I found http://checkcosmetic.net/ very helpful and was able to find the expiration date for many of my “mysterious” products.
There’s no federal requirement for manufactures to put expiration dates on makeup or beauty products. But the products don’t last forever. As a general guideline, there is a two to three year shelf life for these products to allow for the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing.
Once the product is opened and exposed to air, your body and other surfaces, bacteria begins to grow. This leads to the product’s break down and possible skin irritation, allergic reaction and infection if used beyond its expiration date. For your health and to get the most from your beauty products, here are some tips I found in my research.
Here are the PAO (Period After Opening) recommendations for replacing your products:
Every three months: Replace your mascara and liquid liner
Every six months: Replace your skin-care regimen, sunscreens, and liquid foundation
Every year: Replace your hair products (except hair spray)
Every two years: Replace your powder-based cosmetics (such as pressed powder and shadows), lipsticks, perfume, body lotions, and nail polishes
- Natural products have a shorter shelf life because there are no preservatives in them. Use 6 months as a guideline for replacement.
- Creams, gels and liquids will expire before powders.
- Sharpen eye and lip pencils at least once a week to prevent bacteria from building up. Regularly sanitize your sharpens with rubbing alcohol.
- Clean your brushes at least once a month. Once a week is better. I use The Brush Guard product to dry my brushes.
- Exposing your cosmetics to extreme temperate changes, high humidity levels, and direct sunlight will shorten the life span of your products and accelerate the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Wash your hands before using your products.
- Toss out eye products after you have had an eye infection.
- Never share your products with anyone else.
- Purchasing products in jars should be avoided. The product is exposed to more air and using your fingers to scoop product out will introduce germs and bacteria to the contents of the jar even if you wash your hands. If you have products in jars, use a small cosmetic spatula or disposable applicator to scoop out the product. Don’t use your fingers.
- Use samples or buy the smallest size available when trying a product for the first time.
- Use it or lose it. Don’t save your beauty products for special occasions only. If they make you feel pretty, wear them all the time.
- If there is a change in the smell, texture, color or consistency of the product, throw it out immediately.
- Never add water or saliva to thin out or revive a product.
- Don’t “pump” your mascara wand to get more product. You’re adding additional air to the bottle which will cause it to dry out and grow more bacteria.
- Never buy merchandise with broken seals or damaged containers.
If you’re experiencing itchy, irritated eyes or skin, there’s a possibility that one of your care products has expired. If in doubt, throw it out.