Propolis is a mixture of plant resins and beeswax that honeybees use to build, repair and protect their hives, which is a rather practical origin story for a skincare ingredient. It appears in facial creams, lip balms, ointments, drops and oral pills. The finished product matters when deciding how to store it and when to replace it.2

How do you know when to replace it?

US cosmetics do not have to carry expiration dates, so the packaging can find room for marketing while leaving out the calendar. Shelf life depends on the formula, use and storage. An unopened bottle is not exempt from ageing: temperature changes, sunlight and air can alter cosmetics.1

  1. 1Check the container and box for an expiration date and storage instructions.
  2. 2If a cosmetic has no clear shelf life information, contact the manufacturer rather than borrowing a date from another propolis product.
  3. 3Check for separation, drying, or changes in colour, texture and smell. Replace a cosmetic showing these changes.
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How should you store propolis skincare?

Keep the container and applicator clean, and avoid heat and direct sunlight. Bathroom moisture can encourage microbial growth. Fingers introduce bacteria and fungi into a jar, and preservatives can break down over time. These are general cosmetic storage principles, not a special shelf life for propolis.1

What if your propolis product is a medicine?

For a propolis product regulated as a medicine, follow its printed expiration date. That date describes how long the medicine retains its strength, quality and purity under the labelled storage conditions. Degraded medicines can lose strength or produce harmful compounds. Do not extend a medicine's date yourself because the contents look normal.34

Keep medicines in their original containers in a cool, dry place, away from the stove, sink and hot appliances. A bathroom cabinet exposes them to heat and moisture, which can damage them before their expiration date. Ask a pharmacist about specific storage requirements. Discard expired medicines and medicines with changed colour, texture or smell; a pharmacist can also help with disposal.4

Does irritation mean the propolis has expired?

Propolis itself can cause contact allergy, so a reaction does not necessarily mean the product is old. Stop using it if you develop itching, burning, a rash or swelling. Seek medical assessment if symptoms persist after stopping: patch testing can identify propolis allergy. Reactions can begin within hours to days in someone already sensitised. Known allergies to poplar, conifer, salicylates or balsam of Peru are reasons to avoid propolis because of shared allergens.2

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmeticsfda.gov
  2. 2Contact allergy to propolisdermnetnz.org
  3. 3Expiration Dates - Questions and Answersfda.gov
  4. 4Storing your medicines: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus.gov