By Destiny Uko
For many, makeup is a daily ritual that enhances appearance and boosts confidence. However, like all consumer products, cosmetics have a limited shelf life. Using expired cosmetics can lead to various health problems, some of them severe, as outlined below:
Bacterial Growth
Over time, makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, especially when preservatives break down. Applying such contaminated products on the skin can lead to infections like impetigo or folliculitis.
In one notable case, a woman developed a severe bacterial infection after using expired acne treatment.
Skin Irritation
Expired makeup can undergo chemical changes, which may cause skin irritation, inflammation or allergic reactions. Even if a product appears normal, its ingredients may have degraded, increasing the risk of adverse skin reactions.
Acne and Clogged Pores
Creamy or oily expired products can thicken, separate or change texture, clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Eye Infections
The eyes are especially vulnerable to bacteria in expired makeup. Products like mascara and eyeliner are applied close to sensitive areas, increasing the risk of conditions like conjunctivitis. Most dermatologists advise replacing mascara every three months to reduce the risk of infection.
Reduced Efficiency
Expired makeup isn’t just risky; it’s also ineffective. Active ingredients, such as SPF or anti-ageing compounds, can degrade over time, leaving products unable to perform as intended. For instance, an expired sunscreen-infused foundation may no longer provide adequate UV protection, leaving skin vulnerable.
Changes in Appearance and Smell
One of the telltale signs that your makeup has expired is a change in appearance, texture or smell. Products may develop an unpleasant odour, shift in colour or become unusually thick or runny. Such a product is no longer safe to use. You should discard it immediately.
Contamination of Application Tools
Using expired makeup can also contaminate your brushes, sponges, and applicators, infecting them with microbes and bacteria. The contamination can then spread to your skin or other fresh products, heightening the risk of infections and breakouts. Regular cleaning and timely replacement are crucial for maintaining skin health.
Tips for Safe Makeup Use
- Check Expiration Dates: Many products have a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, which indicates how many months a product is safe to use after opening.
- Store Properly: Keep makeup in a cool, dry place to prolong its shelf life.
- Avoid Sharing: Sharing cosmetics can introduce new bacteria, increasing contamination risks.
- Regularly Clean Tools: Wash brushes and sponges at least every 10 days to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Be Observant: If a product changes in smell, colour, or texture, it’s best to discard it, even if it’s still within its expiration period.
What if my makeup product doesn’t have an expiration date?
If a product doesn’t list an expiry date on the packaging, it’s important to monitor it.
Watch for signs like a change in appearance, texture, or smell. A once-smooth foundation that now feels sticky should be discarded. Similarly, powders that have become hard and chalky are no longer safe to use.
Here’s a general guide for product lifespan after opening
Mascaras and liquid eyeliners: 3 to 6 months.
Liquid foundations and concealers: 6 to 12 months,
Powder-based products (blushes, bronzers, and eyeshadows): Up to two years if kept in a clean, dry environment.
Lipsticks and lip glosses: 1 to 2 years, depending on their formula.
If a product suddenly causes stinging, itching, redness, or breakouts–especially if it didn’t before–your skin is likely reacting to spoilage. Be particularly cautious of products used around the eyes or lips, where the risk of infection is higher.
Conclusion
While it may be tempting to hold onto favourite makeup products, using expired cosmetics poses serious threats to your skin and overall health. Regularly review your makeup collection, track when items are open and store them in a cool, dry place away from from direct sunlight.
When in doubt, throw it out. Replacing old makeup is a small price to pay for healthy, glowing skin.
Makeup can boost appearance and confidence but using expired products poses significant risks. Expired cosmetics can harbor bacteria and mold, leading to infections such as impetigo or folliculitis. They may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions due to chemical changes and can result in acne and clogged pores as products change texture. Eye infections are also a concern with expired products like mascara and eyeliner. Additionally, expired makeup becomes ineffective, as active ingredients degrade, failing to provide benefits like UV protection.
Signs of expired makeup include changes in smell, color, or texture, which signal contamination. Tools used with expired products can spread microbes and bacteria, further risking infections. Key safety tips include regularly checking expiration dates, storing products properly, avoiding sharing, and cleaning application tools frequently. Being observant of any product changes is essential.
For products lacking an expiration date, monitor for changes in appearance, texture, or smell. General lifespan guidelines are 3-6 months for mascaras, 6-12 months for liquid foundations, up to two years for powder-based products, and 1-2 years for lipsticks and glosses. If products cause irritation, especially around sensitive areas like eyes, it is time to discard them. Overall, maintaining skin health involves careful monitoring and timely replacement of makeup.
