many retinol products are naturally pale yellow, so a color change alone is not proof — but a darker color, rancid smell or separation means replace it.
- Sunscreen: follow the printed expiration date, and replace any bottle that has been left in a hot car or in direct sun, since heat degrades the filters.
- Jars and anything you dip your fingers into: more exposure to air and bacteria than pumps or tubes.
- Natural or preservative-free products: often have a much shorter shelf life — check the label.
- Eye products like mascara: about 3 months, because of the infection risk.
Signs a product has gone bad
- The smell has changed or turned sour, rancid or musty.
- The color has darkened or shifted.
- The texture has separated, gone lumpy, watery or grainy when it was not before.
- It suddenly stings, itches or breaks you out when it never used to.
To make products last, close lids tightly, keep them out of the bathroom heat and direct sunlight, and use a clean spatula instead of your fingers for jars.
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Frequently asked questions
Does skincare expire?
Yes. Unopened products usually last about 2 to 3 years. Once opened, follow the open-jar symbol on the pack, usually 6 to 24 months, and throw out anything that changes color, smell or texture.
What does the 12M symbol on skincare mean?
It is the period-after-opening symbol. 12M means the product should be used within 12 months of opening.
Can you use expired skincare?
It is not recommended. Expired actives work less well, and preservatives may no longer stop bacteria, which can cause irritation or infection. Expired sunscreen may not protect you properly.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. Sunscreen in the US carries an expiration date, and you should follow it. Replace bottles that have been stored in high heat, which breaks down the filters.
Why did my vitamin C serum turn orange?
It has oxidized. L-ascorbic acid breaks down when exposed to air, light and heat, and a dark yellow, orange or brown serum has lost much of its effectiveness.