Can Skincare Products Go Out of Date? Advice From a Skin Specialist

We often invest time and money choosing the perfect skincare products, but did you know they do not last forever? Yes, your favourite serum or moisturiser can go out of date, and using expired products on your skin can do more harm than good.

At Fixation Skincare, we want to help you make informed choices about what you apply to your skin. In this blog, we will explain how skincare products can expire, why it matters, and give you simple tips to spot when it is time to replace them.

Why Do Skincare Products Expire?

Skincare products contain active ingredients such as vitamins, peptides, acids, and botanical extracts that gradually lose their potency over time. The product’s texture, colour, and smell may also change due to:

• Air exposure

• Light exposure

• Temperature changes

• Bacterial contamination

Once a product goes out of date, it may no longer deliver results and can cause skin irritation or breakouts.

How Long Do Skincare Products Last?

It depends on the product and packaging:

• Cleansers: typically last 12 to 24 months

• Moisturisers and creams: 6 to 12 months once opened

• Vitamin C serums: 3 to 6 months (Vitamin C is especially unstable)

• Retinol products: 6 to 12 months

• Sunscreen: usually 12 months (always check the expiry date on SPF)

• Face oils: 6 to 12 months

• Eye creams: 6 to 12 months

Always check the packaging for either an expiry date or a small jar icon with a number (for example, "6M" means six months after opening).

Signs Your Skincare Product May Be Out of Date

Here are some simple tips to help you know when it is time to throw a product away:

• Check the smell. If it smells different or unpleasant, stop using it.

• Look at the colour. Has it darkened, yellowed, or changed?

• Feel the texture. Has it separated, become runny, lumpy, or grainy?

• Watch for irritation. If a product you once tolerated starts causing redness, stinging, or breakouts, it could be expired.

• Trust the date. If you cannot remember when you opened it and it looks or smells suspicious, it is better to be safe and replace it.

How to Make Your Skincare Last Longer

To protect your skincare investments and get the best results:

• Store products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Keep lids tightly closed after each use.

• Avoid using your fingers in jars. Use a clean spatula or spoon to prevent contamination.

• Do not store products in the bathroom if it gets very warm or steamy.

• Pay attention to expiry dates and note when you open a new product

Skincare products do expire, but with a little care, you can maximise their shelf life and protect your skin. If in doubt, always choose fresh, high-quality products and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on use and storage.

At Fixation Skincare, we only stock results-driven products from trusted professional brands with clear expiry guidelines. If you are unsure about a product or need advice on building an effective skincare routine, our team is here to help.

Visit us in-clinic or shop our skincare range online www.fixationskincare.co.uk