Advertisement
Beauty products most people keep after their expiry without knowing
02nd June, 2026 10:35 AM
Beauty products are often bought with the hope of looking and feeling good. Yet while many people check expiry dates on food, fewer pay attention to the lifespan of cosmetics and skincare products. As a result, some items remain in bathrooms, handbags, and dressing tables for months or even years after they should have been discarded.
According to health experts, using expired beauty products may reduce their effectiveness and, in some cases, increase the risk of skin irritation, infections, or allergic reactions. The danger is often not obvious because many products do not display a clear expiry date. Instead, they carry a small symbol showing how many months the product remains safe after opening.
Mascara and eyeliner are commonly overused
Among the beauty products most commonly used beyond their recommended lifespan are mascaras and liquid eyeliners. These products come into close contact with the eyes and can easily collect bacteria each time they are used.
Eye makeup should be replaced regularly because bacteria can multiply inside the containers, especially when products are shared or stored in warm environments. Most mascaras are generally recommended for use within three to six months after opening.
Using old eye makeup can expose the eyes to harmful bacteria that may cause irritation or infection. Despite this, many people continue using mascara until it dries out completely, unaware that the product may have stopped being safe long before then.
Skincare products also have a lifespan
Facial creams, serums, and sunscreens are also frequently kept for too long. While they may still appear normal, exposure to air, light, and changing temperatures can break down active ingredients over time.
The Mayo clinic advised that expired products may not work as intended because preservatives become less effective and ingredients may degrade. This is particularly important for sunscreen, where reduced effectiveness can leave the skin less protected from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Some skincare products containing vitamin C, retinol or natural extracts may change colour, smell different, or develop an unusual texture when they begin to deteriorate. These signs should not be ignored.
Why checking product dates matters
Many consumers hesitate to throw away partially used beauty products because they feel wasteful. However, keeping products beyond their recommended period may cost more in the long run if they lead to skin problems or eye infections.
Dermatology experts recommend storing beauty products in cool, dry places and paying attention to changes in smell, colour, or consistency. They also advise marking the date when a product is first opened to make it easier to track its lifespan.
Beauty products are designed to support personal care, but they are not meant to last forever. Taking a few moments to check packaging and replace old items can help maintain healthy skin and eyes while ensuring products perform as intended.
