What Is the Lifespan of Moisturizers and Lotions? Here's What Dermatologists Recommend

Whether you're someone with a variety of moisturizers on hand or you're just beginning your skincare journey, it's likely that some of your beauty products have been sitting unused for quite a while. If you're contemplating the safety of using a product that's been in your cabinet for years, you might wonder, 'Can lotion expire?' We asked dermatologists to explain everything about expired skincare products and how to tell when it's time to get rid of them.

Is It Time to Toss Your Lotion and Other Skincare Products?

Because of their high water content, moisturizers and lotions eventually reach an expiration point. Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, explains, "Moisturizers tend to have more water, which helps them stay stable for a certain period. However, after this time, they may begin to lose effectiveness due to ingredient breakdown, bacteria growth, or a change in texture."

"Water provides a breeding ground for microorganisms," says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. "In general, the more water-based a product is, the higher the risk of contamination."

Even with preservatives that prolong freshness, skincare products will still degrade over time. "Preservatives themselves become less effective as time passes," warns dermatologist Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD.

What About Sunscreen?

What are the consequences of using expired skincare products?

An expired moisturizer may not harm your skin, but it won't hydrate or lock in moisture as effectively. For products like cooling lotions or those for specific uses, their effectiveness may decrease too.

According to Nazarian, "Using expired skincare products can irritate the skin, and in the worst-case scenario, with sunscreen, you may feel like it’s working, but it offers no protection. This puts you at risk for skin cancer and aging, while falsely believing you’re safe and protected."

Camp explains that products stored in jars or tubs that require finger dipping can accumulate bacteria over time, making the product less effective or even unusable.

"Introducing microorganisms into skincare products by dipping your fingers can increase the risk of contamination. Preservatives in skincare products help prevent this, but as time passes, their efficacy may diminish, making the product more susceptible to contamination," says Camp.

How to Determine if Skin Care Products Are Still Safe to Use

If you think your skin care products have expired, there are several signs to watch for before discarding them. Nazarian explains that "Skin care products that have expired or were improperly stored may become runny, watery, change in color, or develop an unpleasant odor. If any of these occur, it's time to throw it out."

For body moisturizer, dispose of any unfinished containers that have been open for more than two years, no matter how they smell or feel. However, if you use a lotion regularly, you'll likely run out of it before it expires. Sealed and unopened bottles can last for three years.

"If you're worried about how long a product will last, check the packaging for a shelf-life indication," says Camp. "Often, you will find a number followed by 'M' to signify the number of months the product remains effective and stable after opening."

Though it might be tough to part with beauty products that still meet all the essential criteria before hitting the two or three-year mark, holding on to them longer could endanger your skin's health.

How to Keep Skin Care From Expiring Quickly

To ensure skincare doesn't spoil too soon, proper storage is key. As Nazarian suggests, you should keep moisturizers, sunscreens, and all other skincare items away from direct sunlight and heat, always maintaining a room temperature environment.

Some skincare products, particularly those targeting pigmentation, may last longer and stay more stable when stored in the fridge. These products often mention on the label that refrigeration is advised, says Nazarian. Otherwise, store them in a cool, dry spot, away from steam and sunlight.

How to Safely Get Rid of Expired Skin Care

Since skincare products, such as night creams, often contain chemicals, it's better to finish them rather than tossing them in the trash. However, if you can't use them up before they expire, be sure to dispose of them properly by sealing the jar and throwing it away instead of flushing it down the drain, where it could affect waterways.

"To reduce the environmental impact of skincare products, look for options that feature eco-friendly packaging, are made from renewable resources, and come in reusable or refillable containers," suggests Camp, who also recommends checking the packaging for disposal guidelines.

For those wanting to dispose of empty face lotion containers, some retailers, such as Nordstrom, accept beauty product packaging for recycling. But if you're a regular user of your favorite lotion or moisturizer, you’ll likely finish it before it reaches its expiration date.