G14. Can I use a product after its expiration date?

Question: Can I use a product after its expiration date?

Answer:

Generally, I think it’s okay to use a product after the expiration date. However, there are a few factors you have to take into consideration:

1) How much time has passed?

Did the product just expire? Or has it been expired for a year or more? The longer a product is past its expiration date, the better it is to toss it.

2) Has the product been stored at the proper temperature?

I would not use an expired product that has been sitting in my car or in the sun. If I had a moisturizer that I kept in the fridge everyday and it expired, I would feel safe to keep using it after the expiration date.

3) How is the product packaged?

Is the product one you dispense from a pump? Or one you dip your fingers into? If you dip your fingers into the jar, it’s probably best to not use it after the expiration date. Bacteria, oils, and other things from your fingers can make the product less sanitary.

4) Do you keep the product sealed tightly?

Do you always cap the product or screw on the lid tightly? Making sure to properly seal the product well help preserve its freshness. If you’ve never even opened the product and realize it’s already past the expiration date, I think it’s okay to at least test out it to see if you can still use it.

5) What are its ingredients?

Some product ingredients lose their potency as time goes on. Vitamin C and sunscreen can all destabilize after a certain amount of time. Sunscreen, for example, should be tossed one year after being opened. Emulsifiers can even cause some moisturizers to separate. So check out the ingredients. Generally, prescription products are safe to use after their expiration date.

6) Does your product have preservatives?

Some products for sensitive skin do not include preservatives or parabens. If this is the case, then definitely don’t use the product after the expiration date.

7) How does the product look and smell?

Does it look like it turned yellow? Does it smell sour or funky? If it looks suspicious, chances are it is suspicious and has gone bad.

You can always contact the manufacturer for more information, but I’m pretty sure they’ll tell you to toss the product and buy a new one because they want your money!

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