“Three months, not a day more”: Two dermatologists warn that this beauty product should be thrown out well before others
We’ve all seen those cosmetics that have been sitting at the bottom of our makeup bags for months. However, beauty products don’t age without consequences: some lose their effectiveness, while others become veritable breeding grounds for bacteria. Dermatologists Mona Foad and Susan Massick, interviewed by Parade magazine, warn about expiration dates that must be strictly observed.
Two key points to look for on your cosmetics packaging
First and foremost, there are two pieces of information on every bottle or tube that deserve your attention. The first is the best-by date. The second is the open-jar symbol, a small icon that indicates how many months the product remains safe after opening.
However, these indicators aren’t always checked. People assume a product is still good as long as it still smells fine or has a normal texture. Yet some beauty products may appear to be intact even though they have lost their active ingredients.
Mascara, sunscreen, and facial care products are among the cosmetics most susceptible to expiration. A quick check before application can help prevent irritation, skin infections, and disappointing results.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner: the most risky for the eyes
Of all beauty products, eye makeup is the most delicate. Every time you use it, the mascara wand or eyeliner tip comes into contact with your eye and then goes back into the tube. This repeated back-and-forth motion promotes the growth of microorganisms.
The two experts are adamant: mascara or liquid eyeliner should be replaced no later than three months after opening. Powder eyeshadows, on the other hand, last longer and can be kept for six to twelve months.
“They can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of irritation or infection.” — Dr. Mona Foad, dermatologist, in Parade magazine
Eye pencils, on the other hand, can last up to a year. Simply sharpening them regularly removes the layer where bacteria tend to accumulate, which extends their shelf life.
Sunscreen and skincare products: effectiveness that evaporates
While eye makeup poses a hygiene issue, skincare products are primarily a matter of effectiveness. According to Dr. Mona Foad, sunscreens top the list of cosmetics to watch out for. Their active ingredients lose their protective properties over time.
In other words, an expired SPF 50 product no longer provides the protection it claims to offer. This leaves the skin exposed to sun damage, without the user being aware of it.
Facial skincare products are also affected. Active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids, and certain antioxidants are particularly sensitive to light and air. As a result, their brightening, firming, and anti-aging effects fade long before the bottle is empty.
Dr. Susan Massick recommends replacing moisturizers and serums within a year of opening them. The same timeframe applies to cream foundations, concealers, and liquid blushes.
- Mascara and liquid eyeliner: Use within 3 months of opening
- Powder eyeshadow: 6 to 12 months
- Eyeliner pencil: up to 1 year (sharpen regularly)
- Liquid blush, cream foundation, concealer, moisturizers, serums, and lip gloss: up to 1 year
- Lipstick, powder blush: 1 to 2 years; unopened, sealed makeup: 2 to 3 years
Everyday habits that speed up deterioration
The expiration date isn’t the only thing to watch out for. Our habits also play a role. Sticking your fingers in a jar, handling applicators without cleaning them, or using brushes that aren’t washed often can speed up the buildup of bacteria.
In addition, storing cosmetics in a warm place or in direct sunlight can break down sensitive active ingredients. Vitamin C, retinoids, and antioxidants are among the first to degrade.
Warning signs to watch for before the deadline
The date printed on the packaging isn’t always enough. Some beauty products can spoil faster than expected depending on storage conditions. Also, any visible or odor-related changes should raise a red flag.
Dr. Mona Foad notes that a change in color, texture, smell, or performance is a clear sign that it’s time to replace the product. These signs may appear well before the expiration date on the bottle.
To extend the shelf life of their cosmetics, the two dermatologists recommend storing them in a cool, dry place, away from heat and light. This precaution applies in particular to beauty products containing vitamin C, retinoids, or other oxidizable active ingredients.
In practice, it’s best to rely on both the expiration date and your senses. Any cosmetic product that changes in appearance or smell—even if it’s still within its expiration date—should be thrown away without hesitation to protect your skin’s health.
