Why old makeup is dangerous for your eye and skin health (and when to throw it away)

Last weekend, I took some time to go through all the drawers and cabinets in my bathroom, take inventory, and throw out a lot of cosmetics and hair products. I kept finding makeup I’d long forgotten, from Urban Decay palettes to dozens of lipsticks in every shade. The question that kept popping up in my mind was, “Has this definitely expired?” This question led me to research the shelf life of different makeup products.

Yes, makeup expires and most products expire much faster than I expected, making me realize that I had been using a lot of them well past their prime. But I’m not alone. According to one study, almost 98% of participants They said they have used makeup past its expiration date.

It’s hard to throw away your favorite lipstick or an eyeshadow palette that still looks like it’s in good shape, especially considering how expensive some brands are. However, using products past their expiration date carries health risks, including increased chances of eye and skin irritation, bacterial growth, and possible infection.

To avoid complications or reactions, it is important to practice good makeup hygiene. Below is a breakdown of when different cosmetic products expire and what can happen if you continue using them after that date.

Read more: 10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Eye Health Every Day

When does makeup expire?

There is a misconception that it is safe to use makeup after its expiration date, but this is not always the case. The potential for breakouts, skin reactions, and infections is too high to ignore, so it’s important to consider how long your makeup has been open to avoid health risks.

Powder products and water-based products have different shelf lives. Powders, such as blush or bronzer, are safe to use for up to two years if stored properly and free of moisture. Water-based makeup products, such as liquid foundation, are very susceptible to bacterial growth, giving them a shorter shelf life of up to one year. Generally, makeup products last about one year from the date of manufacture before expiring, according to the mayo clinic. However, there are variations. Below is a breakdown of how long makeup lasts and when to throw it away.

eye makeup

This is the typical shelf life of eye products and makeup:

• Mascara: three months
• Liquid eyeliner: one to three months
• Pencil eyeliner: one to three months
• Powder eyeshadow: two years.
• Cream eyeshadow: One year

skin makeup

This is the usual shelf life of skin cosmetics:

• Liquid foundation: six months to one year.
• Powder and stick concealer: two years.
• Liquid concealer: One year
• Facial powders: two years.
• Powder blush: two years
• Cream blush: One year
• Moisturizing cream: six months to one year.
• Sunscreen: six months to a year
• Primer: one or two years.

Other makeup and cosmetic products.

With so many products applied on or near the skin, it is essential to know when they should be discarded.

• Lipstick: one or two years.
• Lip gloss: six months to one year.
• Lip liner: two years.
• Nail Polish: Open nail polish can last two years and unopened it can last more than five years.

These are just general rules, as many products can expire faster if not stored properly or if exposed to moisture. It is best to discard any product that has changed color, dried, cracked, separated, clumped, thickened, or developed a strange odor.

How to find expiration dates on products

Cosmetics are not required have expiration dates printed on labels in the US. The good news is that many products do this anyway.

To find them, first examine the label and see if you can find an open bottle icon, known as the period after opening (PAO) symbol, which will have a number printed inside. This icon determines the useful life of the product. For example, if there is a 12 printed inside the bottle icon, the product is safe to use for one year after opening. If there is a 24, the makeup is valid for up to two years after opening.

If you don’t see the PAO symbol, you can use the recommendations above to determine how long you can use the product before it expires.

Risks of using expired makeup

Using expired makeup can cause several health problems and adverse reactionsincluding:

• Skin irritation: Expired makeup may contain rancid ingredients that can cause redness or skin irritation.
• Breakouts: Bacteria that contaminate makeup, especially water-based products, can multiply quickly, contributing to skin breakouts and acne.
• Skin infections: Over time, makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, which could lead to infections.
• Eye infections: Bacteria from expired makeup or dirty eye makeup brushes can enter the eyes and cause infections.
• Contact dermatitis: Changes in the chemical composition of expired makeup can cause contact dermatitis, producing red, itchy, scaly, or swollen patches on the skin.
• Chemical burns: In extremely rare cases, expired makeup can cause chemical burns.

How to practice good makeup hygiene

With good hygiene and habits, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of being exposed to bacteria, infections, or adverse skin and eye reactions. Here are some additional tips to keep your eyes and skin healthy when applying makeup and cosmetic products.

• Always throw away old makeup.
• Clean your makeup brushes every three to seven days.
• Clean your Beautyblender or makeup sponges at least once a week and replace them every three months.
• Wash your hands before applying makeup to minimize exposure to bacteria.
• Properly store your makeup. Cosmetics decompose faster when exposed to heat and humidity, so it is best to store products in a cool, dark and dry place.
• If a product irritates your eyes or skin, stop using it immediately.
• Don’t wear non-eye makeup around your eyes. You may have seen people use lip liner as eyeliner, but this could introduce bacteria from your mouth to your eyes, so it’s best to avoid this practice.
• Remove your makeup and wash your face thoroughly before going to bed. Sleeping with makeup can clog pores, cause breakouts, and worsen any existing skin conditions. If you don’t clean your eyes and eyelids, you could even end up with eyelid dermatitis or a styeaccording to Everyday Health.

For more information, explore these 10 myths about sunscreen that you should stop believing and if Tretinoin or retinol are better for your skin..