Beauty Product Expiration Dates: How to Spot Them and When to Say Goodbye

When was the last time you checked the expiry date on your favourite lipstick or face serum?

If you're anything like most beauty lovers, chances are you’ve got a few half-used products lingering in your bathroom cabinet. But here’s the truth: using expired beauty products can do more harm than good, even when they’re cruelty-free and packed with clean ingredients.

In today’s guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about beauty product expiration dates: how to find them, why they matter, and the signs it's time to let go.

Why Expiration Dates on Beauty Products Matter

Unlike wine, beauty products don’t get better with age. Over time, formulas can break down, harbour bacteria, and even cause irritation, breakouts, or infections.
Especially in cruelty-free and clean beauty products (which often contain fewer preservatives), shelf life becomes even more important.

Top Tip: Always prioritise your skin’s health over sentimentality. That barely-used foundation from 2018? It’s time to part ways.

How to Find the Expiration Date on Beauty Products

Many brands use symbols and codes instead of obvious expiry dates. Here’s what to look for:

1. The Open Jar Symbol (PAO - Period After Opening)

This tiny symbol shows an open jar with a number inside, like “6M” or “12M”.
It tells you how many months the product is good for after opening.

Important: Start counting from the first time you crack it open — not the purchase date!

2. Batch Codes and Lot Numbers

Some products have batch numbers stamped on them (often tiny and on the bottom or side). You can look these up online using batch checkers to find the production date.

 

3. Expiry Dates (Rare but Dreamy)

Some brands (especially sunscreens and some skincare ranges) do print clear expiration dates — day, month, year. If you see it, trust it. Others may rely on stickers to share this information, often in the form of use by date labels that help customers know exactly when the product is safe to apply. If a product doesn't have a used by date label you can always create your own so you know exactly how long you have to use the product from the date of opening.

 

General Guidelines: When Beauty Products Usually Expire 

Here's a handy general guide for shelf lives once opened:

Remember: Natural, cruelty-free, and preservative-light formulas often have a shorter shelf life than mainstream ones.

 

How to Tell if a Beauty Product Has Gone Bad

Even if you're unsure of the date, these tell-tale signs scream "Toss me!":

• Change in smell (rancid, sour, or “off” scent)
• Change in texture (separating, thickening, or clumping)
• Change in colour (fading, darkening, or odd spotting)
• Irritation upon application (burning, itching, redness)
• Poor performance (patchy application, uneven coverage)

Pro tip: Always trust your senses. If it looks, smells, or feels weird, it’s better to be safe and let it go.

How to Extend the Life of Your Beauty Products

While nothing lasts forever, you can make your cruelty-free treasures last longer with these habits:

• Store products in a cool, dry place (away from steamy bathrooms!)
• Tightly close caps and lids after every use
• Use clean brushes, sponges, and hands to avoid introducing bacteria
• Avoid direct sunlight exposure which can degrade formulas
• Don’t add water or other substances to thin products (it encourages bacterial growth)

Beauty is Timeless, But Products Aren’t

Maintaining a clean, fresh, and effective beauty routine is part of loving yourself and your skin. Being mindful of expiration dates helps ensure that your skincare and makeup routine stays safe, joyful, and effective - just like your commitment to cruelty-free living.

When in doubt, throw it out! Your skin (and your future self) will thank you.