When it comes to makeup, we tend to focus on the colours, textures, and brands, but there’s one critical aspect often overlooked expiry dates and shelf life. Makeup products don’t last forever, and using expired ones can lead to skin irritations, breakouts, or even infections. But what’s the difference between a product’s expiry date and its shelf life? If you don’t know then keep on reading because it is crucial information for your skin health.
What Is A Makeup Product’s Expiry Date?
The expiry date of a makeup product is pretty straightforward. It’s the date set by the manufacturer to indicate when the product is no longer safe or effective for use. Once a makeup product hits its expiration date, it’s a sign that the formulation has begun to break down, and using it could cause adverse reactions.
Most makeup products have a shelf life symbol printed on the packaging (usually a little jar icon with a number inside, like 6M or 12M). This symbol tells you how many months after opening the product it’s safe to use. For example, “12M” means the product is good for 12 months once opened. The expiry date, however, is different from the shelf life. It indicates the date by which the product must be used, regardless of whether it’s been opened or not.
What Is Shelf Life Of Makeup Products?
Shelf life refers to how long a product remains safe and effective when it hasn’t been opened. In other words, it’s the time a product can sit in its packaging on a store shelf or in your drawer before being opened for the first time. A product might have a long shelf life, but once opened, the countdown begins. Makeup shelf life varies depending on the formulation and ingredients. For example:
Liquid foundations and concealers: Around 12 months
Powder-based products: Can last up to 2 years
Mascara and liquid eyeliners: Typically 3-6 months
Lipsticks and lip glosses: Between 12-18 months
Why Does It Matter?
The difference between expiry dates and shelf life can be confusing, but understanding it helps you get the most out of your products. Expired products lose their effectiveness and may harbour bacteria, leading to skin issues. Meanwhile, unopened products with a long shelf life can be safely stored for future use.
Always keep track of when you open a new product and make sure to discard it when it reaches the end of its shelf life or expiry date. You don’t even need to take extra steps for it as most beauty products come with an indicator of shelf life where a number is printed such as 12 or 10, which means once opened the product should be used within 10 or 12 months. If you exceed that period, the product may cause infections, breakouts or more on your skin. `
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A simple trick is toyour products with the date you opened them, so you always know when to toss them. In short, the key is to pay attention to both the shelf life and expiry date, ensuring you keep your beauty routine safe and fresh!
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