How Long Do Skincare Products Last?

Most of us are pretty clued up on how to reduce our waste. We recycle packaging, we’re smart about food waste, and we try to reuse things rather than throwing them away. However, sometimes this means that we hang onto things for longer than we should – and that includes beauty products. 

Research shows that many of us aren’t clearing out our makeup bags and skincare shelves as often as we should. A 2013 study found that 98% of women questioned had used expired products in the past, and 71% had expired products in their current makeup bag. The study also found that a significant proportion of old mascaras were harbouring bacteria and fungi. 

But is it really that bad – or can we bend the rules a little when it comes to our favourite skincare products? Today, we’re sharing the best practices to keep your skincare safe, and reveal when you should kiss your favourite products goodbye.

What happens to skincare products over time?

Almost all skincare products contain some kind of preservatives, which means that it’s safe to use them for a certain period of time. However, after then, or if the product is contaminated, the formulation will start to deteriorate.

“Cosmetic skincare products sold within the UK and EU all have to undergo tests to ensure that they are stable and that their preservative systems work so that they don’t become full of potentially harmful bacteria and fungi during the lifetime of the product,” explains Dr Jason Thomson, Head of Medical at Skin + Me. “The results of these tests are used to determine how long the product will be safe and effective for after it’s manufactured.”

That’s why you’ll find a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol or an expiry date on the packaging. It looks like an open tub with a lid, and it has a number inside – this lets you know how many months you can use it for after opening. 

“If you keep using your skincare product after the labelled period, there’s no guarantee that the preservatives will still be effective or if the product is stable and able to carry out its desired function,” says Dr Jason. “A product is unlikely to become full of harmful bacteria and completely stop working if used just after its expiry date but you are taking a risk the longer you leave it.” 

But what if you find an unopened gem at the back of your skincare drawer? Well, even if you haven’t opened your product yet, it doesn’t mean it will last indefinitely. Treat anything that’s older than a couple of years with caution, and if it’s been sitting there for longer, cut your losses and toss it away. At worst, it’ll have a negative impact on your skin, and at best, it won’t do anything at all.

How long do different skincare products last? 

Vitamin C is a brilliant multitasker, thanks to its pigmentation-fighting abilities and antioxidant properties. However, it’s notorious for deteriorating relatively quickly. It’s the same case with retinoids, which tackle fine lines and spots. “Vitamin C and retinol are famously unstable, using them after their expiry date means they’ll be increasingly ineffective over time as the actives will oxidise and become useless,” says Dr Jason. Depending on the directions on the packaging, you should use them in three to six months (or as directed by the supplier), and keep a look out for the formulation becoming thick, discoloured or smelling strange.

If you use a toner, it should be replaced every six months. Products like serum, moisturiser, cleanser and BHA or AHA exfoliants can last for up to a year, but always keep in mind that if they look, feel or smell different then you should throw them away. 

When it comes to sunscreen, you should be replacing it every two years to ensure it’s still effective and provides enough protection (if you’re wearing sunscreen every day, as our dermatologists recommend, you should run out before then anyway). Finally, body wash and body lotion can last a little longer, since the skin on your arms and legs is more robust than the skin on your face – you should be able to use them for up to three years. 

If you’re a Skin + Me member then it’s super important that you don’t use an old Daily Doser, because the active ingredients expire relatively quickly. That’s why every Skin + Me Daily Doser only has enough cream inside for one month – we send you a new one in the post every four weeks, so you’ll never run out. 

How can you make your skincare products last? 

We’d recommend storing your skincare products in a clean, cool place away from direct sunlight. If you’re keeping them in the bathroom, a drawer or a shelf will help to keep them clean. And, when it comes to packaging, opt for pumps, tubes or bottles with droppers, rather than jars, which collect bacteria every time you put your hand inside. 

Get into the habit of doing regular clear-outs of your skincare – a spring clean once a year isn’t going to cut it. Although the PAO symbol is a useful guide, we’d recommend writing the date you opened a new product on the bottom of it in marker, so you know exactly how long you have left. 

And above all use your best judgement – say goodbye to your eye cream after you’ve had an eye infection, don’t leave the lids off your moisturiser for long and always wash your hands before and after applying your skincare. 

Final thoughts

There are two important things to remember. Don’t use open products for longer than their PAO symbol recommends, and keep track of how long they’ve been open for. And if anything smells or looks weird – even if it’s still in date – it needs to go!