Ever found yourself wondering if that mascara at the bottom of your makeup bag is still good to use? You’re not alone. It’s easy to lose track of when we bought our beauty products, especially when life gets busy. But did you know that using expired products containing chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives could potentially be harmful? When these products expire, their chemical composition can change, leading to skin irritation or other issues. Let’s dive into some easy ways to identify when your makeup and skincare products are past their prime.
Easy Ways to Identify Expired Makeup and Skincare Products
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Check the Expiration Date: Most products have a printed expiration date on the packaging. Always check this date before purchasing and using your products.
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Look for Changes in Colour: If the product has changed colour from when you first bought it, it’s a sign it may be expired.
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Notice Changes in Smell: Expired products often develop an off or sour smell. If your product smells different than when you first got it, it might be time to toss it. Note: Some products lose their smell when they are exposed to air, this is not the same as if it develops a sour or 'off' odour. If your product has lost smell but is still within date, it is likely fine to use (baring in mind the other changes to look out for).
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Texture Changes: If a product becomes clumpy, separated, or changes in consistency, it’s a sign it has gone bad. This can include when a hair or skincare product goes much runnier than it had been previously - this could be a sign of expiration.
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Performance Decline: If your makeup doesn’t apply as smoothly or your skincare isn’t as effective as it used to be, they might be past their prime.
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Check the PAO (Period After Opening) Symbol: This symbol looks like an open jar with a number inside it (e.g., 6M, 12M, 24M). It indicates how many months the product is good for after opening.
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Changes in Packaging: Any signs of damage or leaks in the packaging can indicate that the product is no longer safe to use.
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Skin Reactions: If you experience any irritation, redness, or breakouts when using a product, it might be expired or contaminated. If you are sure that one product is causing your skin to become irritated, it is best to immediately stop using it and throw it away.
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Storage Conditions: Products stored in hot, humid, or direct sunlight conditions may expire sooner. Hopefully by considering the above ways to tell if a product is expired, you may be able to tell if an incorrectly stored product has gone off earlier than anticipated. To avoid this, try to always store products as recommended.
Common Expiration Timeframes for Makeup Products
- Mascara and Liquid Eyeliner: 3-6 months
- Foundation and Concealer: 6-12 months
- Lipsticks and Lip Gloss: 1-2 years
- Powder Products (blush, eyeshadow): 1-2 years
Common Expiration Timeframes for Skincare Products
- Cleansers: 1 year
- Toners: 6 months to 1 year
- Serums: 6 months to 1 year
- Moisturisers: 1-2 years
- Sunscreen: Check the expiration date on the package, usually 1-2 years.
Regularly checking your makeup and skincare products for these signs can help ensure you’re using them safely and effectively.
The Shelf Life of Hark & Zander Products
Hark & Zander products are natural and free from fillers, toxic additives, artificial colours, artificial fragrances, synthetic preservatives, and all things nasty! Each product has its expiry date printed on the packaging, and it's recommended to use them within six months of opening. This commitment to natural ingredients and clear usage guidelines helps ensure that your skincare routine is as safe and effective as possible.
You might enjoy like reading: Evolution of Skincare: From Synthetic to Natural Ingredients