Is it safe to use 10 year old lipstick?

Author: Karley Hermann  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

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.

Is it okay to use 10 year old lipstick?

As long as it doesn't smell funky and isn't dried out any (I lost a dark chocolate lipstick to drying out) it should be fine in theory.

What happens if I use expired lipstick?

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.

Can I 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.

When should you throw out old lipstick?

Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year. 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.

Lipstick Hacks: Does Lipstick Also Have An Expiry Date | Expired Lipstick

Can bacteria grow on lipstick?

The percentage occurrence of bacterial isolated from used lipsticks was 70% while that from un-used samples were 30%. The result shows that there is more bacterial occurrence on the used samples than the un-used sample.

What is the shelf life of lipstick?

Both lipstick and lip gloss should last at least one year, and both are unlikely to last much longer than 18 months. This is because these products contain essential oils and vitamins, as well as preservatives which naturally start breaking down after twelve months or so.

Should I throw away 5 year old makeup?

Cream, powder, or liquid foundation has a long shelf life of about two years. For liquid formulas, Koestline says that if it starts to separate is when you need to toss it. Koestline says eyeshadow that contains any water should only be used for a year since you're using it close to the eye area.

What to do with expired cosmetics?

What to do with expired makeup
  1. Do not pour liquids down the drain. This can cause the chemicals to spill into our water supply. ...
  2. Find a local disposal center. If you're unable to get the majority of the product out of the bottle, throw the entire thing in the trash.

Is there any use for old lipstick?

Create A Tinted Lip Balm

Repurpose your lipstick into a nourishing tinted lip balm in a matter of minutes! Combine one part lipstick with three parts petroleum jelly (vaseline) or coconut oil, then microwave for 5-10 seconds. Mix well and pour into any small container you have handy, ideally an old lip balm tin.

Do lipsticks expire if unopened?

Does makeup still expire if it's not opened? Yes. 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.)

How do you revive old lipstick?

Steps:
  1. Fill a small cup with some warm water (make sure it's not hot).
  2. Stand your lipstick tube upright in the water for five to ten minutes.
  3. After removing it, shake the tube and test the texture.
  4. This hack is especially useful if you just need a quick fix and don't have any oils on hand.

Can I use 10 year old lip balm?

The short answer is yes, lip balms do expire. Most lip balms have a shelf life of two to three years, but this can vary depending on the ingredients used in the product.

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.

Is it safe to wear vintage lipstick?

An expired lipstick is more likely to harbour harmful bacteria and may no longer deliver the desired performance.

Should I throw out old lipstick?

6. Lipstick. Unless it turns gooey, smells rubbery, or no longer applies to your lips, you can safely use lipstick for at least eight months. Of course, if lipstick comes into contact with a cold sore or another type of infection, throw it away.

Can you use makeup that is 10 years old?

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 we use expired lipstick?

It's important to check the expiration date on lipstick products, as they can expire after a few months. Expired lipstick may not perform as intended and could potentially harbor bacteria, leading to skin irritation or infection.

Can I use 10 year old lipstick?

Powders: These usually last longer than their expiry date and can be used 1-2 years more, if stored in a dry and dark place. Lipsticks: These typically last for 1-2 years. If they start to smell rancid or change in texture, it's time to bid farewell to them.

Has my lipstick gone bad?

If your lipstick does not glide smoothly on your skin and it gives you a patchy, dull coverage, chances are, your lipstick is no good anymore. You can also feel the texture to check how fresh the lipstick is. Does it have a soggy, gritty or clumpy texture? Depending on this factor, you should take a call.

How do you store lipstick long term?

If you need to store lipstick for an extended period, refrigeration is an option. Keeping lipsticks in a sealed box inside the fridge can help prevent melting, especially in warm climates. However, avoid excess moisture inside the container to maintain the lipstick's original quality.

What happens if you use expired makeup?

Makeup that hasn't been used yet but is past its labeled expiration date likely just won't work as well. It can dry out or otherwise change in consistency, color or smell, and components of the makeup can separate. If the makeup has been opened and used, though, it can harbor harmful bacteria.

How to tell if lipstick is moldy?

Mold on lipstick is noticeable. It appears as fuzzy spots on the lipstick. These spots can be of various colors, including green, black, white, or even pink.

What are the dead bugs in lipstick?

Carminic acid, typically 17–24% of dried insects' weight, can be extracted from the body and eggs, then mixed with aluminium or calcium salts to make carmine dye, also known as cochineal. Today, carmine is primarily used as a colorant in food and in lipstick (E120 or Natural Red 4).

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