Shelf life and storage of cosmetics

Most care products have a long shelf life when stored properly. Cosmetics that have a shelf life of less than 30 months must be provided with a best-before date. However, this no longer applies once the product has been opened. For this reason, all cosmetics have been marked with a new symbol, an open cream jar, since March for more than ten years. A number on the symbol represents the number of months that the opened product can be safely used.

storage

It can usually be determined at first glance whether a product has become unusable: If the color or smell change, or components of a cream have separated, it should be disposed of.

A general advice is to store cosmetics in a dry and cool place. But it doesn’t have to be the fridge, because the cold can also cause problems with  emulsions  (fat and water separate), powder begins to crumble and lipsticks lose their color.

durability

In the following you will find guidelines for how long cosmetic products such as  self-tanners , mascaras etc. can be used without hesitation after opening:

• Eye creams  only have a shelf life of up to four months because they contain very few preservatives to protect the eye area.
• Mascaras  can be used for about three to six months after opening, but should definitely be changed after conjunctivitis. Liquid eyeliner  can be used for up to eight months.
• Self-tanners  should be used up after six months at the latest, otherwise they lose their tanning effect.
• Creams  and  masks , whether for the face or the body, can be kept for about a year after opening. When the oil and water separate, they should be discarded.
• Foundations  last for about a year. They should be cleaned from time to time.
• Nail polish  lasts about a year in an opened bottle. After that, they slowly become tough and difficult to spread.
• Perfume  lasts for one to two years when stored in a cool and dark place. As soon as the color of the fragrance changes, the composition of the fragrance is no longer that of the original fragrance.
• Cleaning products  can be used carefree for up to 2 years. For up to 3 years with alcohol-based facial toner.
• Lipsticks  keep well sealed for up to 3 years, as do lip glosses. Sun exposure is poison for lipsticks.
• Pressed powders  can be used for up to five years. However, brushes or sponges should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
• Deodorants  have the longest shelf life. They can be used until they dry out.