How to Check Cosmetic Expiration Dates Before Buying Discounted Makeup
Consumers purchasing discounted cosmetics often overlook expiration dates and aging stock. Experts recommend checking manufacturing codes and open-jar symbols to avoid skin irritation.
When shopping for cosmetics and makeup online or at pharmacy chains, consumers often wait for sales to stock up on beauty products. However, many discounted items have lingered on shelves and are nearing their expiration dates. Cosmetic companies rarely highlight expiration dates, especially during clearance sales aimed at clearing inventory. Experts note that consumers must pay attention to two critical dates before using a skincare product.
The first indicator is the open-jar symbol, which shows how many months a product remains safe to use after opening. Storing items in humid environments like bathrooms shortens their shelf life. If a cream changes color, develops an unusual odor, or if the opening date remains unknown, it should be discarded immediately. Dr. Avri Raveh, a specialist in plastic surgery, warns that using expired cosmetics can cause redness, itching, and even chemical burns.
The second critical marker is the manufacturing date. While products with a shelf life under 30 months must display an expiration date, items with longer shelf lives often omit explicit expiration dates. Consumers can decode the batch codes printed on packaging using online tools such as Cosmetic Calculator or Cosmetics wizard to determine exact production dates.
As a general rule, skincare products have a shelf life of three years, perfumes last up to five years, and makeup ranges from three years for mascaras to five years for powder-based items. Experts advise caution when purchasing deeply discounted items online, where manufacturing dates cannot be verified prior to delivery. Shoppers should rely on reputable retailers offering reasonable prices rather than suspicious clearance markdowns.
