How Long Is Sunscreen Effective? And How to Tell If It's Out of Date

Being a knowledgeable shopper is crucial—especially when it comes to something as vital as sun protection. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen—whether you're at home or in the store (just like you'd inspect a carton of milk). Unfortunately, some popular retailers unknowingly sell expired sunscreens to unsuspecting customers.

If you've come across an old sunscreen bottle in your cabinet or are picking up a new one, you might wonder—how long is sunscreen good for? Here's everything you need to know—from identifying sunscreen expiration dates to recognizing when your sunscreen has gone bad.

Does Sunscreen Have an Expiry Date?

Yes, sunscreen does expire. Most cosmetic products include expiration dates on their packaging, but they may not be obvious to you since they can differ from the more familiar food expiration labels. Even unopened, unused sunscreen can go bad over time as its active ingredients break down.

It's essential to examine the sunscreens you already have in your bathroom and check the labels on sun protection products before purchasing them to ensure their formulas are still effective. Expired sunscreen loses its potency (and in some cases, it might not work at all), leading to unwanted sunburns or skin damage.

While expired sunscreen is less effective and could potentially cause sunburn or other skin damage, it's safe to use it in small amounts. This depends on how long past the expiration date you are using it and the condition of the product. If your sunscreen still looks, smells, and feels the same as when it was new, and is within six months of the expiration date, it’s fine to apply it sparingly.

Sunscreen Expiry Date

Although the FDA advises sunscreens to carry an expiration date, unfortunately, some products do not have this information. If you can’t find the expiration date (or it’s not listed), consider your sunscreen safe for up to three years after purchase, as long as the store hasn’t been selling expired products.

If you can't recall when you bought your sunscreen and there's no expiration date printed on the bottle, the best course of action is to dispose of it. Without that information, you can't be certain of the product's remaining shelf life or whether environmental factors have already compromised it.

How to Determine if Your Sunscreen Is Out of Date

Sunscreen expiration dates can be presented in various formats, and they may be tricky to understand. Some are clearly printed on the bottom of aerosol cans, while others are embossed on the tops of plastic bottles in a set of numbers that might not seem intuitive. Formats that don’t match the typical U.S. date style can be particularly challenging to interpret.

Understanding Sunscreen Expiration Codes

In addition to checking the expiration date, there are other ways to determine if your sunscreen has gone bad. Pay attention to changes in scent, texture, or color. Discard any sunscreen that smells, feels, or looks different from when you first bought it, even if the expiration date hasn't passed yet.

These warning signs suggest the sunscreen is either old or has been improperly stored. If you notice any unusual odor, color, or texture upon using it for the first time (and you've shaken the bottle well, especially with mineral sunscreens which need to be shaken), it’s time to dispose of the product.

Sunscreen Storage Tips

Like many other products, sunscreens need to be kept under proper conditions to avoid spoiling too soon. The FDA advises that you avoid exposing your sunscreen to direct sunlight, which is a risk you’ll face in nearly every place you carry your SPF this summer.

Don't worry, though! Here are some tips to help you protect your sunscreen and keep it effective.

• Wrap it in a towel. When enjoying the sun at the pool or beach, wrap your sunscreen bottle in an additional beach towel or your clothes. This is a better alternative to leaving the sunscreen exposed to direct sunlight.
• Store in the shade. Keep your sunscreen in a bag to shield it from the sun. You can also place it beneath a hat or in a shaded area of your setup.
• Put it in a cooler. If you don’t have a beach bag, towels, or a shaded spot, store your sunscreen in a cooler. As long as it doesn’t leak or come into contact with food, this is a safe option.
• Store in a cool, dry place. At home, it's best to keep sunscreen in a cool, dark, and dry area—such as a closet or cabinet. Avoid humidity, heat, and direct sunlight. Don’t leave sunscreen in your car because the intense heat can affect its effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it okay to sleep with sunscreen on?

  It's better to remove sunscreen before going to bed. While not harmful, leaving it on overnight can lead to skin irritation, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. The sunscreen layer prevents your skin's natural oils from escaping.

• What’s the difference between sunblock and sunscreen?

  Sunblock and sunscreen are different products. Sunscreen absorbs sun rays before they penetrate your skin, whereas sunblock creates a protective barrier on top of your skin to reflect the rays.

  Each product contains different ingredients, so it's important to check the labels. The FDA has stopped manufacturers from using the term "sunblock" (along with "waterproof" and "sweatproof") to avoid confusing consumers, so you likely won’t see it on store shelves anymore.

• How should I apply sunscreen?

  Proper sunscreen application is just as crucial as choosing the right sunscreen. Doctors recommend using broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors.

  Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you sweat or get wet. Follow the instructions on the bottle and don’t forget to apply it to your face as well!