Issue 44 | Is Your Skincare Expired?

How to Tell When Your Skincare Has Expired (and Why It Matters)

You invest in high-performance skincare for a reason: to support a radiant, healthy complexion. But even the best products have a shelf life. Just like fresh food, skincare doesn't last forever—and using expired formulas can do more harm than good.

From reduced effectiveness to unexpected irritation or breakouts, knowing when your skincare has expired is key to getting the results you paid for. 

This week’s guide will show you how to spot the signs, when to toss, and how to extend your product’s life with a few simple habits.

Why Skincare Expires

Every serum, cleanser, and cream is crafted with active ingredients designed to deliver results. Over time, those ingredients degrade—especially when exposed to air, heat, humidity, or light.

Once a product passes its prime, it may stop working altogether—or worse, start harboring bacteria or mold. That can lead to redness, sensitivity, or even infections. Not exactly what you want in your self-care ritual.

General Shelf Life Guidelines

Shelf life varies by formula, but here’s a quick breakdown of how long your products typically last after opening:

• Cleansers: 9–12 months
  

• Toners & Serums: 9–12 months
  

• Moisturizers: Up to 1 year
  

• Sunscreens: 1–2 years (always check the printed expiration date!)
  

• Masks & Exfoliants: 6–12 months
  

• Eye Creams & Face Oils: 9–12 months
  

How to Tell If Your Skincare Has Gone Bad

Keep an eye (and nose) out for these red flags:

• Off Smell: Sour, musty, or just “off”? Time to toss.
  

• Texture Changes: Clumping, separating, or stickiness that wasn’t there before.
  

• Color Shifts: If it’s turned yellow, cloudy, or darker than when you bought it, it’s likely oxidized.
  

• New Irritation: Redness, itching, or breakouts from a product that used to be fine? It could be expired.
  

• Packaging Distortion: Swollen caps, crusty residue, or bubbly textures are signs of contamination.
  

• Check the PAO Symbol: Look for a small open jar icon with a number inside—like “6M” or “12M.” That’s how many months the product stays fresh after opening.
  
  

When in Doubt, Toss It Out

Your skin deserves effective, clean ingredients—not expired formulas that could compromise your glow. If a product smells strange, looks off, or hasn’t been touched in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Feeling overwhelmed? Book a facial with us and let our expert estheticians help you refresh your routine with curated, high-performance skincare your skin will thank you for.