Can you use expired mineral sunscreen?

Does expired mineral sunscreen still work?

Expired sunscreen can lose its potency. Mineral formulas use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both, but those ingredients do not give the finished sunscreen an unlimited shelf life. Mineral and chemical sunscreens both work primarily by absorbing ultraviolet radiation; mineral sunscreen also reflects and scatters some UV light. The practical question is whether the whole product still provides reliable protection, not whether it still contains minerals.234

Can you use expired sunscreen?

The same discard rule applies to mineral and chemical sunscreen. Check the printed expiration date first. For sunscreen without an expiration date, consider it expired three years after purchase. That is a purchase date rule, not three years from the day you finally open it. If you cannot remember how old the bottle is, discard it. Write the purchase date on a new bottle if it has no expiration date.15

What if the sunscreen looks fine?

An unchanged appearance does not override an expired date. Sunscreen can also spoil before that date, especially after exposure to heat or direct sunlight. Replace mineral sunscreen sooner if you notice any of these changes:15

• The formula feels gritty or contains small pebble like lumps.
• The sunscreen becomes difficult to rub into your skin.
• The color or smell changes.
• The formula separates into distinct layers.
• The consistency becomes dry or flaky.

Should you use expired sunscreen?

No. Unreliable protection leaves you more exposed to sunburn and sun damage. Expired sunscreen can also cause irritation or an allergic reaction, and bacteria or mold can grow inside an old container. If you have already applied expired sunscreen, replace it with fresh sunscreen and use shade and protective clothing. Do not count the old application as dependable protection.456

How to choose and use the replacement

Choose broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. Broad spectrum means protection against UVA and UVB, which is more useful information than how distinguished the bottle looks. Lotions and creams typically provide more reliable coverage than sprays, even if spraying feels more like operating equipment.34

1. 1Apply fresh sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, following the product's directions.
2. 2Cover all exposed skin generously. Most adults need about one ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, for exposed body skin.
3. 3Include your ears, neck, hairline, hands and tops of your feet.
4. 4Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating, following the label.

Mineral sunscreen can suit sensitive skin, including skin irritated by some chemical sunscreen ingredients. Mineral sunscreens are also commonly recommended during pregnancy, although chemical sunscreens can be appropriate too. Fresh protection deserves particular attention if you use retinoids or glycolic acid, or take antibiotics or diuretics, because these can increase vulnerability to sunburn.24

How to keep the next bottle in good condition

Store sunscreen in a cool, dry place rather than a hot car. Close the lid after use and handle the bottle with clean hands. Outdoors, keep the container in shade or wrap it in a towel instead of leaving it in direct sun. Keep using sun protection on cloudy days and during winter; neither changes the need for a usable bottle.167