We might not think of the shelf life of beauty products the way we consider it with food, but it could benefit us to reframe how we see makeup and the like so we use it while it’s safest and most effective.
The Literature of Labels
Tia Mazy owns Amazyng Style Eco-Friendly & Organic Salon in West Lawn, where she is a stylist with a background in hair color education.
“I pay close attention to product expiration dates in my salon because I want to ensure the client gets a long use out of them,” Mazy says. “We always read new bottles we receive and encourage our clients to as well.”
While not all makeup, hair and body care products have definite expiration dates, more and more showcase the period-after-opening symbol as a part of regulation in recent years by the European Union.
The symbol is a small container with an open lid above it on an angle. It might say “12 M,” meaning not to use the product beyond 12 months after first opening it.
Period-after-opening symbols on bottles and containers are becoming more commonly seen in the U.S., largely from the manufacturers of those products also selling their lineups in European Union countries.
Be Safe & Smart
“It is important to make sure you follow the expiration dates [if listed, or period-after-opening symbols] on products because they can spoil, become less effective, curdle or separate,” Mazy adds. “Bacteria can develop when the shelf life of the preservatives has passed.”
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has resource information on cosmetics, too, with educational articles.
“Some products have expiration dates — more noticeably when they have a natural preservative in them because they can expire faster,” Mazy explains. “Products labeled as natural or organic are more likely to have natural preservatives. Some natural preservatives are antioxidants, ascorbic acid, salt, castor oil, vitamin E, rosemary oil, sugar, honey, salt, grapefruit seed extract and antimicrobials.”
Industry Insights
When shelf life isn’t indicated on a label, Mazy gives her own guidance.
“I would suggest 6 months to a year from the opening date,” Mazy says about mascara and lipstick. “Products that contain no water, milk or other aqueous liquid will probably not spoil as fast,” she adds.
Anything cream-based is best used for up to 6 months, while powder can be usable for close to a year, she confirms.
“Bacteria can develop once [a product’s ingredients are] exposed to air or our hands,” Mazy says, noting that separation, reduced effectiveness and changes in scent can occur as well.
When it comes to cream-based products, once open, their moisture and what they’re exposed to from our skin over time, can welcome the unwanted to develop faster, too; keep in mind that most bacteria enter our body through our eyes, nose and mouth, Mazy warns.
“Using spoiled things can cause serious health concerns — blindness and even death,” she says.
Tia’s Tips
And she offers some final advice.
“I would always recommend using a beauty spatula when using creams, not your fingers,” Mazy says. “This will limit exposure to bacteria. Wash hands frequently. Use washable or disposable brushes whenever possible. Always close lids tightly. And store at proper temperatures and in proper lighting.”
She also suggests checking out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database at ewg.org/skindeep.
Amazyng Style Eco-Friendly & Organic Salon
2023 Penn Avenue, West Lawn
610.741.6604
