Most of us aren’t aware of the expiration dates on beauty products. Despite the proliferation of natural beauty and skin care products, experts say if we do not change our mindset, we’ll waste our money (and damage our skin).
Expiration Dates: How They Work
Manufacturers run numerous stability tests in their labs to determine how long a formula will remain effective without external interference. Alpana Mohta, the dermatologist, explained that this could include storing the product under different conditions, such as humidity and temperature, and monitoring changes in the product’s appearance, texture, and aroma over time.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Aphithana
The United States Food and Drug Administration only requires drugs to have expiration dates. Packages for cosmeceuticals (cosmetic products with medical benefits) are recommended to include an expiration date or a period-after-opening label.
Natural Products Often Have Different
Dates
Generally, setting an expiration date for natural skin-care products works the same. Despite this, the timeframes tend to be much shorter since these items typically contain fewer chemicals.
Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, a board-certified dermatologist, explained, “more natural or clean products are designed to eliminate harmful chemical preservatives, which might be allergens, irritations or hormonal disruptors. Generally, synthetic preservatives in skin care prolong shelf life better than natural preservatives.”
Can You Use Beauty Products That Have
Expired?
Two things can happen after a natural beauty product expires. Expired beauty items can change form. When exposed to sunlight, most naturally colored things turn brown. The color of others may vary ultimately. As the ingredients deteriorate, they become less effective. Mohta said, “So if a product is used twice a day, every day, you should consider the increased exposure to air when selecting packaging, preservatives, and colors.”
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Vach cameraman
Can Natural Cosmetics Have A Longer
Shelf Life?
Blyumin-Karasik suggests ways to maximize the longevity of natural beauty products. It is best to store airtight items like pumps or twist-open jars. It will also reduce the risk of contamination from air and microbes. She recommends washing hands or applicators before applying products to preserve purity.