Can I use 2 year old mascara?

Author: Ethyl Kihn  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

As eye makeup products get regular exposure to microbials in their daily use they pose a risk of eye infections. Mascara is one key product that is recommended to be replaced 3 months after opening but if you start to notice the product drying out or not performing as well as it used to it's time to replace it.

Is it okay to use 2 year old mascara?

It's not safe to use expired mascara on your eyelashes because it can cause irritation and even serious infections. Mascara has a high potential for bacteria growth, so using an expired product can lead to eye infections that may require treatment with antibiotics.

Can I use mascara after 3 years?

You should replace eye makeup products such as eyeliner and mascara within six months to 1 year of duration. Whereas you can use foundation, blush, powder, and lipsticks up to 1-2 years after it's opened. The best way to test if your makeup has expired is to notice a weird smell or change in texture.

Is it OK to use expired mascara?

It's not safe to use expired mascara on your eyelashes because it can cause irritation and even serious infections. Mascara has a high potential for bacteria growth, so using an expired product can lead to eye infections that may require treatment with antibiotics.

What is the shelf life of mascara?

The shelf life for eye-area cosmetics is more limited than for other products. Because of repeated microbial exposure during use by the consumer and the risk of eye infections, some industry experts recommend replacing mascara 3 months after purchase. If mascara becomes dry, discard it.

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Can you use old mascara?

Three or four months after opening, mascara should be discarded and replaced, no matter how much is left in the tube! And remember, most safety rules for mascara also apply to your liquid liner.

How to tell if mascara is bad?

Luckily, there are a few signs you can look out for that indicate your mascara's gone bad.
  1. Smell. As a general rule, nothing with a funky smell should go on your face. ...
  2. Texture. If your mascara seems sticky or clumpy, it's time to open a new tube. ...
  3. Color.

When should you throw away old mascara?

When to throw away mascara. You're not going to want to hear this, either, but mascara is a hotbed for bacteria and should be replaced every three to six months.

How to know if mascara is off?

1 Also, switch out your mascara as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York, told Health. Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections.

Can I still use 3 year old makeup?

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.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

When do eyeshadows expire? Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas.

How do you store mascara long term?

Because of this, mascara should be replaced every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you use it. But in those 3 to 6 months, it's still important to store mascara properly! Store it upright (with the screw top pointing upwards) and away from heat and moisture.

Can expired mascara irritate eyes?

Despite the temptation to hold onto your favorite eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras, please don't. Using expired products can cause several health issues with your eyes. From nasty eye infections, pink eye, and allergic reactions, discover all the medical reasons why you should avoid using old makeup.

Can I use 2 year old concealer?

Lolis says that liquid concealers generally last anywhere from six months to a year, cream formulas for 12 to 18 months, and powders for two years.

Can I use 2 year old eyelash glue?

The lifespan of lash adhesive can vary depending on the formulation and the manufacturer's guidelines. Generally, an unopened bottle of lash glue can last between 6 to 9 months from the manufacturing date. However, the expiration date drops to 1-2 months once the glue is opened.

What happens if I use old mascara?

Using mascara that is over three months old can increase the risk of pink eye and other inflammatory conditions. We already know that our eyes are the most susceptible area to infections. In the roots where our lashes grow, there are thousands of pores, glands, and tear ducts that have bacteria on them.

How long does bacteria live in mascara?

But since they can be infected with bacteria after only 1 use, it is a good idea to keep track of how long you have been using products like mascara and eyeliners. Although there are no guidelines for cosmetics use, risk of infection can be reduced if you change them every 3 to 4 months, experts suggest.

What does expired mascara smell like?

Expired makeup will have a rancid, sometimes chemical smell that signals the breakdown of the chemical integrity of the product. Lipstick and mascara are especially vulnerable to deterioration as they are where bacteria is most likely to accumulate.

Is it OK to use 2 year old mascara?

Health and beauty experts advise replacing mascara up to three months after opening it. The reason is that mascara can become a breeding ground for bacteria due to exposure to air and repeatedly inserting the brush into the tube.

Is it bad to use out of date mascara?

The expired ingredients in the product and potential bacteria it houses could cause irritations, clogged pores, rashes, breakouts, redness and bumps. Out-of-date eye products could cause eye infections.

How long can you keep unused mascara?

Eye-area cosmetics tend to have shorter shelf lives than other products, which may cause eye infections that can be serious. Manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase.

How do you find the expiration date on mascara?

Look on the packaging and you should find a small symbol that looks like a little jar with a number and letter on the inside. For example, "6M," which means that the product has about a 6-month shelf life upon opening. To make matters more confusing, some products simply don't suggest any expiration date.

Does old mascara get clumpy?

Mascara is good for about three months, and it's super important to toss it and get a new one once it's expired. Not only does old mascara end up clumping, flaking, and otherwise apply poorly, but it's considered unhygienic.

How do you know when to throw out mascara?

Once the mascara starts to smell funny, change in consistency and become clumpy or dry, then you know it's time to dispose of it. There are a lot of less expensive mascaras out there which work really well. And, then you won't feel so bad to throw it away. Also, be conscious of the expiration date.

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