Can Skincare Expire? The Truth About Shelf Life, Safety & How to Protect Your Products
Can Skincare Expire? The Truth About Shelf Life, Safety & How to Protect Your Products Skincare is an investment, not just in money, but in your skin’s health. We carefully choose moisturizers, serums, sunscreens , and masks, often stocking up on sales or buying luxury items we hope will last. But here’s the big question: Can skincare expire? The short answer: Yes. Skincare products, like food and medicine, have a shelf life. Once they pass that point, they can lose effectiveness or even harm your skin. In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know, from expiration dates and shelf life symbols to how to spot expired products and tips to extend their longevity. Do Skincare Products Really Expire? Yes, they do. Skincare formulations contain active ingredients, preservatives, oils, and water. Over time, these ingredients break down or oxidize, making them less effective and, in some cases, unsafe. Actives lose power: Vitamin C , retinol , and AHAs degrad...