Beauty Product Shelf Life: Does Makeup Expire? - Lancôme (2024)


Does makeup expire? How to spot the signs of expired makeup in your makeup collection according to makeup expiry dates, product storage, and product type.

Beauty Product Shelf Life: Does Makeup Expire? - Lancôme (1)

No matter the time of year it’s important to take note of your makeup collection and observe any changes in the texture smell and performance of your go-to products as this could indicate expired makeup. When was the last time you refreshed your makeup bag? Spring is the perfect time to take stock of your beauty product collection and toss any expired makeup. Whilst you’re tossing any old products do a quick check to make sure the colors in your collection are still working for you. Perhaps it’s time to try a new lipstick shade or a darker foundation.

Importance of replacing expired makeup

Using expired makeup and makeup products past their expiration may seem harmless but with the products touching lips and eyes on a daily basis makeup expiry dates aren’t just something you should ignore. With bacteria often found to be present in expired makeup1 regularly replacing your makeup products is an essential thing to do.

The expiration of your makeup products isn’t always easy to establish. Whilst there are no set laws surrounding when you should toss your old makeup experts often provide recommendations on makeup expiry dates and how to identify expired makeup.2 Typically brands will provide a “Period After Opening” suggestion on their product packaging as a general indication but there are a few more considerations you should take.

The location where you store your makeup products can speed up the lifetime of your makeup. Storing your makeup products in an area like your bathroom for example can leave them susceptible to heat steam and humidity which can accelerate the growth of mold and yeast in your makeup products. Similarly cream products can provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria whereas in powder products often have a longer makeup expiry date thanks to their low water content so they’re not as likely to grow mold and bacteria.3

If you notice any change in your makeup products it’s time to toss them! Cream and liquid formulas separating mascaras drying out or lipsticks smelling bad are all indicators of makeup that has gone bad.

Lip Product Expiry Dates

Think about when and how you usually apply your lipstick. You often start your day with a swipe of color onto freshly moisturized lips. That’s one thing but your touch up process is also a factor. Using the included applicator of your lipstick or your lip gloss to apply product directly after eating may not be the most hygienic! Always keep an eye on your makeup products for signs of makeup expiry. Manufactures typically recommend makeup expiry dates as: lip gloss 12-18 months after product opening and 18-24 months for lipsticks. If your lip products have expired (or are close to it) switch it up with a new lip product from Lancôme. For creamy all-day wear try: L'Absolu Rouge Hydrating Lipstick and for a glossy effect try signature Juicy Tubes Gloss. Or try our NEW L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink an ultra-pigmented lightweight semi-matte liquid lipstick .

Makeup expiry dates:
Lip Gloss: 12-18 months
Lipstick: 18-24 months

Eye Makeup Expiry Dates

Eye makeup is perhaps the most important product of all to consider when it comes to makeup expiry dates. As eye makeup products get regular exposure to microbials in their daily use they pose a risk of eye infections.4 Mascara is one key product that is recommended to be replaced 3 months after opening but if you start to notice the product drying out or not performing as well as it used to it’s time to replace it. If you’re wanting to refresh your mascara try Lash Idole Mascara for a fluttery feathery lifted lash or Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara, our best-selling mascara for extra voluminous lashes. Liquid eyeliners typically have a similar recommended expiry date as mascara whereas eyeshadow is dependent on if the formula is a cream or powder.

Makeup expiry dates:
Mascara: 3 months
Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months
Pencil Eyeliner: 24 months
Powder Eyeshadow: 12 months
Cream Eyeshadow: 6-12 months

Face Makeup Expiry Dates

As you perfect your base with foundations concealers and cheek products like blushes and bronzers make sure you’re not clogging up your pores with expired makeup. Expired makeup can cause a number of skin issues including allergic reactions acne and skin irritation. If you usually rely on your face makeup for sun protection replace your face makeup products after six months.5 Skip the expired makeup and instead freshen up your makeup routine with a lightweight tinted moisturizer such as Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation or try Teint Idole Ultra 24h Long Wear Foundation if you prefer a fuller coverage. Once perfected create a rosy glow with Blush Subtil our silky oil-free powder blush.

Makeup expiry dates:
Face Primer, Foundation and Concealer: 12-18 months
Powder Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter: 12-24 months
Cream Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter: 6-18 months

Is it time to refresh your makeup collection? Shop Lancôme makeup now.

1 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28646837/
2 https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/shelf-life-and-expiration-dating-cosmetics
3 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-you-toss-your-makeup/
4 https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-shelf-life
5 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-you-toss-your-makeup/

Beauty Product Shelf Life: Does Makeup Expire? - Lancôme (2024)

FAQs

Does Lancome makeup expire? ›

Always keep an eye on your makeup products for signs of makeup expiry. Manufactures typically recommend makeup expiry dates as: lip gloss 12-18 months after product opening and 18-24 months for lipsticks. If your lip products have expired (or are close to it) switch it up with a new lip product from Lancôme.

How long can Lancome last? ›

If refrigeration is not available, unopened Lantus may be stored at controlled room temperature (≤86°F, ≤30°C) for a maximum of 28 days. Lantus should be discarded 28 days after first use, regardless of refrigeration.

How long does Lancôme foundation last? ›

As I already mentioned the foundation claims to last up to 24 hours.

Can you use Lancome foundation after expiration date? ›

Risks are associated with using expired makeup including, clogged pores and bacterial growth. It's important to be mindful of how long your makeup has been in storage so you can avoid these potential health hazards. Your skin may react to product ingredients if they have reached their expiration date.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow? ›

When stored correctly (in a cool and dry place), eyeshadows will last at least 2 years. Always check your eyeshadows for any signs of expiration. If you notice a change in smell, texture, lack of pigmentation, or if your shadows have started to harden, it is time to throw them away.

Do makeup products expire? ›

Makeup products don't necessarily go bad or become dangerous to use. The shelf life of cosmetics refers to the length of time your makeup maintains the expected quality. After the expiration date, the texture and color of your product may change.

Do face products actually expire? ›

Yes, your skincare does expire!

It's important to be mindful of how to understand product expiration dates to make sure you're using up your skincare before they go bad. This is especially important for products like sunscreen where the protection will degrade over time leaving you susceptible to sun damage.

Do all cosmetics expire? ›

There are no U.S. laws or regulations that require cosmetics to have specific shelf lives or have expiration dates on their labels. However, manufacturers are responsible for making sure their products are safe. FDA considers determining a product's shelf life to be part of the manufacturer's responsibility.

What happens to your face when you use expired foundation? ›

It can dry out or otherwise change in consistency, color or smell, and components of the makeup can separate. If the makeup has been opened and used, though, it can harbor harmful bacteria. This can make your skin more likely to break out, become irritated or even introduce infections.

How do you tell if your makeup is expired? ›

Regardless of what store you purchase your favorite products from, all makeup should be stamped with an image of an open jar, then a number followed by the letter "M." This is the "period after opening" (PAO) sign that lets consumers know how many months after opening until the product expires.

How do you check if your makeup is expired? ›

Makeup doesn't last forever; it can even cause irritation and infections if used past its expiration. To determine how long your products are safe to use, check for tiny symbols on the packaging. Specifically, the open cream jar symbol indicates how many months a product is meant to last.

Should I throw away expired makeup? ›

What happens to expired cosmetics? Yes, expired items should be thrown out. It is important to keep an eye on those makeup expiration dates to know when it is time to replace your products. Products are normally marked with an expiration date, or best before date, meaning that the product should be used before then.

When should you throw away makeup? ›

Most formulas—liquids, creams, and compacts—can last up to a year if kept out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. But once your liquid starts to separate, your cream thickens, or your compact color develops a rubbery aroma, it's time to toss it.

Does makeup expire if you don't open it? ›

Foundation. With the exception of powder formulas, foundations are water-based, which means bacteria love them. Unopened, foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, Hammer says, it's best to replace it after six to 12 months.

What can you do with old makeup? ›

Find a local disposal center

Or bring it to a local disposal center. Most accept makeup as hazardous waste and have scheduled dates on their website when you can bring them in. You can also find a Terracycle drop off bin and bring them there.

What can I do with old foundation? ›

What To Do With Foundation You Don't Use?
  1. Repurpose Foundation By Using It As Concealer. ...
  2. Use Foundation You Don't Love As Body Foundation. ...
  3. Mix Moisturizer With Your Unloved Foundations To Make Tinted Moisturizers. ...
  4. Use Foundation Which Is Too Dark For You As Liquid Bronzer or Liquid Contour.
Dec 24, 2022

Can I use a 5 year old makeup? ›

Once you open the packaging of your makeup and air hits the formulation, the clock starts ticking and your product will naturally start to oxidize and degrade. This is nothing to worry about, as most beauty products have a life span of one to three years. Check with the supplier when purchasing if you're unsure.

Can I use expired foundation? ›

No matter whichever brand you are using, make-up products come with a shelf life, and can invite several skin infections if used after the expiry date.

Can eyeliner age you? ›

Mistake #5: Your Eyeliner Technique

A makeup artist once told us that harsh, thick eyeliner will age you like no other, especially if you only apply it to your bottom lash line.

Does eyeshadow really expire? ›

When Do Eyeshadow Expire? Each makeup product varies in expiration date. But since eyeshadows are prone to air-exposure, the average eyeshadow usually lasts between six to 12 months only. But please bear in mind that different brands will also have different shelf-life.

Can you use expired unopened skin care products? ›

Yes, you can use expired skin care products, but they may not be as effective as they were when they were first purchased. Expired skin care products may not have the same active ingredients as when they were first made, so they may not work as well.

Does hair conditioner expire? ›

Does shampoo and conditioner actually expire, or is that a myth? Shampoo and conditioner can actually expire. It's generally good for 2-3 years once opened and 3-4 years unopened.

What is the difference between shelf life and expiration date? ›

The term "shelf life" of a drug slightly differs from a drug's "expiration date." The shelf life generally relates to a drug's quality over a specified period of time, whereas the expiration date relates to both quality and safety of a medication at a specific point in time.

Can you use 10 year old lipstick? ›

All lipsticks have a shelf life of 2 years. If yours is more than 2 years old, then it's time to throw it into the bin. You see, using an expired lipstick can cause irritation and inflammation on the lips.

Does ChapStick expire? ›

ChapStick® products without an expiration date do not expire. Also, for the freshest ChapStick®, we recommend that you use it within one year after opening and store it at 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Does mascara expire if unopened? ›

When unopened and properly stored, mascara can last a decent amount of time. Generally speaking, an unopened tube of mascara should remain usable for three years after its manufacture date printed on the tube's packaging.

How long can you keep unopened foundation? ›

Most skin, hair and body products can last up to two to three years unopened, according to Wilson. But it also completely depends on the product.

Does eyeliner expire? ›

Liquid eyeliners present the same concerns as mascara, so they should be replaced every three to six months. Eyeliner pencils, however, should last you up to two years.

Where is Lancome batch code? ›

The code is usually printed directly on the bottom of the container or somewhere near it; you can also try to find it on the product packaging.

Does mascara expire? ›

Mascara lasts around three to six months, and shouldn't be kept around for longer. Think about it: You're putting it right near your eyes. An old tube of mascara could be an eye infection waiting to happen, so consider swapping your old tube for a new one each season to stay on the safe side.

How do you know if foundation is expired? ›

"If a product noticeably changes in its appearance, texture, color, or smell, it is a good indication that the product has expired and should be thrown out even if it has not passed its PAO recommendation," Teschendorf says.

What happens if makeup is expired? ›

Risks of using expired makeup.

As our experts have noted throughout the article, makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can irritate the skin, lips, and eyes. In some more serious cases it can even cause infection.

Is it OK to use expired beauty products? ›

Expired products may not only lack potency, but could also cause an adverse skin reaction. If you're unsure how old something is, the general rule is to toss anything that has significantly changed in color or odor, or separated, clumped, thickened or thinned, says cosmetic chemist Mort Westman.

What to do with expired beauty products? ›

What happens to expired cosmetics? Yes, expired items should be thrown out. It is important to keep an eye on those makeup expiration dates to know when it is time to replace your products. Products are normally marked with an expiration date, or best before date, meaning that the product should be used before then.

Can I use 10 year old foundation? ›

Liquid concealer or foundation should be thrown out after a year. Pencil cosmetics, such as certain eyeliners or lip or brow pencils, should also be disposed of after a year. Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown away after one to two years of use.

How do you store expired makeup? ›

Here are some of our favorite ways to reuse expired makeup.
  1. Custom Nail Polishes. If you have an expired eye pigment or shadow, they can be used to make great custom nail polishes. ...
  2. Mascara Wand. ...
  3. Dried Lipstick. ...
  4. Nail Varnish DIY. ...
  5. Lip Balm. ...
  6. Use Your Imagination.
Jul 19, 2018

Should you throw out old eyeshadow? ›

How long does eyeshadow last? It is recommended that you ditch your powder eyeshadow every two years. Cream eyeshadows have a shelf-life of 6 months.

Do beauty products expire if unopened? ›

Specific products can vary, but in general, unopened skin care can last from one to three years. After opened, you should use a product as directed promptly, within one year. Always throw away a product if it seems discolored, develops a strange odor, or the consistency changes (if it becomes lumpy, runny, etc).

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