When we use our skincare products, we often forget that they have an expiration date, like other items such as food. 

When you purchase a skin care product, you’re probably not thinking when it’s going to expire like most people.

However, we all want to get our money’s worth so knowing when you’re no longer going to be able to use a product, even when it’s not finished, is very important. 

 In this article, we will discuss how to know if a product has expired, even when there’s no expiration date written, if you’re able to use expired products and if it’s possible to extend the shelf life of a product.

How To Tell If A Product Has Expired

While some products may have an expiration date printed on them making the job easy for you, others simply will not.

Some products may have a PAO (period after opening) symbol on them. This date says how long you can use a product after it’s been opened.  

Pay attention to any change in smell, texture, or color of the product. If the moisturizer you’re using is suddenly watery and a different color than when you first bought it, it may be time to get rid of it. 

Check to see if the product is doing its job. If it’s not, then it’s probably expired. 

If you’re still in doubt, toss the product after 1 to 2 years. 

Are You Able To Use Expired Products?

While some products may be effective and harmless to use past their expiry date, it’s best not to take that risk. 

Our skin care products’ chemical composition changes if they’re expired so if you have sensitive skin, using expired products can be very harmful for your skin. 

Possible outcomes of using expired skin care products include:

• Skin irritation
• Allergic reactions
• Breakouts

Using expired skin care products isn’t safe nor is it doing any good for your skin.

Is It Possible To Extend The Shelf Life Of A Product?

How you store your product will really impact how long your product will last. 

The worst possible thing you can do for your product is store them near a window. Exposure to sunlight causes the ingredients in skin care products to break down and this reduces the effectiveness of the product.

Make sure to put your product in a cool, dry place to get the maximum benefit from your product.