Cosmetic products, unlike certain food items, do not have as long a shelf life as one might think. According to Krupa Koestline, a cosmetic biochemist, using expired makeup can have adverse effects on your skin.

Ingredients in makeup products can deteriorate over time, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential skin irritation.

Moreover, the texture and performance of makeup can change, resulting in issues like foundation separation, clumping powders, and compromised lipstick finishes. While these changes may not be directly harmful, they can be quite bothersome.

A more concerning aspect of using expired makeup is the breakdown of preservatives, which can promote bacterial growth. This poses a significant health risk, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes, as it can lead to infections or irritations.

Mascara: A Risky Choice

One common mistake many people make is using mascara past its expiration date. Since mascara is applied near the eyes and mucous membranes, using expired mascara can introduce bacteria, potentially causing eye infections or irritations.

The Broader Risk of Expired Makeup

Liquid or cream-based products are particularly risky when used past their expiration dates, as they are more susceptible to bacterial growth. Items like cream blush, eyeshadows, and highlighters can lose consistency and become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria if preservatives break down.

SPF Makeup: An Important Consideration

Makeup with SPF claims, like foundations, should not be used past their expiry dates. The SPF protection in these products cannot be guaranteed after expiration, posing long-term health risks in terms of UV protection.

Base Makeup and Lip Products

Liquid foundations, due to their high water content, are prone to bacteria growth after expiration, potentially leading to skin irritation or breakouts. Lip products, such as lipsticks and glosses, can also harbor bacteria post-expiration, causing dryness, irritation, or infections.

Powder Products: A Bit More Forgiving

Powder-based products, like eyeshadows and blushes, can be used slightly beyond their expiration dates, as they are less likely to develop mold or bacteria due to their low water content. However, their effectiveness may decrease over time.

How to Determine Expiry Date

Many makeup products have a small jar symbol with a number and the letter "M" indicating their shelf life after opening. For instance, "3M" means three months. If this symbol is not present, general guidelines suggest that mascara lasts about six months, lip gloss and lipstick for a year, liquid foundation and concealer for two years, and powders for up to three years.

Expired Makeup! What Happens When You Use It?

Video By Robert Welsh