HERE IS THE TRUTH ON MAKEUP EXPIRATION!
Meg bringing you some PRICELESS INFO! Here’s a familiar scenario: You’re hitting the after-Christmas sales, and some of your favorite cosmetics and skincare products are marked down to make room for the new spring lines. You’re tempted to snag a few of each to use throughout the year, but then the little nagging voice in your head asks, “Isn’t this stuff only good for, like, six months or something?"
Let’s face it. We’ve become so indoctrinated by the beauty industry hype that it’s hard to distinguish fact from fiction. So, I’ve asked Lindsay and Jill, seasoned beauty industry veterans and owners of BeautyTicket.com, to help me navigate the endless sea of information.
So, what is the average shelf life of cosmetics?
The shelf life of unopened, properly stored cosmetics is anywhere from 2 to 5 years, depending on the product. (Higher end products formulated with premium ingredients tend to last longer than drugstore brands, making them more of a bargain in the long run.) Because beauty products generally have such a long shelf life, there is currently no U.S. law that requires cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) [1] only reports that "voluntary shelf-life guidelines developed by the cosmetic industry vary, depending on the product and its intended use." In Europe, the Cosmetics Directive does require a "use by" date, but only on products that have a shelf life of less than 2 ½ years.
So, if a brand is discontinuing my favorite mascara or lipstick, it’s okay to buy a few and hold on to them?
Sure. It makes sense that beauty companies would prefer that you to toss out products every three to six months. (After all, that’s how they sell in new collections. Can you blame them?) But it should really be choice, not fear of impending doom, that drives each of us to spend more money on a new lipstick or eye shadow. That being said, keep them sealed and store them properly to ensure that they last. Otherwise, you’re just wasting your money.
So should I be worried about using a product I bought from last season?
According to Dr. Patrick Bowler, the founder of The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors, there isn’t really an issue. “All products have a length of time during which they are most effective,” says Dr. Bowler, a leading dermatologist who practices in London and the founder of The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. “Most products are packed with preservatives - in some cases as many as five or six - to ensure that they don't allow bacteria to breed easily,” says Dr. Bowler.
So why all the hype surrounding product safety and shelf life?
Good question. Serious injury from makeup is a "pretty rare event," says John E. Bailey, Ph.D., director of FDA's Office of Colors and Cosmetics. "We don't see it happen that often. Preservatives have time — usually a whole day — to kill the bacteria that is inevitably introduced after each use," says Bailey. Dr. Bowler adds, that “in most cases, once a product is past its use-by date you'll simply end up with something that looks and smells "off," is unpleasant to use and/or is no longer effective."
Of course, bacteria can become an issue when people share makeup, improperly store products, or forego cleaning brushes and applicators. So, don’t be gross about your beauty products or you could be asking for trouble.
If injury from outdated cosmetics isn’t the issue, what IS being reported to the FDA?
FDA reports are almost always attributed to ingredient allergies, not overall safety or shelf life. There are over 30,000 reported cases of cosmetic-related allergies yearly. This is why all U.S. cosmetic manufacturers have been required to list their product's ingredients on the package since 1977.
So when should I toss makeup?
“It depends on the ingredients and the preservatives in a product”, says Dr. Bowler, “but as a rule of thumb most products without a use-by date should be used within three years of leaving the factory.”
What if I just can’t part with a crusty old product I’ve had in my makeup drawer forever?
“The worst case scenario is that you could develop a nasty rash or skin infection if the product has become contaminated with bacteria, says Dr. Bowler. “However, the chances of this happening are extremely rare, because most cosmetics these days are packed with such large doses of preservatives.”
What about natural and organic products?
You may need to be extra scrupulous about hygiene with natural or organic cosmetics. These tend to contain fewer preservatives and have earlier use-by dates that do, in fact, need to be stated by law on the label. If you continue to use this kind of product after the expiry date it's more susceptible to bacteria overgrowth, which can cause skin irritation.
What about products that I’m using now?
In an interview with Good Housekeeping, cosmetic chemist Ni’Kita Wilson of Cosmetech said, “the clock starts once you bring a product home and open it. When air hits the formula, certain ingredients start to oxidize and degrade.” So, with that in mind, here are some general guidelines to follow once you’ve broken the seal on a beauty product:
Mascara: 3-6 months
Moisturizer: 6-12 months
Liquid Foundation: 12 months
Cream Concealers and Blushes: 12-18 months
Eye Shadow: 12-18 months
Lip gloss: 18-24 months
Pressed Powders: 24 months
Eye liner: 24 months
Lipstick: 24 months
Of course, if a product smells bad or doesn’t perform as well as it used to, listen to your senses and toss it. After all, it’s not exactly a beauty product if it doesn’t make you feel beautiful, right?
THANKS SO MUCH for filling us in Jill & Lindsay! I will be sure to let our ladies know about Beautyticket!
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Reviews
I loved this topic. It is something i ask myself at least once a year or so....I start looking at my train case and go...hmmm....how long have i had this eyeliner but i love it--keeping it! I need to take this expiration chart and print it and post it to my train case to make me get rid of old makeup!!!!
This is fantastic information! Thank you Meg and ladies of Beauty Ticket. Love you guys!!
I've been buying so much makeup lately that I know I won't be able to use most of it up anytime soon, so it's good to hear that I don't need to worry too much. I've heard that powder items like MMU and pressed shadows can last pretty much forever since it's very difficult for them to harbor bacteria, and I have some e/s that I've had for many years that still perform fine. I think the biggest worry is mascara, so I try not to open too many at a time so I make sure to use them up in a sanitary timeframe.
im glad someone finally said it. throwing stuff out so quickly is wasteful and pointless. if it isnt discolored and doesnt stink, it stays. i have thrown out some things that made me break out but it was stuff like moisturizers id had for YEARS.
http://www.youtube.com/ashleya1002
This is a great topic. We have all accumulated so much makeup, it's good to know when to get rid of the stuff that we have opened and move on to the new stuff.Thank you.
This is really good to know...I can definitely keep some stuff longer than I thought, but at the same time, I certainly have some lip glosses that I should probably toss.
ahhh some crucial info in there, I better go clean up my make up collection and throw out some oldies that's been in there for a while!
My new Ebay Store: cossiepieMy blog: http://lazyscorner.blogspot.com/
I was just wondering about this while considering using some liquid liner that is probably over a year old. It seemed fine and I survived.
Thanks for the info about unopened beauty products. I tend not to throw things away unless I finish it, except for mascara. I just can't part with my trusty TheBalm Time Balm concealer and other more pricey things that come with A LOT of product. I know I will eventually use it all, and it still performs amazingly.
I love beautyticket and appreciate their honesty about makeup expiration dates! Skincare is one of those things that if the product starts to smell funny, I chuck it. Makeup is another story. As ref26 said, powders (eyeshadow, blush, etc) are probably okay to use longer than 2 years--since they're dry products, there's less to worry about bacterial growth.However, it's also important to remember that if you've had an eye infection or something like that, it's best to not use and contaminate your makeup. If you had an eye infection and used a 2day old $400 mascara, you're probably better off chucking it.
♥ Lipgloss and Spandex: a blog for gals who look good and run fast
Beautyticket is fab.I have to say that I definitely have some sketchy makeup. I have kept a couple of my high end purchases that I just can't part with. I don't use them anymore, but weirdly enough, I just can't toss them. I'm pretty good about throwing things out like mascara. Everything else, I try to go through once a year and decide what needs to be thrown out and what should stay.
I toss my mascara after 3 months, no exceptionBut the rest of my stuff is mainly mineral makeup, so I'm banking on being able to use it for years and years.
The oldest beauty product I have is a royal blue Benetton eye shadow I bought in 1994. And I know it sounds extremely gross but I still use it from time to time and it works fine. I mean, how many royal blue eye shadows are you supposed to buy in your life?!
I generally go by the "if it a'int funkified, it can stay" rule. I actually have Too Faced mascara in my bag that's older than 3 months but I didn't use it daily and never pumped the wand (lets air in) and I kept it sealed tightly. I've used it up almost though and it's a little drier than it was, so I will soon be looking for a new mascara. If lipsticks start doing the weird beading thing when drops start forming - toss it. Oh, and I absolutely love "don’t be gross about your beauty products or you could be asking for trouble." So funny.
I know some MMU made of inert ingredients is recommended to be stored under normal conditions (btw the bathroom is the WORST place to store cosmetics) and used within 2 years- If they are not vegan- i'd be a bit more wary of the bacterial growth.
I loved this topic I wish megsmekeup.com will allow us to bookmark our favorits post, topic, discussions... on the website cause there a re a few that I like to read over and over again....and this one is really usefull for everyone !
Thank you so much,
Hollywood http://thehollywoodheels.blogspot.com
Great review! I do have to say I often have wondered about the shelf life during those after holidays sales! But the bargains are just too good so I'd just buy the stuff regardless!
This is awesome, I always wonder how long things last. But mine is mostly mineral so I'm assuming these last longer? Right
this post is very usefull !!! Thanks
Good to know for sure-I did once binge buy lipsticks that were being discontinued but kept the seals intact and used them as I needed them and they stayed perfect as long as the seal isnt broken its pretty safe.If your mascara or eyeliner is going off it will start to smell like vinegar and then its bin time .
PotionPrincess♥
I love topics like this. I hold onto my make up for a while and sometimes a little too long. There are certain products that I use well beyond the reccomended time with no problem. However, when it comes to mascaras or under eye concealers, I like to stick to the time frame. I've started using a tip I got from the Tyra show which is putting tiny dot stickers on my cosmetics with the month I bought them. At least now I have a better idea.
This info is GOLDEN! I have always been curious about the experations of cosmetics. Cause I have a bad habit of keeping them around :SI dont wear alot of makeup too often so my stuf lasts me forever!!!Thanks so much for the info! I love beauty ticket!
Tan is Love
AMAZING INFO!!!!!!! Thank you so much!! Iam printing this out as we speak just to keep so i remember!!! <3 <3 <3
Some really good info here. :D This is why I almost never use mascara -- I can never use up a tube in three months (or even six months), and it seems so wasteful to toss it when there's still so much product left. I wish companies would offer different sizes. Jane Cosmetics used to do adorable trial-size versions of mascara and lipstick, but I haven't seen that brand in local stores in years.
avon's mark line has little tiny tubes that can be hooked together w/ other products - just a suggestion. :)
Great info!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us:-).
Make up your beauty-full mind...www.myspace.com/blackdivaworld
I'm an expiration obsessive woman. I look at the expiration date of everything I use. The only thing that I'm unable to finish it's mascara, I use it just once or twice a month so I never throw them away.
this is a great topic. i have to admit i don't always throw everything out past it's expiration datethat's too expensiveplus if you take care of cleaning things and using disposable wands and such - that extends the life of itand if you love something and haven't hit pan, if it doesn't walk on its own or stink i say you keep it! :)
-Miss Yaya
http://myownjudge.blogspot.com/
fantastic information and a dream pairing from 2 of my favorite websites - meg's and beauty ticket! thanks!
I have read various articles on this topic and this is sort of in line with most. I think disposability has much to do with proximity to the eye more than anything else.Powders, eye shadow, blush mineral stuff seems to last forever. When you get into liquids it is another matter. Foundations will separate when they get old and the emulsifier doesn't seem to work as well. Liquid items- shadow, eyeliner and gloss can even spoil if unopened. If they have those foam doefoot applicators they can just dissolve in the product.Mascara is near the eye , so be careful. also those pencils that are made to be put on the inner lid line. you wouldn't put a dirty stick in your eye would you??Of course you toss it if it smells off or the consistency has changed. Once has a hold group of body creams just dissolve, weirdest thing ever.My oldest makeup item? A Mary Quant Lipstick for the '60's a baby pink white/silver combo. Oh Jean Shrimpton!What a beauty.my real oldest item, a red, coral avon lipstick my mother used to wear.
dotti, old but not dead yet, polymath still in training, makeup junkie and general overspender.
I have been contemplating labeling all of my makeup with the day I purchase them and then tossing them after 2-3 years just to ensure I don't keep something forever. I think I may do this now, but follow the above guidelines. Great article! :)
Thses are all really useful tips. I always wondered about the expiry date on some of my unopened products. Im glad now I know that I can still keep them and use them later on :)
This is excellent info! Everyone likes to take advantage of a good deal and now we know if we buy something off the sale shelf it is not going to expire within 60 days!
thanks for the info but i still plan keeping my eyeshadows i just won't use them
Thanks for the info. I do think that with make-up as with everything else one has to use common sense. If it smells or looks wrong, it's bin time no matter what it is. I also think far too many people are far too afraid of bacteria nowadays. It's like with chemicals. Not all chemicals are bad and not all bacteria are actually dangerous. In fact, a small dose of potentially harmful bacteria is what probably keeps you from actually becoming seriously ill, but that's another topic entirely. ;)
Fantastic information! Love Beauty Ticket!!!
I don't think I have any makeup besides my mascara that is older then the recommendation. But thats just because I threw out all my old makeup because I didn't like it anymore.
Thanks for the imgo. I rarely use makeup (besides moisturizer) on a daily basis, and it's glad to know that something I rarely use can last a long time.
Wow, this is absolutely excellent information - thank you so much Meg, Lindsay and Jill - you've helped me to decide when to toss those beautiful lipsticks I've had for 10 years. :0
Good to know, I just notice that most of my makeup is 2 yeras old +.
thanks for the info but the makeup made long time ago was good quality and did not expire, i have some and they are as good as new,and even better.
thank you for this info! I had no idea! I think Ive had makeup for wayy longer then I should have. Time to go throw some out!
www.nanisnails.blogspot.com
This is great information! I've had a lot of makeup which I kept after it "expired", but it still worked fine.
i hardly through anything away- especially makeup. skincare i usually finish pretty quick to even bother with expiration dates. By the way Estee Lauder counter also gave me same answer- skincare that is unopened will last up to 4-5 years.
Excellent info. As a self-confessed mascara queen who wages a constant battle against the weird-sounding but real infection Blepharitis, I can testify that the one item I never keep longer than 3-4 months is an opened tube of mascara. However, when I find one I like, such as the soon-to-be-discontinued Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara, I buy up several and store them away for future use. And I have many, many mascaras stockpiled in this fashion, sort of like missiles in an underground weapon silo in Oklahoma, poised and waiting for the day I break the seal. There, in the dark of my drawer, I keep YSL, Max, Givenchy, Almay. All my faves. On ice, as it were. Ready and waiting to be used, loved and then, mere months down the road, tossed. Expensive hobby? Perhaps. I say rather, prudent hobby.
I am big on expiration dates but which is good after it expires? I can see makeup being ok to use but what about skincare products?
That's good to know. I've never thrown away makeup because it was expired, but the only "old" products I have are powder ones and those should be safe. It's a bummer about cream eyeliners though because those are literally a lifetime supply... we'll see if I toss that oen on time lol I'm a starving college student :XThank you so much for the guidelines though! IT'll make me feel better about getting my makeup fix at cheaper stores like Marshalls when I know they've been on the shelf for longer.
xoxo
Meg great post thanks for all the info I am super particular about my makeup sharing..I DON'T DO IT! I am sending this to all my friends who think I am mean and stingy for not letting them use my shadows and mascara. I hate to see people swapping lipglosses and eyeshadow applicators..It gives me the shivers! Bad JouJou guys and the experts agree!
;) Gloss & Gum <3
Thanks for the information. I've always wondered about just how long I should keep makeup after I've opened it. That little list at the end is very helpful.
I wish I had read this article before dumping half of my makeup because of a scary Tyra episode! Some of it was barely used. Now that I know how long things should last and how to sanitize things properly, I won't be making that mistake again.