How to Check Skincare Expiration DatesUpdated a year ago
Can’t remember when you bought that tub of yogurt in your fridge? Give it a sniff and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re dealing with. But how do you check skincare expiration dates?
It’s important to know the expiry dates of your cosmetics, to avoid infections or irritation and keep using products that do good for your skin. We’ll cover all the ways you can figure out if your products have expired, from visual checks and sniff tests to using cosmetic expiration date checkers.
Is your skincare open or closed?
First of all, it’s important to remember that whether your product is open or closed impacts its expiry!
Before opening, your product is sealed and kept away from oxygen and bacteria that can cause it to expire faster. A sealed product can often last for several years, especially if it’s stored in a cool, dry place.
Once opened, products can last anywhere from 3 months to several years, depending on the formula. A basic moisturizer from a mainstream brand could easily stay safe for years, while a natural formula from a small brand can expire within just a few months.
The unique exception are Protocol Products - our spage-ace bottling system means that our products remain truly air-tight, even after opening, and only exposure to heat can cause the delicate ingredients to break down.