Does Lotion Expire? – Shelf Life of Body Lotions

Many types of beauty products are rather expensive. For that reason, we tend to hang on to them for as long as possible, even past expiration dates. However, for our own health and safety, we need to find out how long lotions last and when it is not safe to use skincare items anymore.

In this post, we will investigate the possibilities of expiration dates and how long you can hold on to your favorite lotion.

Table of Contents

• Do Lotions Expire?
  • How to Tell When Body Lotion is Expired
• Can You Use Out-Of-Date Lotion?
• How Do You Use Expired Lotion?
• Side Effects of Expired Lotion
• How to Read Expiration Dates on Lotion Products
• Does Lotion Ever Expire: Absolutely Yes
• FAQs

Do Lotions Expire?

Yes. Any type of lotion will eventually expire. Moisturizer, body lotion, hand lotion, you name it.

This is because of two things:

1. First, bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms can contaminate opened lotion containers;
2. Ingredients (preservatives or desired components) in the lotion’s formula can stop working.

Most of the time, if a lotion’s packaging is kept sealed, it will last at least 3 years.

After it is opened (not after it is made), the lotion will typically last for at least 1 year while it is being used. It may even last a bit longer, depending on how much product you apply.

Most of the time and with regular use, you will use up a container of lotion long before the expiration date comes to pass.

How to Tell When Body Lotion is Expired

Have you ever come across a bottle of Bath and Body Works body lotion that was stashed at the back of your closet for years? When you pick it up, you hear a slosh, and the tube is bloated, unlike when you first got it.

When a lotion is expired and cannot be used anymore, you will most likely be able to see if it has broken down.

• Expiration Date: Check the packaging to see if the lotion has gone bad according to the manufacturers.
• Consistency: Expired lotions can become watery or oily. Sometimes, if the packaging let any air in, the lotion can also be hardened or chunky instead of smooth and creamy.
• Appearance: Discoloration is also very possible. The lotion can appear more yellow or brown, if the original color is meant to be more cream or light.
• Smell: Your nose will also tell you that the lotion cannot be used anymore if it smells bad or funny.
• Packaging: If there is anything wrong with the packaging, such as bloating or discoloration, toss it.

Type of Lotion	Shelf Life (Opened)	Shelf Life (Unopened)
Face Lotion	6-12 months	2-3 years
Body Lotion	12-24 months	2-3 years
Hand Lotion	12-24 months	2-3 years

Can You Use Out-Of-Date Lotion?

While it’s possible to use expired lotion, it’s not advisable.

The main purpose of a lotion is to hydrate the skin. After a lotion has expired, it may lose its potential to do any moisturizing due to its ingredients losing efficacy. These ingredients can also develop properties that can be unsafe when used.

The biggest problem with expired lotion may not be with the lotion itself but with the bacteria that may grow in it. Imagine slathering something contaminated all over your face and body.

You can end up with an unpleasant rash or other bad allergic reactions. The bacteria may also trigger other skin issues, such as acne. Especially if you have sensitive skin or skin problems such as eczema, using expired lotion will negatively affect your skin.

A newly-expired lotion can be relatively safe to use, but products that have been expired for a while should be tossed.

Watch out for odd smells, discoloration, any signs of mold, bloating, and liquid separation. Also, if a lotion stings or makes you itch, it’s not a good idea to continue using it.

Using expired lotions won’t necessarily kill you, but doing so may cause more harm than good, and you’re better off purchasing a new bottle of body lotion.

How Do You Use Expired Lotion?

You should be very careful when you use expired lotion because of the breaking down of its ingredients.

If your lotion comes in a sealed container that was kept away from direct sun or heat, or the bottle has a pump, you do not need to worry as much about bacterial growth inside the bottle.

When your hand lotion is in a jar, the chances are that it could be contaminated with some type of bacteria (from the air or from your own hands). These should not be used for long.

Should you find that the product is expired, the best thing to do is to throw it out. Choose your skin’s health over anything!

Side Effects of Expired Lotion

Lotion that is expired will not necessarily harm you very seriously. Using body cream that’s been in your closet for 5 years isn’t as dangerous as consuming something that’s been in your fridge for half a decade.

That said, expired body lotions can still cause you harm in the form of possible skin problems. Some of the effects expired lotion can cause include:

• redness/inflammation
• rash/irritation
• infection
• acne
• exacerbated skin issues (ex. eczema and rosacea)

Here’s a video of a Youtuber named Sejal who experimented with a full face of expired makeup products.

Using expired lotion can have a similar effect, especially if you’re applying expired face cream.

How to Read Expiration Dates on Lotion Products

Normally, you will find the expiration date of a product expressed in the month and year it will expire. It may also show a best before date on the product label.

With lotions and other skincare, there might be an icon. This icon may contain the letter M for total months and a digit that will show the number of months after opening the product.

Some products used as lotion don’t always have expiration dates or symbols, though. For example, a jar of petroleum jelly or Vaseline won’t always have an expiration date. They still expire, but not as soon as you think.

Does Lotion Ever Expire: Absolutely Yes

Normal lotion will last for quite some time, and if you use it regularly, you should not have a problem.

It is better not to use lotions that are in a container for too long after the expiration date due to bacterial growth.

To be on the safe side, use a container that allows you to either pour the lotion out or that has a pump. This prevents contaminating the product inside.

Remember to prioritize your health over saving a few $!

FAQs