Did you know that the unopened cosmetic expiration date is as important as that of food products? According to a 2015 American study, nearly 89% of women keep their old beauty products “just in case”. Many of us are unaware that our cosmetics have a shelf life and that it is strongly recommended not to use them after their PAO (Period After Opening) has expired.
Indeed, the shelf life varies considerably depending on the type of product. For example, mascara needs to be replaced every three months, while lipsticks can be kept for around 15 months. For facial care products such as creams, serums and cleansers, the shelf life generally extends up to 8 months for products in jars and 12 months for those in pump bottles. As for sun protection, we should throw it away at the end of each summer season.
In this article, we will explore in detail the expiration dates of different cosmetic products, how to interpret them correctly and what are the risks of using expired products. We'll also look at how to recognize a product that is no longer usable and best practices for extending the life of our favorite beauty products.
Understanding the shelf life of cosmetics
European law requires cosmetics manufacturers to clearly indicate how long their products remain safe and effective. However, this information on packaging is often misunderstood. Let's decipher these essential instructions together to avoid using expired products.
Difference between DDM and PAO
Two main indications provide information on the lifespan of cosmetic products:
-
The Minimum Durability Date (MDD) : mandatory for products with a shelf life of less than 30 months. It indicates the date until which the product continues to fulfill its initial function and remains compliant with safety requirements.
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The Post-Opening Period (PAO) : mandatory for products whose durability exceeds 30 months. It indicates how long the product can be used safely after opening.
| Type of indication | When is it used? | How to recognize it? |
|---|---|---|
| DDM | Products ≤ 30 months | Hourglass symbol or "use preferably before the end..." |
| DTP | Products > 30 months | Open jar symbol with “XM” indication (X = number of months) |
How to read the pictograms on the packaging
The pictograms simplify the understanding of expiration dates in all languages:
- The hourglass indicates that the product, before opening, will be kept for the period mentioned next to the symbol. This is the minimum durability date.
- The open jar means that the product, after opening, remains usable for the number of months indicated. For example, "6M" means the product can be used for up to 6 months after opening.
- Hand in a book appears when there is not enough space on the packaging to detail the composition. It links to a leaflet with additional information.
Case of single-use or unopened products
Unopened products can generally be stored longer than opened products. In fact, unopened cosmetics and samples can be kept for up to two to three years after their manufacturing date.
Some products do not require any PAO statement because they are either single-use or cannot degrade. However, to know the expiry date of an unopened cosmetic, always check for the presence of a Minimum Shelf Life Date on the packaging.
Average shelf life by product type
Each beauty product has its own shelf life after opening. Knowing these deadlines is essential to guarantee the effectiveness of the formulas and avoid the risk of skin irritation or infections.
Makeup: mascara, lipstick, eye shadow
Products intended for the eyes require particular vigilance:
- Mascara and liquid eyeliner should be replaced every 3 months. These products quickly accumulate bacteria that can cause eye infections.
- Lipsticks and glosses will keep for around 15 months. Their texture may change beyond this period, a sign of an alteration of the formula.
- Eye shadows, foundations, powders and blush can be used between 12 and 18 months. Powdered products generally last longer than liquid formulas.
Face and body care: creams, oils, cleansers
Packaging strongly influences shelf life:
- The face creams in jars should be used within 8 to 9 months after opening, while those in pump bottles can be stored for up to 12 months.
- Body oils remain effective for approximately 18 months [91].
- Cleansing products such as makeup removers and micellar waters generally last for 12 months. [123].
- Body care products (milk, creams) have a shelf life of 9 to 12 months. [123].
Sun and hair products
Solar products require special attention:
- Sun creams should not be reused from one year to the next [123]. UV filters become less effective over time, especially after exposure to the sun.
- For hair products, shampoos and shower gels benefit from a longer shelf life, between 24 and 36 months [123].
Summary table of average durations
| Product type | Shelf life after opening |
|---|---|
| Mascara, eyeliner | 3 months |
| Lipstick, gloss | 15 months |
| Foundation, powders, blush | 12-18 months |
| Face cream (jar) | 8-9 months |
| Face cream (pump) | 12 months |
| Make-up remover, micellar water | 12 months |
| Body oil | 18 months |
| Body care | 9-12 months |
| Sun protection | A season |
| Shampoos, shower gels | 24-36 months |
Recognize an expired product
How to recognize a beauty product that is no longer usable? Even when the unopened cosmetic expiration date has passed, certain physical signs alert you before you even apply the product to your skin.
Change in smell or texture
An expired cosmetic is first betrayed by its smell. Whether scented or not, a product whose odor becomes alcoholic, sour or simply different from usual should be thrown away immediately. Furthermore, the texture is a reliable indicator: a treatment that has become viscous, a previously smooth formula that has a lumpy appearance or a cream that comes out of the tube in two phases (oil/cream separation) are all alarm signals.
Color alteration
The shade of a cosmetic product is not supposed to change over time. However, some natural products with few preservatives may experience a slight change in color without loss of effectiveness, if this is clearly indicated on the packaging. Darkening foundation or yellowing white cream are usually signs of oxidation.
Forgotten opening date: what to do?
If you've lost track of when it was opened, check these three things: smell, texture and color. If in doubt, a simple test is to apply a small amount to the inside of the wrist to observe any reactions. However, even without a reaction, it is best not to use a suspicious product, particularly around the eyes.
Skin risks: eczema, acne, conjunctivitis
The consequences of using an expired product can be serious:
- Skin infections and irritations
- Eczema and allergic reactions
- Acne and pimples
- Conjunctivitis and eye infections for eye makeup
- Premature aging due to alteration of UV filters in sunscreens
According to a scientific study, 70% of people use expired makeup products, and among the mascaras analyzed, 67% were contaminated by bacteria. These micro-organisms like Staphylococcus can cause serious infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Preserve and recycle your beauty products
To extend the life of your cosmetic products and reduce your environmental impact, a few simple actions can make all the difference.
Good storage practices
Store your cosmetics in a cool and dry place (15-22°C), away from direct light and humidity. The bathroom, which is often humid, is not the ideal place to store your products. Instead, choose a closed cupboard or drawer. Certain products such as hydrosols or hyaluronic acid-based treatments are best stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to close well your products after each use to avoid exposure to air.
Hygiene and cleaning of accessories
Wash your makeup brushes at least once a week with Marseille soap or a mild shampoo. For effective cleaning:
- Wet the hairs with lukewarm water
- Rub them gently in the palm of your hand with a few drops of soap
- Rinse thoroughly until residue is completely removed
- Dry horizontally, with hairs hanging over the edge
Poorly cleaned brushes become real bacteria nests and can cause acne or irritation.
Packaging recycling
Before recycling, empty and clean your packaging. Consult the symbols on the packaging to identify recyclable materials. Glass containers go into the green bin, while plastic or cardboard packaging goes into the yellow containers. To find collection points, use the CITEO application or consult instructionsdetri.fr.
What to do with a product that is still good but unused?
Rather than throwing away an unused and unexpired product, donate it to an association like Emmaüs or the Red Cross. A product that doesn't suit you can be repurposed: use a face cream that's too rich as a hand treatment, transform a lipstick into a blush, or recycle your dried mascara into an eyebrow brush.
Conclusion
Finally, the lifespan of our beauty products deserves our attention to preserve both our health and the effectiveness of the formulas. Although many of us keep our cosmetics well beyond the recommended periods, we have seen that after opening, each product becomes an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
In fact, storing your products correctly is the first step to extending their useful life. Therefore, store them in a dry place, away from direct light and humidity. Additionally, write the date opened directly on the package with a permanent marker so you never lose track of their "age."
At the same time, adopt an impeccable hygiene routine with your beauty accessories. Without a doubt, clean brushes will significantly reduce the risk of contamination of your products. So, clean them regularly and don't hesitate to use your clean fingers rather than constantly dipping applicators into your cream pots.
Obviously, knowing how to recognize an expired product is an essential skill for anyone who cares about their skin. Therefore, trust your senses: a change in smell, texture or color generally signals that it is time to part with it.
To summarize, respecting the expiration dates of your cosmetics is not a simple detail, but a real protective measure. As we take care to check the freshness of our food, let's give the same importance to what we apply to our skin day after day. Not only will you protect your skin from potential irritation and infections, but you will also fully benefit from the benefits promised by each product.
Now, with your collection of beauty products, you have all the keys to sorting intelligently and adopting better consumption habits. Besides, why not write a quarterly reminder in your diary to check the condition of your makeup bag? Your skin will definitely thank you for it.
