Can you use 20 year old makeup?

Author: Gussie Fisher IV  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

What's the risk of using expired or contaminated makeup? Older makeup products are more likely to trigger skin irritation or acne-like breakouts. They can also contain bacteria and oils that can clog pores, encourage acne, or lead to infection.

Is it okay to use old makeup?

Yes, you should throw away makeup when it expires. Cosmetics can become contaminated with bacteria over time, which can cause skin infections and eye infections. Check the expiration date on the packaging, or use the ``6M'' or ``12M'' symbols, which indicate the number of months the product is good for after opening.

Is it safe to use 10 year old makeup?

Yes, you should throw away makeup when it expires. Cosmetics can become contaminated with bacteria over time, which can cause skin infections and eye infections. Check the expiration date on the packaging, or use the ``6M'' or ``12M'' symbols, which indicate the number of months the product is good for after opening.

Can you use 20 year old lipstick?

Powder products, if stored properly and free from moisture, are good for up to two years. Lipstick is good for one to two years, and lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.

What is the lifespan of makeup?

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.)

EXPIRED MAKEUP! 20 Year old makeup looks like this! OMG

When to throw out makeup?

Signs you should toss makeup
  1. Start to clump like mascara or eyeliner.
  2. Change in consistency like a foundation that separates.
  3. Crumble or fall apart like powder eyeshadow or blush.
  4. Smell bad.
  5. Look dry and flaky or runny.
  6. Have changed color.
  7. Feel different on your skin.

How do I know if makeup is expired?

How to Tell When Your Makeup Has Expired
  1. Check the label. The label of many beauty products features a small jar with a number and the letter M next to it that denotes how long that product will last after you open it. ...
  2. The product has a unique smell. ...
  3. The texture has changed. ...
  4. The color is off.

What happens if I use expired foundation on my face?

You may experience breakouts, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or rashes. Expired lipsticks can bring mouth related ailments like cold sores. Never apply expired makeup onto broken skin. A cosmetic expiration date should be clearly displayed somewhere on the packaging, product label or product casing.

What to do with old makeup?

In the US, TerraCycle is also working with Ulta in their waste-free packaging program Loop. If you still have a lot of product left in the container, you could also consider donating it to a friend. Some women's shelters will also gladly take your unwanted makeup. Plus, you'll be doing someone a solid.

Can I use old unopened mascara?

The rule of thumb for mascara is that it needs to be replaced every two to three months, starting from when you open the mascara. If you're storing unopened mascara, it will remain stable for a couple of years, so no need to worry about your makeup stockpile.

Does unopened makeup expire?

In general, most makeup can last one to three years unopened (when stored in a cool, dry place, ideally) and then between a few months and a couple of years after opening.

What to do with makeup I don't use?

One option is to pour all of your leftovers into one container and dispose directly into the trash (clean out and recycle the containers of those you can). The second option is to contact your household hazardous waste facility to determine what products they accept, some will take your cosmetics/beauty products.

What is the best mascara?

Lengthening
  • HourglassUnlocked Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • HUDA BEAUTYLEGIT LASHES Double-Ended Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • Benefit CosmeticsRoller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara. ...
  • PAT McGRATH LABSFetishEyes™ Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • ILIALimitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara.

Can you revive old makeup?

Fix cracked pressed powder, bronzer, or eyeshadow by pouring alcohol in it. Use a spoon to mush the contents of the palette into a powder and then add rubbing alcohol, stirring to create a thick paste. Let it sit overnight, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and leaving the powder solid and whole again.

Can expired lipstick cause dark lips?

So, make sure to check the date before you apply on the lips. Expired lipsticks can further worsen the condition of dark lips. 4. Exfoliate your lips - Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells accumulation from the lips.

Why do my eyes get irritated when I wear makeup?

When you wear eye makeup, especially powder or glitters, the loose particles can cause the tear film to break down and evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated. This usually occurs within 30 minutes of applying your makeup.

Does Ulta take old makeup?

Drop it off

All Ulta Beauty stores have The Beauty Dropoff collection bin for you to discard your hard-to-recycle empties. Find a bin near you.

Why is it important to throw away old makeup?

Preservatives in makeup don't last forever.

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.

What does Sephora do with old makeup?

Instead of being thrown away, your beauty empties may be repurposed into carpets, pallets, asphalt, new packaging, and more!* *Depending on volumes/contamination of empties collected for each eligible material.

Can you use 10 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 old makeup damage your skin?

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.

What is the best foundation for mature skin?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Foundation for Mature Skin Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, $69.
  • Best Light-Coverage Foundation: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, $49.
  • Best Medium-Coverage Foundation: Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, $54.
  • Best Full-Coverage Foundation: Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Foundation, $42.

What happens if you use out of date makeup?

Best thing to do is to replace them, even if they look okay. This is because expired make-up can trap dirt and oils overtime which can clog your pores, cause breakouts, rashes, bumps and burning sensations.

What makeup doesn't expire?

“Powders don't usually contain any water to support microbial growth or oils that could go rancid,” says cosmetic chemist Alex Padgett. “The majority of powder products are just powder and so they won't really expire.” In fact, Padgett says she still uses a palette from 2014.

What does expired makeup look like?

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. For example, expired mascara will start to dry out and the formula won't apply properly.

Previous article
Is it best to sauna before or after exercise?
Next article
Does vinegar take yellow out of grey hair?