If someone handed you an open jar of mayonnaise that was a couple of years old, would you slather it on your sandwich? Probably not. So why would you think about using old, expired moisturizers?
When we apply products to our skin, they’re absorbed into our bloodstream, affecting us just as much as eating something that’s expired. In this blog, we explain the risks of using a moisturizer beyond its intended use date.
Out With the Old…
Why shouldn’t I use expired moisturizer?
- Active ingredients, such as those found in anti-aging or acne-fighting products, can become less effective. Anti-aging products often contain retinol, glycolic acid, or Vitamin C—ingredients that break down within a year of opening. Two of the most common acne-fighting ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, lose efficacy even more rapidly—within 3 to 6 months.
- A creamy moisturizer feels soothing on our skin. Yet lotions that are open for too long tend to lose their proper consistency. Over time, ingredients meant to improve your skin’s elasticity lose that collagen-boosting ability.
- The worst offender in expired moisturizer? Bacteria. Bacteria can enter into a container from the first time it’s opened. Jars of moisturizers are especially susceptible to bacteria growth because we’re continually dipping our fingers into the jar.
What’s the best way to store my moisturizer?
To help your moisturizer reach its optimal shelf life, store it in a cool, dry place. This will keep light and extreme temperatures from altering the ingredients.
How can I tell if my moisturizer has expired?
If your moisturizer does not have an obvious expiration date on the label, there are still ways to tell if it’s expired. On the back of your product, look for an open jar image. The image may contain 12M, 18M, 24M, etc. This tells you how many months the product is usable from the day it’s opened. Other signs of expired products also include a change in color, consistency or odor.
…And In With the New!
There’s never been a better time to dispose of your old, over-the-counter lotions. With our Cosmetic Graveyard Special, bring in your old products to receive 15% off one new product. Buy two new products to receive 20% off the total sale. Offer expires after Halloween, so hurry in!
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