Does hand cream go bad?

How long does hand cream last?

Start with the product's label and follow any directions and warnings. Ordinary cosmetic hand creams sold in the US do not have to carry an expiration date, so the packaging can be remarkably quiet about its retirement plans. A missing date does not tell you how long the cream will remain usable. If you need a shelf life for a particular cream, contact its manufacturer. Hand creams with SPF are different: in the US, moisturizers that also act as sunscreens are regulated as drugs as well as cosmetics and must carry expiration dates.12

How can you tell hand cream has gone bad?

Throw hand cream away if its color or smell changes. Other signs of deterioration include a cream separating into watery and oily parts, or drying out and becoming hard or cracked. Changes in texture can happen with exposure to air, sunlight or changing temperatures. If the contents no longer look or behave as they originally did, replace the cream rather than continuing to use it.12

Why do creams spoil?

Preservatives reduce microbial contamination and help keep cosmetics suitable for use during their shelf life. Without that protection, microorganisms can spoil a product, reduce its performance and cause irritation or infections. Preservatives themselves can break down over time. Dipping fingers into a jar introduces bacteria and fungi, while moisture in a bathroom can make it easier for those organisms to grow.13

How should you store hand cream?

• Keep the container clean and tightly closed between uses.
• Wash your hands before using the cream, especially when taking it from a jar.
• Protect the cream from temperature extremes, sunlight and damp storage.
• Do not leave it in a hot car. Heat can break down preservatives and speed up bacterial and fungal growth.

Writing the opening date on the container gives you an age record without requiring an archaeological dig through your receipts. That record helps you track how long the cream has been in use; the product's own directions still matter.2

What if the cream irritates your hands?

Stop using the cream and contact your healthcare provider if you develop a rash, redness, burning or another unexpected reaction. Irritation alone does not tell you that a cream has spoiled: moisturizers can also irritate dry or chapped skin. If dryness persists despite moisturizing after washing, see a dermatologist; some people need prescription treatment.24

How to use your replacement cream

For dry, chapped hands, choose a fragrance free and dye free cream or ointment containing mineral oil or petrolatum. After washing, leave your hands slightly damp and apply the cream, including around your fingertips and nails. After sanitizer, wait until it dries before moisturizing. Reapply whenever your hands feel dry, including more frequently in cold weather. Moisturizing after handwashing does not undo the cleaning.45

Is hand cream bad for your face?

Hand cream is not automatically unsuitable for your face, but the formula matters. Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than body skin, and a lighter gel or lotion is generally a better choice unless your face is very dry. If you are prone to acne, heavy occlusive ingredients, which coat the skin to hold moisture in, can aggravate breakouts. Choose a facial moisturizer labeled noncomedogenic, meaning designed not to clog pores. For sensitive skin, avoid fragrance and botanicals, and read the ingredients rather than relying on the product name.67