The expiry date of cosmetic products is a key factor in skincare. When a product expires, it loses effectiveness and can pose a risk to the skin. It is therefore important that the expiry date is clearly visible and unambiguous. Manufacturing date, expiry period, expiry date? Let's look at what these terms mean!
Understanding the expiry date of cosmetic products
Understanding the expiry date of cosmetic products is essential for their safety and effectiveness. Manufacturers indicate the date of manufacture (MFG/MFD) and the expiry date (EXP/EXD) on the packaging. This information helps users to be aware of their make-up and cream products. Of note is the PAO (Period After Opening) mark, which shows how long the product will remain usable after opening. A 6M mark, for example, indicates that the product expires six months after opening.
While the expiry date is important, several external factors can affect the shelf life of cosmetic products. For example, proper storage is critical to avoid the adverse effects of air, heat, moisture and UV light. These factors can accelerate the deterioration of products, which can be indicated by changing colour and odour. The recommended storage temperature and other storage conditions should therefore be indicated on the products (e.g. between 10-25°C, away from light and heat).
Proper storage prolongs the shelf life of products and ensures that cosmetic products retain their original efficacy and safety during their shelf life. For example, make-up products should be kept in a cool, dry place to preserve quality. Sensible storage and understanding the dates can help avoid unwanted irritations and health problems.
Signs to look out for
The expiry date of cosmetic products cannot be determined solely by the dates on the label. One of the main signs to watch out for is colour changes in creams and other cosmetic products. As time passes and the product reaches the end of its shelf life, the colour often changes, which indicates that the cosmetic has lost its original properties. However, it is important to know that there are cases where natural ingredients may become discoloured due to UV or oxidation, but this does not affect the quality and effectiveness of the product.
Another important sign is a change in smell. The characteristic smell of fresh cosmetic products can be replaced over time by a rancid or strange smell, indicating a change in its chemistry. If creams that used to smell pleasant start to emit an unusual aroma, this may indicate that the product has expired.
The consistency can also be a tell-tale sign. In the case of creams, a change in the smooth, homogeneous texture or the formation of solid granules may indicate that the product is no longer safe to use.
Average shelf life of different cosmetics
The shelf life of different cosmetics is different. Some make-up products such as liquid eye shadows have a relatively short shelf life, often only 3-6 months. They require frequent replacement to avoid the risk of eye irritation and infection.
Lipsticks and lip glosses last longer, with lipsticks staying fresh for up to 1-2 years and lip glosses for 6-12 months. In the case of foundations and creams, the packaging also affects durability. Pump versions have less contact with the outside world and can be used for longer, while jars need to be checked carefully as they can deteriorate quicker in contact with air. On average, foundations and creams should be repurchased within a year.
Why pay attention to the expiry date and time?
Maintaining healthy, glowing skin is important for everyone, but it's essential to keep track of the cosmetic products’ expiry dates. Expired cosmetics can not only lose their effectiveness but can also be harmful to the skin. Monitoring the expiry date is therefore recommended and vital to protect the health of your skin.
It is important to remind consumers to check the cleanliness of cosmetic products and brushes regularly. Contaminated tools can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to skin problems.
It is worth being aware that the expiry date should be respected because of possible skin reactions. Allergy symptoms such as redness, itching or irritation are signs that should be taken seriously.
Prevention pays off when it comes to protecting your health. Correct storage of cosmetics, keeping equipment clean and monitoring signs of sensitive skin contribute to customer satisfaction.
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