Does tanning lotion expire?

How do you check whether tanning lotion has expired?

1. 1Look for a printed expiry or best before date on the container and packaging. A cosmetic product can become unsafe to use after its best before date.
2. 2Check for a period after opening symbol. An open jar with a number followed by M tells you how many months the product lasts after opening.
3. 3Count from when you first opened the bottle, not from your next application. For example, 12M means 12 months after opening.
4. 4Read the product's directions and precautions before applying it. Check any enclosed leaflet if the bottle does not carry all the information.

Read the bottle and any enclosed leaflet, because packaging can give the product name top billing and send the useful instructions to an annex. Cosmetic labelling in Great Britain includes dates or opening periods, with some exceptions such as single application packs.1

What if you cannot find a date?

There is no single expiry period to apply to every tanning lotion. Follow the lifetime marked on the particular product rather than assigning every bottle the same number of months. If an opening period is shown but you cannot remember when you opened it, you cannot reliably calculate how much time remains. Missing or minimal product information is also a reason to be cautious when buying cosmetics.1

Does an expired self tanner still work?

Sunless tanning lotions commonly use dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which reacts with dead surface skin cells to produce colour. An expired lotion's remaining tanning effect cannot be predicted from its age alone. Keep the expiry check separate from the colour result, because a convincing tan is not the bottle passing an inspection. Colour development is not a reason to ignore a labelled expiry date.12

How should you use a lotion that is still in date?

1. 1Follow the self tanner's label directions. Exfoliate beforehand, especially where skin is thick, and dry your skin before application.
2. 2Apply methodically in circular motions, working one area at a time. Use less concentrated product over joints to avoid excess colour there.
3. 3Wash your hands frequently to limit staining on the palms, and let the product dry thoroughly.
4. 4Keep self tanner away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

With DHA self tanners, colour usually starts developing around one hour after application and is strongest after 8 to 24 hours. The colour normally lasts three to ten days. How often you need another application depends on the area of skin and the product directions; the tan's duration is separate from the lotion's shelf life.4

An in date tanning lotion is not automatically sunscreen

Most sunless tanning lotions do not contain sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA protection outdoors, alongside shade and protective clothing. Check the sunscreen's own expiry information, and reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. A tan does not protect skin from the sun's harmful effects.23

DHA self tanners can cause dryness, irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction, particularly with excessive use or ingredient sensitivities. Stop using a lotion that irritates your skin. Existing eczema or rosacea can flare with some formulations. Avoid DHA self tanners during pregnancy because their effects in pregnancy have not been widely studied.4