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Loading...How to Know if Your Beauty Products Are Expired
- Molly, selected from DivineCaroline
- August 5, 2012
- 4:00 pm
- 51 comments
By DivineCaroline
Like some romantic relationships, no matter how much you adore your beloved favorite beauty products in the beginning, if you don’t keep a close eye on things, they can get mucky after a while. Luckily, there are scientists who understand the ingredients behind skin care and beauty products, and can ascertain the difference between a product that’s still fresh and one that’s seen better times.
Check your natural and organic products first.
Natural and organic products often lack the same chemical preservative systems that more synthetic products have. As a result, many of your natural and organic products will break down more quickly upon exposure to light and air.
Know what to look for.
Look for products that have separated, changed in color, or which have a funny smell. All are indications that the antioxidants have lost their potency or bacteria have moved in and proliferated.
Try to remember how long you’ve had the product.
- In general, non-organic body lotion and perfume should be tossed after three years.
- Hair products after two years.
- Makeup (non-lip) products after one year.
- Sunscreen, skin care, lip products, and all natural/organic skin care should be tossed after six months.
- Most experts say one year for sunscreen—but there is evidence that some ingredients, like octinoxate, break down in the presence of UV light (Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2005). So do yourself a favor and get rid of them after 6 months.
Bottom Line
Keep in mind that our ancestors in the 1600s used only natural products and medicines – and they died of bacterial diseases all the time. This is one of the reasons why so many beauty products contain preservative chemicals, and why you must be extra-attentive to all-natural products. Even if you use synthetic products, always check for separation, a change in color, or a funny smell. Now, if only it were that easy to tell when a relationship was going sour…
More from DivineCaroline:
9 Beauty Products That’ll Save You This Summer
Olympic Attire Through the Ages
12 Things You DON’T Need to Do by 25 (Or 30)
More from Care2:
How Long Do Beauty Products Last?
Natural Preservatives for Beauty Formulas
Does This Smell Weird To You? The End of Expiration Dates
Read more: Bath & Shower, Beauty, Conscious Consumer, Hair Care, Holistic Beauty, Make-Up, Skin Care, beauty products, expiration dates, expire, natural cosmetics, organic beauty, organic skin care
Molly, selected from DivineCaroline
At DivineCaroline.com, women come together to learn from experts in the fields, of health, sustainability, and culture; to reflect on shared experiences; and to express themselves by writing and publishing stories about anything that matters to them. Here, real women publish like real pros. Together, with our staff writers, they’re discussing all facets of women’s lives from relationships and careers, to travel and healthy living. So come discover, read, learn, laugh and connect at DivineCaroline.com.
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
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51 comments
+ add your ownThanks for the info.
i also used to very old products for beauty..
I use my makeup till it gets used up every few years :)
@Bill E. Thank you for my morning laugh...
Thanx.
oh ok. I don't think I've got any make-up younger than 3 years old except a foundation.
I use my stuff until it runs out or isn't able to be used anymore.
Good information. Thanks.
Thank you
lmao @ bill e
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