Makeup Expiration Dates

Question: Does an expiration date apply when it comes to makeup?

According to a March 9, 2000, FDA report (revised October 15, 2002), "There are no regulations or requirements under current United States law that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. Manufacturers have the responsibility to determine shelf life for products. Consumers should be aware that expiration dates are simply ‘rules of thumb,’ and that a product’s safety may expire long before the expiration date if the product has not been properly stored. Cosmetics that have been improperly stored – for example, exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale – may deteriorate substantially before the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached.”


Behind most cosmetic products is a small yet noticeable picture of a open jar or a open container. Printed on that jar or container is a number and the letter "M" listed next to it. This information will determine approximately how many months that particular product may be good for according to the manufacturer.

For cosmetic products that may not have a expiration date listed on it, the following information can be used as a guideline to determine the appropriate time to throw out any old makeup.


Foundation: 3-6 months

Concealer: Wand applicator concealers should be tossed within 6 months since they’re likely to grow bacteria. Stick, twist-up tubes, or compact concealers can last up to 12 months, especially if you use a makeup brush to apply the product.

Pressed powder cosmetics: Facial powder, blush and eyeshadow should be thrown out after one year. If you get an eye infection, however, you’ll have to toss out any eyeshadow you’ve used, to avoid re-infecting yourself.

 Lip gloss and lipstick: 1 year

Mascara: You should always replace mascara after 3 months. And toss it immediately if it becomes dry, or you develop an eye infection. Remember: Never, ever
share mascara!

Eye and lip pencils: If you sharpen them every few days, makeup pencils can last a year or longer. It’s time to trash them when they become dry, crumbly, and hard to apply.

All-natural cosmetics: Because these products do not contain preservatives, they should be used or discarded within 6 months.

Another great source of information to determined the shelf life or expiration date of a particular cosmetic item would be to visit http://checkcosmetic.net.

Checkcosmetic is a site that is able to search for the expiration date based on the brand and the batch code that is printed on all cosmetic products. This batch code can consist of letters or numbers and even at times both.

So what better time to pull out all of your makeup and start reviewing what items may need to be thrown out. Many makeup brands (if they haven't done so already) will be launching their 2011 Spring/Summer Collections. This is the perfect time to update your own makeup collection.

Happy shopping!!! ☺