We sell a LOT of sunscreen at PhaMix, including the ever popular line of Anthelios sunscreens. Because of this we are often asked if it is safe to use sunscreens beyond their best-before date. Though you may not notice, many skin care products, including sunscreens, cleansers, toners, and active topical treatments, come packaged with expiration dates. So is it safe to use expired sunscreen?
In North America, there isn’t a legal requirement to include expiration dates on cosmetic products. However, sunscreens differ slightly in that the Food and Drug Administration considers them to be over the counter drugs (in a topical form). In Canada, sunscreens must also contain expiration dates. Despite this, you may still encounter sunscreens that lack one.
So what will happen if you decide to go ahead and slather on an expired sunscreen? Before I answer this, it’s important to understand that a sunscreen’s expiration date is based on tests that a sunscreen manufacturer has conducted to demonstrate how long the product retains its efficacy and safety. If a manufacturer runs a test for only 2 years, then they can only label that a sunscreen’s efficacy is for 2 years. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the sunscreen will automatically ‘go bad’ or lose its efficacy the day after its expiration date. It just means that this is the duration that it’s been studied to demonstrate that it is still safe and effective. The sunscreen could very well retain its efficacy for several years more, but there is no way to know that this is the case.
In general terms, if a sunscreen hasn’t changed in color, texture or smell (indicating that it is most likely unsafe to use) it is probably still safe and effective. However, without testing, there is no way to know for certain. Whether you decide to use expired sunscreen depends on your appetite for risk. If you asked for my advice as a pharmacist, I’d have to tell you to throw it out.
That was very helpful. Thanks a lot. But what I would like to know thst if I use a knockoff for a sunscreen, would that be just as effective or not? And will I be protected or not?
For Najwa:
We’re glad that you are concerned about whether or not your sunscreen is providing effective protection from the damaging UVA and UVB rays. We’ve written a blog post here about what active ingredients to look for and what they protect against. Please feel free to compare it to your sunscreen’s ingredient list.
Best, Sharmani
Hi, I bought a Sunscreen with expired date..this month…If I do not open it till the summer – is it safe to use it. It is with Ttanium dioxide SPF 50+ of Mustella. It is still sealed.
For Svetla:
The general rule of thumb for sunscreens is that they have a shelf life of 12 months once opened. The expiration date is based on tests that a sunscreen manufacturer has conducted to demonstrate how long the product retains its efficacy and safety. However, regardless of the date, if the product’s smell or texture has changed, it is safer to dispose of it.
You may also want to contact either the seller or manufacturer for more information.
Best, Sharmani
My sunscreen expired 10/14. I don’t think it has ever been open. Can I use it?
For Jackie,
A sunscreen’s expiration date is based on tests performed by the manufacturer to determine how long a product retains its effectiveness and safety. You may notice that the majority of skin care products test for a period of 2 years. However, this does not mean that a product has gone bad or is unsafe to use beyond that point. Without performing a test longer than 2 years, there is no way of knowing for sure, though.
If your sunscreen has never been opened, doesn’t smell bad and still retains its original color and texture, it is probably still safe. The decision is up to you whether to use it or discard it. If you have any doubts or if it has been opened for more than 12 months, however, it’s safer throw it out.
Best, Sharmani
hey,
i was using a expired sunscreen for almost 45days. as soon as i realised its expired i threw it away. but the effect on my skin is bad – the boils, dark skin and roughness. Im guessing these r the after-effects if not then help me with an answer.
For Shradha,
Skin can react to any topical product, whether expired or not. Even treatments that you have been using for many years without problem may suddenly cause irritation and allergic reactions. We would suggest you contact your doctor or dermatologist for a consultation and assistance in dealing with the symptoms you described.
Best, Sharmani
Hi
I have had a bottle of sunscreen which I purchased since 2007. I bought it for a vacation in the Caribbean and hadn’t used it since. I recently went back to the Caribbean and decided to take it along with me since it had not hardened or shown any signs of disintegration. It also has the same fragrant smell as when I first bought it so I figured it was safe. I used it on the first day and everything was great. I used it a second time (about 3 – 4 weeks later) and this time I observed some swelling on my face. It was just temporary though. I should note that when I used it the second time, I also had the flu really bad. My eyes were puffy and my nose was also running quite a lot.
Do you think my swollen face (which last about an hour or so) was due to the sunscreen or could it have been because I was ill? I have not used the sunscreen since.
For Elle,
In light of the fact that your sunscreen expired a number of years ago, we would suggest discontinuing usage. Although it may not have changed in smell, feel or consistency, we would follow the old adage of “when in doubt, throw it out.”
Best, Sharmani
Is it okay to purchase discounted UNOPENED sunscreen, with tanning agent, from a shop that expires in a month? I won’t need to use it for two months (so it will be a month past expiry when I start using it) when I’m back in Australia. I can’t imagine it lasting much longer than a month or two when I’m in australia because I’m fair skinned and pretty diligent with my sunscreen use (being an Aussie and all!)
Thanks, Caitlin
For Caitlin,
Expiration dates for sunscreen and skincare are based on tests that the manufacturer has conducted to demonstrate how long the product retains its efficacy and safety. If a manufacturer runs a test for only 2 years, then they can only label that product’s efficacy is for 2 years. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it will automatically ‘go bad’ or lose its efficacy the day after its expiration date. It just means that this is the duration that it’s been studied to demonstrate that it is still safe and effective. A product could very well retain its efficacy for several years more, but there is no way to know without testing.
When it comes to sunscreen, it generally has a shelf life of 12 months after opening. If the product has gone past the best before date, most likely still safe to use. However, heavily discounted products with a short expiry date are usually final sale with no chance of refund even if the consistency, smell or color are off. This may just be a case of Buyer Beware.
Best, Sharmani
i got some nice information about Expired Sunscreen……… thanks.
Hi i wanted to purchase a Dr Dennis gross cc cream with spf but it expired in 2015. Would it still be good to use or do I need to leave it alone?
For Raven,
We get this question often. When sunscreens or skin care products have been opened, they normally have a shelf life of 12 months. On unopened products, expiration dates are used to demonstrate how long the product retains its efficacy and safety, based on tests conducted by the manufacturer. If a manufacturer runs a test for only 2 years, then they can only label that a product’s efficacy is for 2 years. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the product will automatically ‘go bad’ or lose its efficacy the day after its expiration date. It just means that this is the duration that it’s been studied to demonstrate that it is still safe and effective.
Given that the expiration date on the product you are thinking about buying is a number of years ago, there is certainly a risk that it may be at least ineffective, if not irritating to the skin. If it is non-refundable, we would err on the side of caution and leave it alone.
Best, Sharmani
Hi, I purchased a sunscreen lotion couple months ago, it’s expiration date is in 2021, I opened the pack couple days back, the lotion is smelling pretty bad but is casting no negative effects on my skin, what should I do
Hello Ms. Saxena,
Thank you for getting in touch. It’s difficult for us to comment on this as we don’t know which sunscreen you are referring to. If a sunscreen (or any cosmetic) starts to smell bad, it’s possible that it has become contaminated and may not be safe to use any longer.
If you purchased the sunscreen lotion at our store please do not hesitate to contact us at info@phamix.com so that we can assist further.
Best,
Sharmani