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Everything you need to know about shelf life, PAO symbols, and when it's time to let go of that favorite lipstick.
Every beauty product has a shelf life, and it varies widely by category. Here's a general guide to how long your products stay safe and effective after opening.
Mascara
3 - 6 months
Pumping the wand pushes bacteria into the tube. Replace every 3 months for eye safety.
Liquid eyeliner
3 - 6 months
Like mascara, liquid formulas near your eyes should be replaced frequently to prevent infection.
Foundation & concealer
6 - 12 months
Liquid formulas oxidize and separate over time. If the texture or color has shifted, it's time to replace.
Lipstick & lip gloss
12 - 18 months
Bullet lipsticks last longer than liquid lip products. Watch for a waxy smell or changed texture.
Serums & moisturizers
6 - 12 months
Active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol degrade faster. Pump bottles last longer than jar packaging.
Sunscreen
12 months (check expiry date)
SPF protection degrades over time. Always check the printed expiration date and never use expired sunscreen.
Powder products
2+ years
Blush, bronzer, eyeshadow palettes, and pressed powders last the longest since they contain minimal moisture for bacteria to grow.
Nail polish
1 - 2 years
When polish becomes thick, stringy, or separated beyond what shaking can fix, it's time to toss it.
Look for the small open jar icon on your product packaging. The number inside (like 6M, 12M, or 24M) tells you how many months the product stays good after you first open it. This is called the Period After Opening, or PAO.
For example, "12M" means the product should be used within 12 months of opening. The PAO is required on cosmetics sold in the EU and is increasingly common worldwide. If your product doesn't have one, use the general timelines above as a guide.
Even within its recommended shelf life, a product can go bad if it's been stored poorly or contaminated. Trust your senses.
A rancid, sour, or "off" smell is the most obvious sign. If it doesn't smell like it used to, don't use it.
Clumpy mascara, grainy moisturizer, or foundation that won't blend smoothly anymore. Changed texture means changed chemistry.
Foundations turning orange, clear serums going yellow, or lipstick changing shade are signs of oxidation and breakdown.
Some separation in natural products is normal, but if shaking doesn't re-mix it, the formula has likely broken down.
Where and how you store your products can extend or shorten their life significantly.
Keep products out of direct sunlight. UV exposure breaks down active ingredients and preservatives faster. That windowsill in your bathroom? Not ideal.
Avoid storing products in the shower. Heat and steam create the perfect environment for bacteria and mold growth, especially in jars.
Close lids tightly after every use. Air exposure oxidizes formulas and dries out products. It also lets bacteria in.
Use clean hands or tools. Dipping fingers into jars transfers bacteria. Use a spatula for creams and avoid sharing eye products.
Consider a cool, dry drawer. A bedroom drawer or vanity with a door is often better than a bathroom cabinet. Cool and dark is the sweet spot.
ShelfCheck helps you catalog every product you own and sends reminders before anything expires. No more guessing, no more waste.
Android user? Get on the Android Beta