Can I use outdated cosmetics?

Expiration date after opening

Many cosmetic products have a special icon on the packaging - an image of an open can, and in it a number and the letter M. The number indicates how many months the product can be used after opening. Of course, this is not an ironclad rule, but it is still useful to be guided by this period.

Sometimes this badge may not be on the product itself, but on the box from it. To make sure you don't forget when to dispose of a particular product, write down the expiration dates. For example, you can mark with a marker on the package when you opened a product, or create a separate notebook in which you enter the dates of purchase of cosmetics.

This is especially important for skin care products. They usually contain antioxidants and other active ingredients that lose their properties over time.

How to tell if a product has gone bad

If a product has changed its color, texture or odor, has begun to cause an unpleasant sensation on the skin, or if mold has developed on it, then it is time to throw it away. Moreover, products with a soft and liquid texture deteriorate faster than powdery products. And if cosmetics are marked "without preservatives", bacteria will develop in it faster, so it is better not to store it for a long time.

We should also mention mascara. Usually it is advised to change it after three months, but very few people actually do it. A 2013 study found that 70% of participants were using expired mascara containing harmful bacteria and fungi. Although you may not notice any effects after four or five months, it is still not worth keeping mascara for years.

Throw away dried ink immediately, do not try to dilute it with water. Water is an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

How long can cosmetics be used

Here are the recommendations from Paula Begoun, author of many books on cosmetics and creator of her own personal care brand Paula's Choice:

Decorative cosmetics

Mascara (regular and waterproof) and eyeliner - 3-4 months.
Liquid or cream foundations and concealers - 6 months to a year.
Powdery products (blush, bronzers, shadows) - 2-3 years.
Lipsticks, pencils and lip glosses - 2-3 years.

Care products

Tonics - from 6 months to a year.
Moisturizers and serums - 6 months to a year.
Cleansing Products - Year.
Products with AHA and BHA acids - 1 year.
Lip balms - year.

Please note that eye or lip products that you use during illness (flu or conjunctivitis) become contaminated. Such cosmetics must either be disinfected after each use, or thrown away after recovery.

How to extend the life of cosmetics

Keeping your makeup and brushes clean will help you last longer. Avoid touching the food with your fingers to avoid getting bacteria from your skin. To protect decorative cosmetics, you can use a special disinfectant spray.

Here are a few more rules to help you extend the life of your favorite products:

Do not store cosmetics in the bathroom.
Always wash your hands before applying products to your face.
Close the lid tightly after each use.
Do not buy products from banks: this is not the most hygienic type of packaging.
Do not store cosmetics in the refrigerator. Care cosmetics are specially designed to withstand average temperature fluctuations in living quarters, but prolonged exposure to low or high temperatures (in the refrigerator or on a hot day in the car) will shorten the shelf life of the product and affect its quality.
Do not store food in direct sunlight, such as on a windowsill.
One product should not be used by several people. This applies primarily to decorative cosmetics, which you touch with your fingers or a brush. If you want to share the product, be sure to disinfect it with a special spray.
Do not try to soften or dilute the product with water or saliva.

If cosmetics have an unpleasant odor or texture has changed, they must be thrown away or used for domestic purposes.