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If Monisha Sarabhai was in charge of checking the expiry date, nothing would expire.
But unfortunately, she’s not.
It happens. We buy a good skincare product. We forget to use it. Happens with my sheet masks all the time. By the time I realise I’ve got one, it’s already past its expiry date. I’m sure even for you it takes a lot of courage to throw out a product without fully taking advantage of it.
Some of us, inspired by Monisha, try to use theexpired productsbut here’s why you should take advice from Maya Sarabhai instead and let go.
1. What Affects The Longevity Of A Skincare Product?
Is it the consistency of a cream or a scrub that influences its expiry date? Is it the ingredients?
It doesn’t matter if it’s a cream, serum or scrub, factors that affect a skincare product are temperature, time, relative humidity, physical stress and other environmental parameters.
That said, water-based products are more likely to spoil from bacterial growth. Oil-based products oxidise over time and change colour and odour but that’s not because of the bacteria.
What increases the life of a product is: the right packaging. One thing that has the biggest impact on the product is opening it. So if you don’t intend to use a product immediately, avoid breaking the seal.
2. Skincare Ingredients That Go Bad Sooner
Natural oils and butter oxidise more quickly and change their odour. In fact, most naturally-derived, non-processed ingredients like extracts of fruits, berries, flowers and trees go bad earlier than synthetic ingredients.
They might last longer if strong preservatives have been used in making but even with broad-spectrum preservatives, it’s not a forever kind of deal.
3. How To Tell If A Skincare Product Has Expired
You might not find an expiry date on all your skincare products. How soon you open the packaging after a cream, serum or scrub has been made also has an impact on its longevity.
Most products can be kept on the shelf for two to three years if they’re unopened.
The best way to determine whether a product has expired or not is through its colour, texture or scent. Any changes in the main product including discolouration or separation indicate that it’s time to throw it away.
4. Should You Use A Skincare Product Past Its Expiry Date?
It is best to discard a product if its past its expiration date as it is an educated estimate. Some products may last longer than the date and will be equally effective. But after their expiry date, most products develop an off colour, bad odour and aren’t pleasant to use.
Once a product has gone bad, the ingredients break down over time and the chemicals get altered. They may cause rashes, especially on sensitive skin.
One product that you shouldn’t, at all, consider using after its expiry date is sunscreen. Its odour changes, the ingredients are spoilt, and you can visibility observe the formula getting watery.
It becomes ineffective and will not do a good job at protecting your skin against sun damage.
5. Is There A Skincare Product That Can Be Used Indefinitely?
Once an ingredient is part of a formula, it will degrade with time—one to three years. However, ingredients like powders, synthetic fragrances and silicones can last up to 10 years or longer.
You can store your tub of Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly for years.
The Bottomline
As the general rule, avoid using expired products regardless of expensive they are and toss anything that has separated, thickened or thinned.
As a skincare expert with a profound understanding of the topic, it's crucial to emphasize the significance of responsible skincare practices. My expertise is grounded in an in-depth knowledge of skincare product formulations, ingredient interactions, and the impact of environmental factors on product longevity.
Factors Affecting Skincare Product Longevity: The article rightly points out that various factors influence the shelf life of skincare products. It's not just the type of product—whether it's a cream, serum, or scrub—but also external factors such as temperature, time, relative humidity, physical stress, and environmental conditions. Water-based products are prone to bacterial growth, while oil-based products can oxidize over time, leading to changes in color and odor. The article emphasizes the crucial role of packaging and the impact of opening the product on its shelf life.
Skincare Ingredients with Limited Longevity: Natural oils, butter, and non-processed ingredients derived from fruits, berries, flowers, and trees tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to synthetic ingredients. The presence of strong preservatives may extend the life of some products, but even with broad-spectrum preservatives, it's not a guarantee of indefinite freshness.
Determining Skincare Product Expiry: The absence of an explicit expiry date on all skincare products necessitates an understanding of how soon a product is opened after its production. Most unopened products can be stored for two to three years. Monitoring changes in color, texture, or scent becomes crucial in determining whether a product has expired. Discoloration or separation indicates that it's time to discard the product.
Risks of Using Expired Skincare Products: The article appropriately highlights the potential risks associated with using expired skincare products. Beyond the loss of effectiveness, expired products may develop an off color and unpleasant odor. The breakdown of ingredients over time can lead to skin issues, especially for those with sensitive skin. Notably, the article singles out sunscreen as a product that should never be used past its expiration date due to observable changes in odor, spoiled ingredients, and a watery formula, rendering it ineffective against sun damage.
Longevity of Specific Skincare Ingredients: While the general rule is to avoid using expired products, the article points out that certain ingredients, such as powders, synthetic fragrances, and silicones, can last up to 10 years or longer. For instance, petroleum jelly can be stored for years without degradation.
In conclusion, responsible skincare involves understanding the lifespan of products, recognizing signs of expiration, and making informed decisions to prioritize skin health. Expanding your knowledge on skincare ingredients, their formulations, and storage conditions empowers you to make informed choices for an effective and safe skincare routine.
