according to dermalogica skin care experts, yes! Our skin care products are extensively tested during the development process to identify the ‘period after opening’ which is the lifespan of the product once it is opened. Our active skin care products have different expiration dates that is based on tests conducted on their active ingredients.
OK, so why don't a lot of skin care products have expiration dates? That's because, in the USA, expiration dates are only required on over-the-counter (OTC) drug products, i.e., acne treatments or sunscreens. (For our European friends: Products deemed OTC drugs in the USA may only be considered "cosmetics" in the European Union.) Also, expiration dates only indicate when the active ingredients in the formula are likely to expire; the product might still perform otherwise.
Non OTC products have a ‘period after opening’ POA, which is a timeframe the formula is considered safe to use. There will be a symbol on the packaging of a jar with the lid open and a number of months e.g. 12.
can I use expired skin care products?
It depends on the specific products and active ingredients. Most skin care products won't cause harm if used just after their expiry date however, they will become less effective in treating the skin concern, and the preservative system will become less stable in its ability to protect the product. To get the most out of your dermalogica products, we recommend using them within their date and replacing them once they reach their expiry date.
what happens if you use expired skin care products?
There can be some side effects of using expired skin care products particularly if the products have been exposed to extreme temperatures or a significant period of time has passed since the expiry date. Using expired skin care products can result in mild symptoms such as skin irritation, allergic reactions and in more serious cases even bacterial growth, especially in products containing water. Over time, you may notice ingredients breaking down and losing potency, potentially causing unpleasant textures or smells.
do expired skin care products still work?
Skin care products become less effective as time passes after the expiry date, but this doesn't mean they are completely useless. Our expiration dates are a guide based on our lab testing which is why we recommend re-purchasing the product at your earliest convenience once expired. Most dermalogica skin care products are in sizes that are designed to be used up in that space of time if used as directed on the product.
does sunscreen expire?
SPF products do expire. After the expiration date, the active ingredients in sunscreen will degrade, reducing their effectiveness at protecting skin against UV rays.
In Australia all sunscreens must be labelled with an ‘expiry’ or ‘used by date’. If you can’t locate one of the product, it is safest to replace it. It’s also important that sunscreen skin products aren't exposed to extreme heat and if the texture, colour or smell of the product changes it should be disposed of. Unlike other skin care products, using expired sunscreen is dangerous and may be the cause of serious sunburn or skin damage.
At dermalogica, we recommend checking your skin care products annually and disposing of products past their used by date or period of opening. To keep track of when products are purchased, we recommend marking each one with a date on the label. Our expiry dates work from the date the product is opened, so a reminder on the product can be helpful. Look for a symbol of an opened product with a month count inside to understand how long your product has before expiry.
We include expiry dates on our skin care products to ensure you get the most from your dermalogica products. This is your reminder to go through your skin care regimen annually, toss formulas that are no longer guaranteed to be effective and replenish your favourites. To extend the life of your products for as long as possible, store them in a cool place out of direct sunlight and heat. For more information on our skin care products or to ask about a specific skin care product or concern, speak to one of dermalogica's skin experts today.