How long does retinol last?

How long does retinol last before it expires?

There is no single expiry period that fits every retinol cream or serum. Check the packaging for an expiration date and storage instructions. If the usable period is unclear, ask the manufacturer how long your particular product lasts, including whether opening the container changes that period. Cosmetic retinol does not have to carry an expiration date under US law, which is a labeling rule rather than diplomatic immunity for the bottle.1

Prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin, are different from cosmetic retinol. Medicines must carry expiration dates. That date covers the period when the medicine retains its strength, quality and purity under its labeled storage conditions. Do not extend a prescription product's expiry yourself: degraded medicine can have reduced strength and can produce unwanted compounds.134

How should you store retinol?

Retinol is sensitive to light and oxygen. Antioxidants and encapsulation, which encloses the ingredient in tiny carriers, can improve its stability, so the formula matters as well as the calendar. Follow your product's storage instructions rather than assuming every retinol belongs in the fridge.5

• Keep the container and applicators clean. Dipping fingers into a product introduces bacteria and fungi.
• Keep cosmetics away from heat, including hot cars. Heat can break down preservatives and encourage microbial growth.
• Avoid exposing the product to sunlight and temperature changes. These can change its color, texture and smell.
• Watch for separation, drying out or a changed smell or texture. These are signs of deterioration, not a reason to keep using a product until its printed date.

How long does retinol last on skin?

Retinol is generally applied at bedtime and followed with moisturizer, rather than used as a rinse off cleanser. Follow your product's directions, even if the packaging has devoted more space to adjectives. Do not confuse time on the face with time to results: retinol starts working in skin cells right away, but visible changes take several weeks. Improvements in wrinkles usually take several months.2

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. Do not scrub.
2. 2Apply a thin layer, using about a pea sized amount for the face unless your label or prescriber gives different instructions. Avoid your eyes, mouth and nose.
3. 3Finish with a moisturizer that will not clog pores.
4. 4Start every other night for the first couple of weeks, or less often if needed, and increase gradually as tolerated.
5. 5Use sunscreen during the day, along with shade and protective clothing.

When should you stop using retinol?

Test a new product on a small area before using it widely. Retinol can cause temporary dryness, peeling and irritation, particularly on sensitive skin. If a product causes a skin reaction, gently wash it off and stop using it. A severe reaction that does not ease with a cool compress or petroleum jelly needs a dermatologist's attention.6

Do not use retinoids during pregnancy. Skin allergies, marked dryness or substantial redness make retinoids a less suitable choice. On darker skin, irritation can trigger dark marks, so start slowly and use moisturizer rather than pushing through irritation to finish the bottle.3