Unopened, foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, Hammer says, it's best to replace it after six to 12 months.
Yes, makeup expires. Using old makeup can cause skin irritation, infections, and altered texture due to bacteria growth and ingredient breakdown.
Bacterial Growth: Expired products can harbor bacteria, which can lead to skin infections, acne, or irritation. This is especially true for products that are liquid-based, such as foundations and mascaras. Skin Irritation: Ingredients in expired makeup may break down and become irritating to the skin.
In general, to maintain a clear and attractive complexion you should discard old makeup. It can harbor germs, degrade, and become rancid. Only the most powerful preservatives might inhibit microbes.
Using foundation after its expiration date is generally not recommended. While some makeup products may still be safe to use shortly after their expiration, their effectiveness and safety can decrease over time. Here are some key points to consider:
When to Throw Away Makeup Guidelines: Liquid Foundation: after 6 months to 1 year. Cream Makeup: after 6 months to 1 year. Lipstick: after 1 year.
If the product has an odd smell, or a different smell than when you first bought it, throw it out. If your foundation starts to separate into layers, or your mascara wand gets dry, you may want to reconsider using these products.
Almost all products will have a chemical-like smell or a strong unpleasant odor with expired makeup. The texture and consistency of the product may also change depending on the formula; watch out for clumpiness, drying out or separation when applying. Each beauty product may have different signs of expiration.
Risks of using expired makeup
Skin irritation: Expired makeup may contain rancid ingredients that can trigger skin redness or irritation. Breakouts: Bacteria that contaminate makeup, especially water-based products, can swiftly multiply, contributing to skin breakouts and acne.
The first thing to consider when you use makeup past its expiration date are the health risks. Krupa Koestline, cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Innovation Labs, lists infections, contact dermatitis, and exposure to microbes that could result in other medical issues as just some of the side effects to be aware of.
With the exception of powder formulas, foundations are water-based, which means bacteria love them. Unopened, foundation can last for a couple of years, but once the seal is broken, Hammer says, it's best to replace it after six to 12 months.
Liquid foundations usually expire in a year, while pressed powders can last up to two years. But it's important to pay attention to the product itself, especially if it's a liquid. “A telltale sign that a product is past its expiration date is odor,” says Tavernise.
“Liquid products, like foundations, are a mixture of water and silicone or oil, and when these go bad it can result in the two phases separating. You may notice a change in consistency, texture and how it wears. Because it contains water, it can also develop microbial growth,” he says.
Liquid concealer or foundation should be thrown out after a year. Pencil cosmetics, such as certain eyeliners or lip or brow pencils, should also be disposed of after a year.
Whatever it might be, when your makeup begins to take on a form it was not intended to be, it can have an adverse reaction and cause contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation, which may lead to redness, bumps, rashes, blisters and swelling.
Foundation expiry date –
A foundation can be kept for one to two years, depending on its formulation. A liquid foundation works well for 18 months whereas a powdered one can be kept for two years.
So, is it ever okay to continue using products after their expiration date? Proceed at your own risk as doing so can increase your chances of developing skin sensitivities, breakouts, irritation, or even infections. Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.
You should toss products that: Start to clump like mascara or eyeliner. Change in consistency like a foundation that separates. Crumble or fall apart like powder eyeshadow or blush.
It's usually pretty easy to spot the signs of expired make-up. Keep an eye on things like the appearance, consistency, colour and smell. If anything smells off, the texture looks different or the oil has risen to the top of your liquid products, it's probably time to say goodbye.
Foundation and concealer
Liquid foundations and concealers should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Powders can last up to 2 years. Cream formulas fall somewhere in between — about 12 to 18 months.
The oxidation process is caused by your foundation getting exposed to air. As a result, it causes your foundation to darken to an orange hue.
Look for cracks in walls or floors, uneven/sloping floors, sticking doors/windows, and gaps around them. Also, be mindful of cracks in exterior brick or concrete, and a sagging/uneven roofline. Identifying these signs early can prevent further damage to your house foundation.
You Need to Exfoliate
While moisturizing and priming play an important role in the end look of your foundation, dermatologist, Marisa Garshick, MD, says that exfoliation does, too. “Those who have a build-up of dead skin cells and don't exfoliate regularly may find their foundation appears cakey,” she says.
Unopened color cosmetics have a life span of about one-and-a-half to two years because the pigments can't stay suspended beyond that time. ("Natural" formulas could be shorter since they contain fewer preservatives.)