Does face wash expire?

When does face wash expire?

There is no single expiry period for every face wash. How long a cleanser stays safe and works as expected depends on its formula, how you use it and how you store it. An unopened bottle is not exempt from deterioration: heat, sunlight and temperature changes can affect cosmetics during storage.1

To work out when to replace your bottle:

1. 1Look for a printed expiry or best before date on the container and packaging. Follow that date.
2. 2Look for the open jar symbol. The number beside "M" tells you how many months the product should last after opening. For example, 12M means 12 months after opening, not after buying.
3. 3Write the opening date on the bottle so you can count from the right starting point.
4. 4If there is no date or opening period, contact the manufacturer for the cleanser's shelf life and storage instructions rather than assigning it a generic lifespan.

In the United States, ordinary cosmetics do not have to carry an expiration date, so a label can be very chatty and still leave out the useful bit. Great Britain uses best before and period after opening information on cosmetic labels. US acne treatments are drugs and must carry expiration dates, so a medicated acne wash needs particular attention to its printed date.14

How can you tell face wash has gone bad?

Check for a different or unpleasant smell, a color change, separation into layers, or an unexpected change in consistency. Drying out, hardening or becoming unusually runny are also reasons to replace a cosmetic. These are general cosmetic spoilage signs that apply to face wash, not a test that gives an old bottle a new expiry date.13

Preservatives help prolong a cleanser's shelf life and prevent mold. As preservatives break down, bacteria and fungi can grow. Fingers dipped into a container introduce microorganisms, while bathroom moisture can make growth easier. A changed smell is a reason to discard the cleanser, not something to cover with another fragranced product.15

How should you store face wash?

• Follow the storage instructions on the label.
• Keep the container clean and tightly closed between uses.
• Wash your hands before handling the cleanser.
• Store the bottle in a clean, dry place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid temperature extremes, especially a hot car or a very warm, damp storage spot.

What if an old face wash irritates your skin?

Stop using the cleanser if you develop a rash, redness, burning or another unexpected reaction, and contact your healthcare provider for advice. Irritation alone does not tell you that a cleanser has expired: cleansers can irritate skin through their ingredients or excessive washing, too. Sensitive skin can sting during or just after cleansing even with a product that is within its usable period.25

When replacing the bottle, a gentle cleanser suits most people. Use lukewarm water, massage with your fingers rather than scrubbing, rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Apply moisturizer afterwards to replace moisture lost during cleansing.6