Safe to say that we’re all well-versed in basic sunscreen commandments. Thou shall use broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection every day. And reapply said sunscreen every two hours. But something that often gets ignored when it comes to safe sunscreen practices is that tiny little label on the bottle known as the expiration date.
It’s natural to not want to waste any product, especially if you can’t physically see anything wrong with it. But using sunscreen—or any skincare product in general—past its shelf life can come with some major consequences. Below the experts break down why everyone should take the expiration date seriously and how to get the most out of your favorite sunscreens before it’s time to toss them out.
Does sunscreen expire?
To put it bluntly: yes. There will come a time when even the best sunscreens are no longer effective. According to Krupa Koestline, founder and chief cosmetic chemist at KKT Labs, sunscreens are considered over-the-counter drugs with specific testing guidelines that they have to follow and adhere to. All sunscreens, Koestline says, are required to have expiration dates listed to enter the market and the sunscreen itself has to work up until that specified date.
Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, says that the formula for physical sunscreens (a.k.a. mineral sunscreens) are considered more stable than chemical sunscreens, and thus have longer shelf lives. She explains that physical sunscreens that include ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide won’t change their molecular structure when exposed to light and keep ingredients stable longer than those found in chemical sunscreens, which consist of more unstable molecules and can oxidize over time.
Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and CEO of BeautyStat, agrees but says that both are still formulated to last up to three years if unopened and stored in a cool, dry environment that is not in direct sunlight.
While sunscreen shelf life can even differ based on the type of sunscreen you choose, Robinson says there is no difference when it comes to spray and lotion formulations. King adds that a powder sunscreen contains minerals that are more stable and longer lasting while liquid formulations will be less stable. But you can expect sunscreens in general to last anywhere between two to three years.
Why does sunscreen expire?
All beauty products expire, says Robinson. He goes on to explain that most ingredients used in these products, especially sunscreen, will degrade over time and become less effective once they do.
How long does sunscreen last?
Robinson says that sunscreens are required to have an expiration date listed, as they are classified as over-the-counter drugs. Many, he adds, will even show a “period after opening” symbol on the package that will show you how many months the sunscreen has before it expires once you’ve opened it. (“This can be six or 12 months,” he says).
If there isn’t an expiration date listed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that the manufacturer must prove that the product can remain stable for three years. Then it can be considered expired three years after the date of purchase.
Does expired sunscreen work?
Technically, it might still work. Robinson says that if the sunscreen has been stored in a cool, dry environment and doesn’t show any physical signs of degradation, you can use it. You’ll also want to follow best sunscreen practices, such as reapplying it every two hours. But even then, using expired sunscreen isn’t recommended, he says. You should always try to use something that hasn’t expired.
What happens when you use expired sunscreen?
The main downside to using expired sunscreen is that you won’t get adequate sun protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can lead to signs of premature aging and more dangerous skin and health concerns, such as sunburn and skin cancer. “Expiration dates indicate the day beyond which sunscreen is no longer effective,” says Koestline. “You risk getting sunburns when using an expired sunscreen as the protection is no longer guaranteed.”
She goes on to explain that sunscreen formulas work so that UV filters are applied evenly over your skin. Once that sunscreen has hit its expiration date, the formula will begin to separate and those active ingredients that filter out the UV rays may end up clustering in one area upon application.
King adds that expired sunscreen could potentially irritate the skin. Ingredients could have broken down into irritating chemicals once past their expiration date or there could be bacteria and yeast growing in the product, which could lead to infection and forms of skin irritation such as bumps and rashes.
Both experts and the FDA strongly advise using expired sunscreen and tossing it all together. If there is a chance where you have no other option for sun protection, King says that using it might be okay if it’s only slightly past the expiration date and if the sunscreen looks, feels, and smells normal. Just do a test patch first to make sure you don’t react badly to it and still have a plan to replace it with new sunscreen ASAP.
“Expiration dates are stamped on sunscreen containers to specify the time limit for the product s stability and efficacy,” emphasizes King. “For optimal sun protection as well as texture, stability and sterility, use sunscreen prior to the expiration date.”
How can you tell if your sunscreen has expired?
The easiest way to tell if your sunscreen has expired is by looking at the label. But if there isn’t a specific expiration date listed, King says that you can assume it’s good for three years past its purchase date, just as the FDA advises.
Other signs that point to sunscreen being past its prime are changes in color, consistency, smell, and texture, says Robinson. He says that if the product is separating, streaking, or shifting in color, it’s no longer going to be effective. Even if this occurs before the expiration date, it’s most likely no longer safe to use and you’re better off grabbing a new one.
How do you properly store sunscreen?
Just like you would with any other skin care product, the best way to prolong the shelf life of your sunscreen is to store it properly. Both Koestline and King say that you’ll want to put sunscreen away from direct light as the sun can cause some formulations to break down and separate before the expiration date. Koestline says to keep products in a place that’s dry and at room temperature at a minimum. For best results, King says to opt for a cool, dark place.
