We often accumulate a multitude of skincare products to address different skin concerns. However, like most things, these products also have an expiration date. Yet, is the expiration date the sole indicator for determining if your favorite serum or moisturizer has gone bad, or are there other factors to consider? According to an expert, while the expiration date printed on the packaging is a crucial determinant of skincare product shelf life, it’s not the only one.
In a recent Instagram post, dermatologist Dr. Gurveen Waraich explained, “It’s not that straightforward with skincare. One method to check is the period after opening. Unfortunately, this information is often on the box, making it easy to forget once discarded. Most times, we don’t even recall when we initially opened our products.”
Therefore, pay attention to the following three changes to assess whether it’s time to part ways with your skincare item:
- **Color:** If your product has taken on a yellowish or brownish-yellow hue, it likely has oxidized, the dermatologist noted. In such cases, it’s advisable to discard it.
- **Consistency:** If your product feels gritty, lumpy, excessively runny, or has separated, these are signs that it has spoiled.
- **Smell:** According to the expert, “If it smells unusual or unpleasant, discard it.”
Dr. Waraich also provided some general guidelines for determining product expiration. “Oil-based products generally have a longer lifespan than water-based ones. Consume preservative-free products within six months. Items in open jars will likely expire sooner.”
While specific shelf lives vary across products, here are some general guidelines from Dr. Waraich for common products.
