How Long Will My Makeup Products Last? Expiry Times & ...

Author: Ingrid

Jan. 06, 2025

Beauty & Personal Care

How Long Will My Makeup Products Last? Expiry Times & ...

How Long Will My Makeup Products Last: a question we get asked all the time.

Makeup can last anywhere between a few months to three years, so it's important to know which products last long and which don't. We explain how to do that in this blog post, so keep reading!

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

The laws regarding how much testing is done for a particular product depends very much on where you live in the world or where you are selling. If your company is based in a European company or is selling to Europe, as SAPPHO does, your products go through a very lengthy and costly process of testing to make sure all their standards are met. SAPPHO goes beyond EU qualifications, now testing for PFAS/organic fluorine as well.

In the US, to get FDA approval for a cosmetic product, a cosmetic formulator would have to provide evidence of product safety through scientific testing. This includes the following tests for full products (assuming all relevant tests have been done on ingredients).

Generally if no medical claims are being made, some of the tests that are required may include:

  1. Ingredient Safety Assessment: An Evaluation of each ingredient used in the product to ensure they are safe for use on the skin. 
  2. Microbial Testing: A test to determine if harmful bacteria or other microorganisms are present in the product.
  3. Stability Testing: A test to determine how the product will change over time, including changes in appearance, odour, and texture.
  4. Package Integrity Testing: A test to ensure that the packaging will protect the product from contamination.

Specific testing requirements vary depending on the type of cosmetic product and its intended use. It is also important to note that the FDA does not approve cosmetic products, but it does regulate their safety and labeling.

Know the Different Life Expectancy of Your Products

The longevity of your makeup products depends on the type of product. Generally, liquid and cream based products have shorter life expectancies, while powder and mineral-based products tend to last longer.

No matter the time line however, it's important to replace personal care items when they pass their expiration dates in order to avoid infection or irritation.

Here's How To Read and Understand Cosmetics Expiration Dates

Makeup, skincare and hair products can all expire, but how do you tell when a product is past its prime?

Check the Store Expiration Date and the Open Dating System.

Cosmetics can have an expiration date stamped on the bottom or side of the packaging.

This is often referred to as the Store Expiration Date. This has no reference to whether the product is opened or closed, its determination is often as a result of the stability test. Sometimes, it is determined by a lot number and that number can be referenced to the store/brand for clarification.

In addition, many cosmetics also have a symbol called Open Dating System. The open dating system features small numbers which indicate how long a product will be safe and efficient after it has been opened for the first time (the small jar icon). These are numbers to pay attention to to know when to replace makeup products that are past their expiration date.

There are two ways that expiry dates are communicated:

  1. Shelf life (tells you how long a product is safe for BEFORE opening and usually is a stamped date on the jar/bottle/tube.

  2. Open jar icon (PAO) tells you how long the product is safe AFTER opening. Example: 12M means it is good for 12 months after you have opened it. TIP: It can prove useful to write the date you open it on with a permanent pen.

Exp. 12/2/

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GENERAL RULE OF THUMB

The (very) general rule of thumb for estimated longevity for products is as follows.

  • Foundation: 1-3 years 

  • Eyeshadow: 2 years
  • Lip products: 1-2 years

  • Blush: 1-2 years

  • Powder: 1-2 years

  • Concealer: 1-2 years
  • Mascara/Eyeliner: 1-6 months

When it comes to your SAPPHO products, here are our general guidelines.

 PRODUCT SHELF LIFE PERIOD AFTER OPENING Blush Refill 36 months 1-2 years Brow Pomade 36 months 1-3 years CC Cream 24 months 1-2 years Cream Concealer 24 months Until expiry Essential Foundation 30 months Until expiry Eyeshadow Refill 36 months 1-2 years Face Powder Refill 36 months 1-2 years Lip Gloss 30 months 1-2 years Mascara 30 months Until expiry, but 3 months ideal Silky Setting Powder 36 months 1-2 years Skin Luminizer 36 months 12 months

But keep an eye and nose out for any signs of contamination. 

Learn to Recognize Contaminated Makeup Products

Sometimes, it's not always easy to spot personal care products that have gone bad. Signs of contamination in cosmetics include changes in color, smell and texture. These changes can be very fast to occur, so it's important to carefully examine any makeup product before applying it. If anything looks off or if the product has a sour smell, discard or recycle if possible, and purchase a new one.

Understand How Color, Smell and Texture Can Indicate Expired Cosmetics

Signs of contamination in cosmetics include changes in color, smell and texture. Generally speaking, expired makeup products can show physical signs such as discoloration, a thicker or thinner consistency than normal, or an off-putting smell that lingers even after the product is applied. If anything looks off or if the product has a sour smell, don't apply and purchase a replacement to ensure you're using safe and effective makeup products.

Discard Old Products to Prevent Bacterial Infection

Discarding old cosmetics isn&#;t only important to maintain the best makeup application&#;it&#;s essential for maintaining good health and hygiene. When cosmetics are kept beyond their expiration date, they can encourage bacterial growth. Bacteria entering your bloodstream through tiny skin openings or via the eyes or mouth can lead to infections and illnesses like conjunctivitis and bacterial meningitis. So when in doubt, discard and recycle if possible &#;and replace it without delay.

The Difference Between EU Certified Products and Non Certified

European Union certification for cosmetics is an important assurance to consumers and businesses that the products they're buying have been rigorously tested for safety, quality and best practices. 

EU certified products must meet the highest standards of safety and quality before they are granted certification. The certification process ensures that all ingredients used in the production of cosmetics comply with EU regulations, meaning no known toxic substances are ever included in any product from a certified brand. This also helps to ensure that these products have typically been tested for efficacy as well, so consumers can trust that the claims presented about them are true and reliable.

SAPPHO's foundation, mascara, and concealer are all EU certified.

In addition, these products have all been tested for PFAS with results Undetected <10 ppm organic fluorine.

It doesn't get cleaner than that!

Shop All

 https://www.mysappho.com/collections/all-sappho-products

When to Throw Away Makeup: 9 Product Guidelines

Just like the drugs in your medicine cabinet, cosmetic products have an expiration date. How do you know if your makeup is expired? For instance, you may have to throw away makeup when it crumbles, brushes if they fall apart, or lipstick if it doesn't stick to your lips. Learn more with Health's guide about what you should keep and when you should toss and replace it.

1. Mascara

Average life span: four to six months

Though the average life span of mascara is four to six months, you may need to get rid of it before then. Some manufacturers may recommend tossing the eye cosmetic just two to four months after you buy it. Also, switch out your mascara as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, Jeannette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York, told Health.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Doriff.

Take no chances with eye products&#;germ-ridden formulas can cause infections. When you buy a new tube, do all you can to safeguard it from bacteria. Close it tightly after each use, avoid pumping the wand in and out, and never, ever share your mascara with anyone.

2. Eyeliner

Average life span: one year

Immediately part ways with your pencil liner if the tip starts oozing an oily substance or forms a white film. Hang on to liquid liners for no more than six months, and dump them sooner if they thicken or have a bad smell.

Little can be done to extend the life span of a liquid formula. The applicator tip is in constant contact with your eyes and can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Still, you can shave away germs on pencils by sharpening them every few days.

3. Foundation

Average life span: one year

Most formulas&#;liquids, creams, and compacts&#;can last up to a year if kept out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Once your liquid starts to separate, your cream thickens, or your compact color develops a strange aroma, like rubber, it's time to toss it.

To extend the life of your foundation, use a cotton swab when dipping it into bottles. If you use a compact, wash the puff or sponge every few weeks.

4. Concealer

Average life span: one year

If you use a pan or stick formula, you'll know it's gone bad when it cracks or turns tough and elastic-like. It's time to throw out your liquid concealer if it separates, appears oily, and/or smells rancid.

Keeping hands out of your concealer's pot or pan and tightly screwing on the lid can save it from spoiling before the year is up.

5. Blush and Eye Shadow

Average life span: one to two years

Expect creams to last one year, powders about two. If your powder grows a white crust or starts to crumble before that time, chuck it. "Creams tend to thicken and smell funny when they turn," said Dr. Graf.

Other life-extending tips apply too&#;use cotton swabs, tighten lids, and avoid heat and sunlight. You can also protect powders by keeping them dry and storing them in a place other than the bathroom, where humidity can alter their texture.

6. Lipstick

Average life span: eight months

Unless it turns gooey, smells rubbery, or no longer applies to your lips, you can safely use lipstick for at least eight months. Of course, if lipstick comes into contact with a cold sore or another type of infection, throw it away.

7. Makeup Brushes

Average life span: a year or longer, depending on the type

Natural hair brushes&#;the ones you use for powdered products&#;can last almost a lifetime if taken care of. Wash them once a week with gentle soap and warm water, and then set them on a table to dry with the brush end hanging off the edge.

Synthetic brushes, used for creams, last only about a year and need to be cleaned at least twice a week with an alcohol-based cleaner. Toss them when they start shedding, become rigid, or stop applying color evenly.

8. Fragrances

Average life span: three to five years

Depending on their contents, perfumes can have a long shelf life. For example, some fragrances may have phthalates, which are chemical-based compounds that help the smell of a fragrance last longer.

It follows then that an expired fragrance may smell worse or may have little to no smell like it did when you first sprayed or used it. In some cases, the perfume might also change color as it ages.

9. Nail Polish

Average life span: two to three years

Nail polish generally lasts a long time. However, polish that has gone bad&#;in other words, that's hard to use&#;will be thick when you try to apply it, dried out, or separated. If that happens, you may want to replace the polish if possible.

Keeping nail polish with the lid on tight can help it from drying out early. It's also helpful to store nail polish where it won't consistently be exposed to sunlight.

A Quick Review

Some cosmetic products, such as mascaras, may last only a few months, while others&#;like fragrances&#;can last years. Still, it's good to remember that they expire or will no longer be usable at some point. If you notice any changes in appearance, consistency, or smell, that's a good sign to throw makeup products away and opt for replacements.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Eye Cosmetics. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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