Moisturizer is a great way to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, but how long are you supposed to use it before it expires? There are many different types of moisturizers on the market, so there isn’t one answer that fits everyone. The best thing for you to do is read the label or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The shelf life of moisturizers can vary depending on the type of formula it is and its packaging. For example, if you buy a lotion in a jar or pump bottle, the product will last longer than one with an aerosol spray nozzle. In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether or not your favorite moisturizer has expired and what to do about it.
Does Moisturizer Expire? Which Ingredients Should You Look Out For?
One of the main ingredients that may expire is water. Moisturizers are primarily composed of the ingredient, so if it evaporates, you can’t use your moisturizer anymore and should toss it out. Other standard components like oils and emulsifiers last longer than water because they bind with other ingredients.
It is essential to keep an eye out for ingredients that could become contaminated with bacteria, mainly if you’ve used them for a long. Creams and lotions contain fatty acids like oleic acid, which are great at breaking down bacteria cells. If your cream or ointment contains these types of fatty acids, it will start to break down bacteria and mold after a specific time.
What to Do If Your Moisturizer Expires
1. You Can Donate Your Moisturizer If the Ingredients Are Stable
If you cannot use your moisturizer anymore and the ingredients are at their best, donate it. There will be someone who needs it. You can contact any local homeless shelters or donation centers in your area. Your skin might be dry, but someone else’s could look awful from harsh weather conditions or other environmental factors.
2. You Can Make Your Moisturizer Last Longer If the Ingredients Are Still Stable
If you cannot use it anymore, it’s best to cut it open and scoop out or pour any leftovers into a clean container for future use.
Ensure you wipe down the sides inside of the jar with an alcohol wipe before using it. If the ingredients are still stable, you can also use your moisturizer with a Q-tip or cotton ball to get all of the product out.
3. You Can Throw Out Your Moisturizer If the Ingredients Are No Longer Stable
Throw out anything that gets expired instead of taking a risk with any bacteria or mold. Although most products contain preservatives, they may not be enough to prevent contamination in some cases.
If you choose to keep using your item after its expiration date, be aware that there is a chance you could get an infection from using it.
4. You Can Use Your Moisturizer as a Body Lotion
You can use your moisturizing lotion in places other than your faces, such as the elbows, hands, feet, or even your underarms. Try not to use it on any broken skin, though.
5. You Can Use It as a Primer Before Foundation Application
Your moisturizer can help your makeup glide onto your face more efficiently and smoothly than without one. Ensure you apply it before you apply foundation or any other makeup.
6. You Can Add Moisturizer to Your Cleaning Routine
If you’re running low on laundry detergent, you can add moisturizer to your favorite laundry recipe to soften and cleanse your clothes.
7. You Can Use Moisturizer in Recipes for Other Products
Did you know that you can use moisturizers as a substitute in many other DIY recipes? For example, if you’re making a sugar scrub and your moisturizer isn’t thick for the recipe, substitute it with some petroleum jelly and coconut oil. You can also use it as a substitute in recipes that call for beeswax.
8. Spruce Up Your Candles With Moisturizer Scents
Adding nourishing moisturizer to your wax mixture can make your candles smell better. You can add a few drops of oil to any candle recipe you plan to make for that great moisturized scent.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Moisturizer?
When you’re looking for the best moisturizers to add to your beauty routine, there are many things that you should consider.
If you have dehydrated skin, it’s essential to find something hydrating, but if your skin is oily or acne-prone, something that won’t clog your pores will be necessary. You might also want to consider a moisturizer with SPF protection.
When buying a moisturizer, you should look for the ingredients, packaging, price, and how it feels on your skin. It’s best to buy from places with a generous return policy if you try a product and don’t like it.
Depending on your skin type, certain ingredients will work better than others. For example, if you have dry skin, look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin because they draw water into the skin to hydrate it from within.
It would be best if you also considered how the product feels on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for something fragrance-free and gentle because some products can cause irritation or redness, making it difficult to wear makeup over them.
Packaging is essential, so if possible, buy moisturizers with pumps instead of jars so you can control how much of the product you are using at once. It’s also good to use a spatula or clean fingers instead of your hands because if there are bacteria on them, they could contaminate the moisturizer with it.
Wrap Up
As you can see, moisturizer expiration dates are essential to consider to avoid any infections or skin problems. If you’re unsure, throw out the product and buy a new one. Stick with buying smaller amounts of your favorite products to not have an excess quantity on hand. Look for items without labels if you aren’t sure about the expiry date.
