Yes, your skin care products have an expiration date.
Does Lotion and Other Skin Care Expire?
Due to their high water content,moisturizers and lotionwill eventually expire.
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“Traditionally, the more water-based a product is, the greater the risk for contamination.”
Even if these skincare products contain preservatives to keep them fresher longer, they will still degrade eventually.
“Even preservatives lose their optimal function over time,” says dermatologist Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD.
What About Sunscreen?
(In the case ofcooling lotionsor other specific-use items, they probably won’t work as well.)
“Dipping your fingers into a skin care product can introduce microorganisms into the product.
Preservatives that are used in the manufacturing of skin care products help limit the growth of these microorganisms.
Throw it out if its exhibiting any of these signs.”
Sealed and unopened bottles should be good for three years.
But of course, it’s not always possible to use them up before their expiration dates.
If you’re looking todispose ofemptyface lotion containers, some storeslike Nordstrom’saccept beauty product packaging for recycling.