How Long Will My Makeup Products Last? Expiry Times & Dates Explained
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!
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:
- Ingredient Safety Assessment: An Evaluation of each ingredient used in the product to ensure they are safe for use on the skin.
- Microbial Testing: A test to determine if harmful bacteria or other microorganisms are present in the product.
- Stability Testing: A test to determine how the product will change over time, including changes in appearance, odour, and texture.
- 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:
- Shelf life (tells you how long a product is safe for BEFORE opening and usually is a stamped date on the jar/bottle/tube.
- 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.
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.