What is the real shelf life of common cosmetic products? Of course, by looking at their packaging, you will have realized how the indications on the time frame in which you can use beauty creams, face cleansers and make-up products without risk are actually not at all accurate. On them there is usually no expiration date expressed in days and years, but a time indication relating to the period following the opening, which usually varies between 6 and 12 months.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous
What is the real life of the municipalities cosmetics product? Of course, by looking at their packaging, you will have realized how the indications on the time frame in which you can use beauty creams, face cleansers and make-up products without risk are not actually accurate at all. About them usually there is no expiration date expressed in days, months and years, but a time indication relating to the period following the opening, which it usually varies between 6 and 12 months.
These indications are present both on the products of the big brands, both on products containing substances of natural origin and / or named as organic, the duration of which should be paid even more attention, given the possibility of rapid deterioration of some ingredients, including vegetable oils such as almond oil, which are easily subject to rancidity. How to regulate therefore to understand if the product contained in a package that has been open for some time is still usable?
First of all, attention should be paid to changes in smell, color and texture of the products, which represent a recognizable visual, tactile or olfactory signal of a principle of deterioration. Their use is not recommended if one of the aforementioned eventualities occurs, even more so if you are aware of having particularly sensitive skin. On the other hand, if the products are properly stored, kept tightly closed and protected from light, their duration and possibility of use it could be greater than indicated on the packaging. So here is a list you can refer to, bearing in mind the possible alterations mentioned above, before use:
Products for skin and hair
Perfumes: 2 years
Soaps: 3 years
shampoo: up to 3 years
Balm: up to 3 years
Anti-aging creams: from 3 months to 1 year
Face creams: from 6 months to 1 year
Lotions: between the 2 and the 3 years
Shower gel: up to 3 years
Make-up
Mask: 3 months
Liquid eyeliner: 3 months
Eye liner: up to 2 years
Eyeshadow: up to 4 years
Fard: 1 year
Face powder: 1 year
Powder foundation: 1 year
Liquid foundation: 6 months
Lipstick: 1 year
Lip gloss: 1 year
Nail varnish: up to 2 years
Finally, remember that the nominal life of make-up products can be extended by having the forethought always keep clean the lids and packaging of the products, as well as the brushes and sponges for their application that come into direct contact with the packaging and with the product. The above indications of duration are valid for beauty products commonly sold in supermarkets and perfumeries.
For the Organic products, natural or herbal remedies you need to take into account shorter duration periods, which may vary depending on the preservatives present within them.
Marta Albè
