Get Beautiful Skin for Spring
Freshen up your skin routine.
Skin Product Expiration Guidelines
Ensure your beauty stash is fresh with these when-to-toss guidelines from dermatologist Roberta Sengelmann, MD, of the Santa Barbara Skin Institute in California.
Sunscreen
The FDA requires sunscreen makers to post expiration dates on the packaging. Toss any SPF product that is expired or more than three years old.
Eye cream
Chuck it after three months, or sooner if it has changed colors, smells funny, or stings when you put it on.
Body lotion
Keep for up to a year unless it stinks or has changed colors.
Mascara
The eyes are very sensitive to dirt, debris, and bacteria, so toss after three months.
Lipstick
Lipstick doesn’t penetrate the skin, so it’s safe in your makeup bag for up to two years. The color and texture may change slightly over time.
Liquid foundation and facial moisturizers
Whether packed with antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic) or not, they're good to go for up to six months.
