How To Tell If Your Makeup Has Expired And What Happens If You Use It Anyway

Makeup is a daily essential for many, enhancing confidence and self-expression. But like food or medicine, cosmetics have a finite lifespan. Using expired makeup isn’t just ineffective—it can pose real health risks. Skin irritation, breakouts, infections, and even long-term damage can result from applying products past their prime. Yet, most people don’t know how to identify expired makeup or understand the consequences of ignoring expiration dates. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how to spot the signs, what happens when you use old products, and how to manage your collection responsibly.

Understanding Makeup Expiration: PAO vs. Expiry Date

Cosmetic expiration isn't always straightforward. Unlike perishable foods, makeup doesn't always come with a clear “use by” date. Instead, two key indicators matter: the Period After Opening (PAO) symbol and the manufacturing date.

The PAO symbol—a small open jar icon with a number followed by an \"M\"—indicates how many months a product remains safe to use after opening. For example, \"12M\" means the product should be discarded 12 months after first use. This symbol is typically found on the packaging or bottom of the container.

In contrast, some products—especially those unopened—carry a printed expiry date. If stored properly, unopened makeup can last years, but once exposed to air, light, and bacteria, degradation begins. The moment you twist open a foundation or dip a brush into eyeshadow, the clock starts ticking.

“Most consumers don’t realize that preservatives in makeup weaken over time. Once they degrade, bacteria and mold can thrive.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Cosmetic Dermatologist

Signs Your Makeup Has Expired

Even if you’ve lost track of when you opened a product, your senses can help determine its safety. Here are the most reliable warning signs:

• Change in texture: Foundations may separate or become chunky; mascaras thicken into clumps; creams turn gritty or watery.
• Unusual odor: A sour, rancid, or chemical smell indicates bacterial growth or ingredient breakdown.
• Color shift: Lipsticks fading, foundations darkening, or eyeshadows oxidizing abnormally suggest formulation instability.
• Irritation upon application: Redness, itching, stinging, or breakouts shortly after use may signal contamination.
• Packaging issues: Cracked containers, loose caps, or dried residue around the rim increase contamination risk.

Liquid and cream products tend to spoil faster than powders due to higher water content, which supports microbial growth. Mascara, in particular, is notorious for rapid bacterial colonization because of repeated exposure to eyelashes and air.

Tip: Write the opening date directly on the product with a permanent marker. Use abbreviations like “03/25” for March 2025 to avoid confusion.

What Happens If You Use Expired Makeup?

The risks go beyond poor performance. Expired makeup can compromise your skin’s health and lead to serious complications.

Skin Reactions and Infections

As preservatives break down, bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can multiply. Applying contaminated products—especially near eyes or lips—can cause:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Acne flare-ups and cystic breakouts
• Fungal infections like ringworm or yeast overgrowth
• Contact dermatitis, including redness, peeling, and swelling

A documented case involved a 28-year-old woman who developed chronic eye infections after using a 10-month-old mascara. Despite no visible changes, lab tests revealed high levels of Pseudomonas, a bacterium known to cause corneal ulcers. She discontinued use and fully recovered within weeks under medical treatment.

Reduced Effectiveness

Expired makeup often fails to deliver intended results. Sunscreen in foundation loses UV protection. Color pigments degrade, leading to uneven coverage. Waterproof formulas may lose their staying power. These inefficiencies not only waste money but also undermine routines built on reliable performance.

Long-Term Skin Damage

Repeated exposure to degraded chemicals can weaken the skin barrier. Ingredients like oils and emollients oxidize over time, forming free radicals that accelerate aging. Fragrances and dyes become more irritating, increasing sensitivity and predisposing users to chronic conditions like perioral dermatitis.

Shelf Life Guide: How Long Does Makeup Last?

Knowing average lifespans helps prevent misuse. The table below outlines typical durations for common products.

Product Type	Unopened Shelf Life	Opened (PAO)	Notes
Mascara	3 years	3–6 months	Replace every 3–4 months; highest infection risk
Lipstick	2–3 years	12–18 months	Discard if dry, cracked, or smells waxy
Liquid Foundation	2–3 years	6–12 months	Separation or graininess = discard
Pressed Powder	2+ years	12–24 months	Less prone to bacteria; watch for color change
Cream Blush/Highlighter	1.5–2 years	6–12 months	High oil/water content = faster spoilage
Eyeliner (Pencil)	2–3 years	12–24 months	Sharpen regularly to remove surface bacteria
Eyeliner (Liquid)	2 years	6–9 months	Same risk profile as mascara
Concealer	2 years	6–12 months	Refrigerate for extended freshness
Beauty Sponges & Brushes	N/A	3–6 months (cleaned weekly)	Microbial buildup even with cleaning

Note: Storage conditions significantly affect longevity. Heat, humidity, and sunlight accelerate degradation. Products kept in steamy bathrooms or hot cars expire faster.

Step-by-Step: How to Audit Your Makeup Collection

Regularly reviewing your stash prevents accidental use of expired items. Follow this five-step process every 3–4 months:

1. Gather all products: Collect makeup from drawers, bags, and travel cases.
2. Check packaging: Look for PAO symbols, batch codes, or printed dates. Use apps like CheckFresh or BeautyKeeper to decode batch numbers.
3. Inspect each item: Smell, touch, and visually examine textures and colors. Test on inner arm if unsure.
4. Label or sort: Group items into “Keep,” “Monitor,” and “Discard.” Use sticky notes for follow-up dates.
5. Dispose safely: Empty containers can often be recycled. Liquids should be poured into sealed bags before disposal to prevent leakage.

Tip: Store frequently used products at room temperature away from sinks and showers. Keep backups in a cool, dark drawer.

Best Practices to Extend Makeup Shelf Life

You can’t stop expiration, but you can slow it down with smart habits.

• Wash hands before application: Prevents transferring bacteria to products.
• Avoid sharing makeup: Even with close friends, sharing increases cross-contamination risk.
• Don’t pump the mascara wand: This introduces air and dries out the formula faster while increasing bacterial load.
• Close caps tightly: Minimizes air exposure and preserves preservatives.
• Clean tools weekly: Brushes and sponges harbor bacteria. Use gentle cleansers and let them air-dry completely.
• Use spatulas for jars: Dipping fingers introduces microbes. A small metal tool keeps creams cleaner.

“Think of your makeup like skincare. If you wouldn’t put spoiled lotion on your face, don’t use expired concealer either.” — Rachel Kim, Esthetician & Beauty Educator

FAQ: Common Questions About Expired Makeup

Can I use makeup past its PAO date if it looks and smells fine?

Technically, yes—but it’s risky. Even if there are no visible changes, microbial growth may be present. Preservatives lose potency over time, making the product less able to fight bacteria. For eye-area products, never take chances. When in doubt, throw it out.

Does natural or organic makeup expire faster?

Yes. Products labeled “natural” or “organic” often contain fewer synthetic preservatives, making them more susceptible to spoilage. Many last only 3–6 months after opening, even if unopened shelf life is longer. Always refrigerate natural formulations when possible.

How do I find the batch code on my makeup?

Batch codes are usually stamped on the bottom or side of packaging. They consist of letters and numbers (e.g., “L245A”). Websites like checkcosmetic.net allow you to enter the code and brand to determine production date. Not all brands participate, but major ones like L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, and MAC provide reliable data.

Conclusion: Protect Your Skin, Preserve Your Routine

Your makeup collection should enhance your well-being, not endanger it. Recognizing expiration signs, understanding risks, and maintaining a clean, organized routine are essential steps toward healthier skin and smarter beauty habits. Makeup may seem durable, but its chemical composition makes it vulnerable to decay. By tracking usage, storing wisely, and discarding promptly, you protect not just your complexion but your overall health.

Start today: pick up your foundation, flip over your mascara, and check the dates. One small audit could prevent a painful infection or allergic reaction. Share this knowledge with friends and family—because looking good should never come at the cost of feeling unwell.

💬 Have a story about expired makeup gone wrong—or a tip to keep products fresh? Share your experience in the comments and help build a safer beauty community.