If you ignore expiration dates on natural skin care, you’re wasting your money

Few of us pay attention to the expiry dates of beauty products. But with the recent proliferation of natural beauty and skin care products, experts say we’re wasting our money (and potentially ruining our skin) if we don’t change that mindset.

Manufacturers perform a large number of stability tests in their laboratories to determine how long a formula can operate at peak performance without being altered by external factors.

“This can involve storing the product under different conditions, such as different humidity levels and temperatures, and controlling changes in appearance, textures and odors over time,” explained dermatologist Alpana Mohta. The manufacturer may also perform tests to assess the product’s potential to support the growth of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. “Based on the results of these tests, the manufacturer can determine the shelf life of the product and hence the expiry date,” added Mohta.

It is important to note that in the United States, The Food and Drug Administration only requires that drugs have an expiration date. When it comes to cosmetics (usually defined as cosmetics with ingredients that have medical benefits), the recommendation is to include an expiration date or after-opening label on the package.

When it comes to natural skin care products, the process of setting an expiration date works pretty much the same way. However, since these items typically contain fewer chemicals than their counterparts, delivery times tend to be much shorter.

“Most natural or clean products are formulated to exclude harmful chemical preservatives, which may be allergens, skin irritants, or potential hormonal or environmental disruptors,” said Dr. Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, board-certified dermatologist. “In general, synthetic preservatives in skin care are more powerful in extending the shelf life of products than natural preservatives.”

Preservatives used in these more natural skin care options include tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and gluconolactone, all of which are considered effective in keeping a product’s makeup on, albeit for shorter periods of time than the alternatives.

“One downside to using natural beauty products is that they expire sooner,” Mohta said. “Preservatives make conventional cosmetics last up to two years, but natural products made without parabens can only last three or four months.”

Two things can happen after natural beauty products expire.

First, they become less effective as the ingredients deteriorate over time. In fact, expired beauty products can change shape. Due to oxidation, most naturally colored objects turn brown when exposed to sunlight. Others can completely change the shade.

“So if a product is used twice a day, every day, you should consider the increased exposure to air when choosing packaging, preservatives and colors,” Mohta said.

Second, they can be bad for your skin.

“In some cases, the bacteria can start to build up, causing rashes, rashes, or infections,” Mohta explained.

According to Blyumin-Karasik, there are a few ways to maximize the longevity of your natural beauty products.

First, you can store items in airtight containers such as pumps and twist-top jars. This will ensure less exposure to air and microbes and therefore less risk of contamination. And if you use your fingers or an applicator to apply a product, “wash your hands or applicators before use to maintain purity,” she said.

You can also call the kitchen for help. “Storing beauty products in the refrigerator can help extend their shelf life by delaying the growth of bacteria and fungi,” Mohta said. “Note that not all products can be refrigerated, so check the instructions for specific storage recommendations.”

One more note: If a product starts to smell different (musty or fishy, ​​for example), it’s time to throw it away.

While meeting skin care expiration dates is important, life can get in the way. So here are three tips to keep track of how much time you have left:

1. Use a label maker to note when you’ve opened a new product and when it expires. Stick it on the item as soon as you start using it.
2. Download Guardian of beauty app to keep track of all your important data, from “best before” reminders to “open at” reminders.
3. Once every six weeks, do a check: go through every item in your beauty cabinet and throw away the ones that have expired or are about to expire. You should also use this time to clean all your brushes, which is just as important as using only unexpired skin care products.