Makeup Expiration Dates: When to Toss Your Products
Does makeup expire? Learn how long mascara, foundation, lipstick, and powders last, how to read the PAO symbol, and signs it's time to toss old beauty products.
Most of us hold onto makeup longer than we should. That favorite lipstick from three years ago or the mascara you opened last fall might seem fine, but old makeup can harbor bacteria, perform poorly, and irritate your skin and eyes.
Here's how long common makeup products last, how to read the labels, and the signs it's time to say goodbye.
Why Makeup Expires
Makeup doesn't last forever for several reasons:
- Bacterial growth: Every time you use a product, you introduce bacteria from your fingers, brushes, or skin.
- Preservatives break down: Over time, preservatives become less effective at preventing contamination.
- Ingredients degrade: Oils can go rancid, textures can change, and colors can shift.
- Exposure to air, heat, and light: Speeds up breakdown.
Liquid and cream products, which contain water, are usually most vulnerable to bacteria.
How to Read the PAO Symbol
Many products display a small open jar icon with a number and the letter "M," such as 6M or 12M. This is the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol. It tells you how many months the product is designed to stay good after you open it.
In the U.S., cosmetics generally aren't required by law to carry expiration dates, so the PAO symbol is a helpful guide when it's present.
Pro tip: Write the date you open a product on the packaging with a permanent marker or a small label. It's an easy way to remember when to replace it.
How Long Does Makeup Last?
| Product | Approximate Shelf Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Mascara | 3 months |
| Liquid eyeliner | 3–6 months |
| Liquid foundation | 6–12 months |
| Cream products (blush, concealer) | 6–12 months |
| Lip gloss | 12 months |
| Lipstick | 12–18 months |
| Pencil liners (eye and lip) | 12–24 months (sharpen regularly) |
| Powder products (blush, bronzer, eyeshadow) | 18–24 months |
| Setting powder | Up to 24 months |
| Sunscreen and makeup with SPF | Follow the printed expiration date |
These are general guidelines. Always check the PAO symbol and watch for signs of spoilage.
Why Mascara Has the Shortest Life
Mascara is used close to your eyes, and its dark, moist tube is an ideal environment for bacteria. Pumping the wand in and out pushes air and bacteria inside. The FDA advises consumers to discard mascara three months after purchase or opening. Never share mascara, and toss it immediately if you have an eye infection.
Signs Your Makeup Has Gone Bad
Even before the recommended date, toss products that show:
- Changes in smell: A sour, musty, or crayon-like odor
- Changes in texture: Separation, clumping, drying out, or graininess
- Changes in color: Darkening or discoloration
- A hard film on powders: Often caused by oil buildup from brushes
- Mold or unusual spots
- Irritation: Redness, itching, or breakouts after use
Special Note on SPF Products
Sunscreen and makeup with SPF are regulated as drugs in the U.S. They usually have printed expiration dates, and the active ingredients can become less effective after that date. Don't rely on expired SPF products for sun protection.
How to Make Your Makeup Last Longer
- Wash your hands before applying makeup.
- Clean brushes and sponges regularly.
- Close products tightly after each use.
- Store makeup in a cool, dry place, not a steamy bathroom or a hot car.
- Use a spatula for jar products instead of your fingers.
- Don't add water or saliva to products to revive them.
- Sharpen pencils before each use to expose a fresh surface.
- Don't share eye or lip products.
What to Do With Old Makeup
Before tossing, check local guidelines for disposing of cosmetics and packaging. Some brands and retailers offer recycling programs for empty containers. Clean out old products regularly, perhaps every season, to keep your collection fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expired makeup make you sick?
Expired makeup can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, or, in the case of eye products, eye infections. It's best to replace products past their prime.
Does unopened makeup expire?
Unopened products last longer, but ingredients still degrade over time. Many unopened cosmetics remain good for about two to three years if stored properly.
Can I sanitize lipstick to make it last longer?
You can wipe the surface with a tissue, but this won't extend its shelf life indefinitely. Follow the PAO guidelines.
The Bottom Line
Makeup has a shelf life, and following it protects your skin and eyes. Replace mascara every three months, liquids within a year, and powders within two years. Check the PAO symbol, label your products with the date you open them, and toss anything that smells, looks, or feels different.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare provider about your skin. Read our full disclaimer.
