My personal advice would be to avoid using a product after it’s expiration date.
Most of the time I’m sure you will be fine, however there are risks involved in using expired products that you need to be aware of.
There is a chance that your expired product can still perform, but it is also possible that it may not work as well as it should.
Once a product is exposed to air and physical contact, the bacteria will start to accumulate.
Products made for sensitive skin typically contain less preservatives, and ingredients such as vitamin C are known to be highly unstable, so these beauty products will tend to have a shorter shelf life.
Products in tubs that your dip your fingers into are more susceptible to bacteria build-up compared to a product with a pump. Keep your eyes peeled for micro-encapsulated products, the ingredients are packed into tiny capsules that will either better preserve or release ingredients into the skin in a very different way from what we’re used to.
Key Signs That Your Skincare Products Have Expired
- the colour is different (especially the case for vitamin C
- the texture is different
- it smells different
- there is mould
Symbols You Should Look Out For
‘M’ means months. So for example if you see 6M on a product you should only use this product for six months after first use.
Make Your Skincare Last Longer
- keep away from direct sunlight
- make sure you replace the lid after each use
- wash your hands before using the product to reduce bacteria transferring
- consider keeping products you don’t use that frequently in the fridge
- keep your skincare products to the essentials so you don’t waste the products and money
Here is a great fridge that I use is off amazon…
