Cosmetics expiry date: how long to keep them?

Lipsticks, eye shadows, foundations, powders, nail polish, micellar waters and even creams… over time, cosmetic products degrade. How long can you keep them in your bathroom? When should you get rid of it? Answers.

How to know the expiration date of a cosmetic product?

The expiration dates of cosmetics reflect the expiry date for cosmetic product Or minimum durability date (MBD) and thus provide consumers with a very valuable indication. They are found both on the primary packaging (tubes, bottles, etc.), but also on the secondary packaging (outer carton).

The MDD (minimum durability date)

When the lifespan of a product is less than or equal to 30 months, the packaging indicates a minimum durability date (DDM) or expiry date with the words “use preferably before the end of…”.

PAO (period after opening)

When the lifespan of a product is greater than 30 months, the PAO (period after opening) is indicated in the form of an open jar in which a number is written. This corresponds to the number of months “M” not to exceed after the first use by the consumer of this product. The ideal is to note the date the product was opened. Please note: the PAO does not apply to perfumes or aerosols.

Please note: some products do not require any mention of this type, because they are single use Or cannot deteriorateindicates Febea (Federation of Beauty Companies) (source 1).

How long can you keep your cosmetics?

Makeup

  • Mascara and eyeliner: about 3 months (3M). The eyes are a very sensitive area;
  • Lipstick: about 15 months (15M);
  • Blush: about 18 months (18M).

Facial care

  • Cleansing milk, cleansing gel, micellar water: about 12 months (12M);
  • Body milk: about 12 months (12M);
  • Face cream in pump bottle: about 12 months (12M); in pot : about 9 months (9M);
  • Body oil: approximately 18 months (18M);
  • Sun cream: throw the product away once summer is over. Solar filters will have been damaged after being exposed to the heat of the sun. To “finish” the sunscreen product, convert it back from vacation into a moisturizer.

Using cosmetic products after the expiration date: what are the risks?

The ingredients contained in cosmetics can degrade over time and lose their effectiveness, or even cause undesirable skin effects. Bacteria and fungi can also grow there. Among the most common side effects are: irritationsof the allergiesof the rednessof the itchingof thecontact eczemaof theacneof the cold sores

How do you know if a cosmetic product is expired?

Overall, an expired beauty product can present a change in color, odor or appearance. Consumer safety is no longer guaranteed.

The signs indicating the “exceeding” or expiry of a product are diverse and varied:

  • A perfume that turns, which becomes rancid ;
  • A bi-phase product (like a vinaigrette with two distinct layers);
  • A color that can change ;
  • etc.

What are the main signs of product expiration?

  • Solar product: a change of perfume and a phase shift of the formula;
  • Cleansing milk: a change of perfume;
  • Lipstick: a change of perfume;
  • Varnish: a phase shift of the formula;
  • Mascara: drying of the texture, an unpleasant odor;
  • Eyeliner: drying of the texture;
  • Blush: an unpleasant smell.

How to properly use and store your cosmetics?

  • Store cosmetics in a dry and cool place (humidity encourages the proliferation of bacteria), away from bright light, at room temperature;
  • Apply the treatment with clean hands;
  • Close carefully after use the product because it can lose its qualities in contact with air;
  • Do not lend lipsticks and mascaras : these cosmetics cannot be shared, it's like a toothbrush! ;
  • Clean with warm, soapy water accessories.

What to do with expired cosmetic products?

Here are the recommendations from ADEME (Ecological Transition Agency) (source 2):

The packaging must first be emptied thoroughly. Then, it is necessary to place in the appropriate bin, bag or container to the material making up the packaging:

  • If it is a jar, of a bottle or a glass bottleplace it in the bin reserved for glass;
  • If it is a vial, a tube, a jar or a bottle in plastic or in metalplace it in the bin, bag or container reserved for sorting packaging.

Warning: the carton and the paper instructions must be thrown into the bin, bag or container reserved for sorting packaging. “If there is any product left in the pot, tube, bottle or vial, and it is expired, throw it in the household waste bin,” specifies ADEME.

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