What happens if you use old makeup?

Author: Gretchen Rodriguez  |  Last update: Sunday, October 19, 2025

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.

Is it OK to use expired makeup?

Using expired makeup isn't the best idea. Over time, it can harbor bacteria, lose effectiveness, and potentially cause skin irritation. Your skin deserves the best, so it's better to play it safe and ditch anything past its prime.

Can I use makeup from 3 years ago?

Generally, if properly stored in a cool, dry place, most unopened and completely sealed makeup should last for 2 to 3 years. With that said, creamier products that contain oils or butters, like cream concealers or liquid blushes, could turn earlier because oil can go rancid.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

Yes, it's generally a good idea to toss eyeshadow palettes once they hit their expiration date. Makeup products can harbor bacteria and degrade over time, which can lead to skin irritation or infection. Here are a few points to consider:

What happens if you use expired beauty products?

Using expired skincare products can cause irritation, breakouts, or an allergic reaction. The active ingredients lose their effectiveness, so the product may no longer provide the intended benefits. In some cases, expired products may even harbor bacteria, which could lead to infections.

Expired Makeup! What Happens When You Use It?

Can you use 10 year old 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.

When to throw away makeup?

General Lifespan of Products
  1. Lipstick: 1 to 3 years. Koestline says that for both cream and liquid formulations, you have to look at if the product contains water or not. ...
  2. Lip Gloss: 1 Year. ...
  3. Blush: 3 Years. ...
  4. Contour or Bronzer: 3 Years. ...
  5. Foundation: 2 Years. ...
  6. Eyeshadow: 1 to 3 Years. ...
  7. Eyeliner: 3 to 6 Months. ...
  8. Mascara: 3 to 6 Months.

Can I use 6 year old makeup?

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.

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.)

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.

How to tell if makeup has gone bad?

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.

Does shampoo expire?

Shampoo and conditioner can both expire, and when they do, you should avoid using them. Expired shampoo and conditioner can be harmful to your health, and they also may no longer be effective. Once open, most shampoo and conditioner lasts between six months and a year, but unopened bottles can last longer.

Can expired makeup cause acne?

Sharing or using expired products: Sharing makeup brushes or using expired products can introduce bacteria to your skin, leading to breakouts. Using heavy or oily products: Thick foundations, concealers, and primers can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Can I use 4 year old foundation?

Since nearly all foundations except powders have some water, it's best to replace them after 12 to 18 months. Also, as your base ages, the pigments can separate, resulting in uneven coverage.

Can old makeup cause pink eye?

Perhaps the most common eye problem associated with eye makeup is conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Although most makeup contains preservatives that prevents bacteria from forming, it's still possible to have bacteria grow on your makeup. This could happen if it's expired or not properly concealed.

Does expired makeup smell?

It smells

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.

Can I use makeup from 5 years ago?

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. Lipsticks and lip glosses should be thrown away after one to two years of use.

Can makeup last 10 years?

In general, makeup typically lasts one year from the manufactured date before expiring.

Can makeup cause acne?

Certain types of makeup are more prone to causing breakouts than others. Makeup that contains fragrances, dyes, acrylics, parabens and silicones are most triggering. To select makeup that won't lead to acne, consider the following: DO Read the Labels: Choose makeup that is labeled as non-comedogenic.

When should I throw away my makeup?

Powder foundation or blush: 1 to 2 years. Cream blush: 1 to 2 years. Lipstick and lip gloss: 8 months to 2 years. Makeup brushes: 1 year.

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.

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.

Should I throw away 10 year old makeup?

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.

Does makeup spoil skin?

Long-term use of cosmetics and exposure to sunlight may speed up the development of lines as well as age spots. Additionally, if you don't take off your makeup before sleeping, it can clog your pores, degrade your elastin, and contribute to wrinkles.

Does makeup decompose?

Makeup doesn't last forever

While it may seem like you can keep using makeup until it's all gone, the fact is that cosmetics break down over time. With use, germs can build up on the product. Once either happens, your makeup is past its prime.

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