The creams that we use daily as part of the body and facial hygiene process also expire because they include natural active ingredients. When one of these products reaches its expiration date, its efficacy and safety is drastically reduced. In addition, they can have negative effects on the skin and cause allergies.
Here we review why creams expire and whether it is harmful to use them after their shelf life has expired.
Why do creams expire?
Cosmetic creams have an expiration date and their use, once expired, can compromise their ability to achieve the desired effects and even end up being harmful to the skin.
This is not a minor issue, since many of us use creams without paying attention to the expiration date, precisely because we do not know that these creams expire. The reality is that they are products subject to chemical and biological processes that modify their composition over time.
The shelf life of creams is due to the presence of active ingredients and excipients which, over time, may decompose or lose their stability.
Environmental factors such as exposure to light and air can accelerate this process. In addition, cosmetic formulas often contain ingredients that are sensitive to oxidation, which can affect product quality over time.
Where is the expiration date on the creams?
The expiration date can usually be found on the product packaging. It is usually printed on the back, on the label or on the container itself, together with the symbol PAO (Period after opening), identified by the drawing of an open container, which identifies the shelf life of a cosmetic product since it is first opened.
Creams containing active ingredients, such as retinoids or antioxidants, tend to have a shorter shelf life. These compounds are susceptible to degradation and, therefore, may lose efficacy over time. Creams with a high concentration of natural ingredients may also expire more quickly.
How long can a cream be used after expiration?
Unfortunately, creams do not work the same way as yogurts. The use of creams after the expiration date is not recommended.
Although some products may retain some efficacy for some time after the stated date, optimal safety and efficacy are not guaranteed. It is advisable to discard any cream once it has reached its expiration date.
- In addition to the expiration date, the appearance of the cream should be noted before use. We can check if it has deteriorated by looking at the odor and consistency.
- Some may also evidence separation of ingredients. If a significant separation is observed when squeezing or shaking the container, it is likely that the cream has lost its homogeneity and, therefore, its efficacy.
When a cream is opened, its exposure to air and environmental bacteria can accelerate its decomposition. It is therefore important to store creams properly to prolong their shelf life.
Storing products in cool, dark places, away from direct sunlight, can help preserve their integrity. Also, washing hands before applying the cream can prevent contamination of the product.
What are the effects of using an expired cream?
The possible decomposition of the active ingredients, together with microbial contamination, can cause negative effects on the skin, in addition to the reduction of its efficacy, whether it is moisturizing or sun protection.
- The decomposition of the ingredients that make up the formulation of the cream may lead to the formation of irritating substances and thus cause redness, itching or burning of the skin, especially in people with sensitive skin.
- Some ingredients may break down into substances that trigger allergic reactions.
- Expired creams can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Contact with contaminating microorganisms can result in skin infections, including folliculitis or even more serious infections in people with damaged or compromised skin.
- Finally, being contaminated with bacteria, the cream could clog pores and trigger the appearance of acne or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions.
Obviously, the effects of using an expired cream will vary depending on the skin and the condition of the cream. If you are suspicious, it is advisable to stop using it and consult a dermatologist.
How is the shelf life of a cream established?
The duration of a cream’s effectiveness is determined by stability tests and shelf life studies carried out by the manufacturing laboratory. It is an integral part of the development and quality control of cosmetic products.
Before launching a product on the market, companies conduct stability tests to evaluate how the formula performs over time. These tests involve storing product samples in controlled conditions that simulate environmental factors such as light, temperature and humidity. The objective is to identify possible changes in the texture, color, odor and efficacy of the cream over time.
