How Long Moisturizer and Lotion Last? Here's What Derms Say

Whether you have several kinds of moisturizers at any given time or you're new to the skincare world, chances are you have at least a few beauty products in your medicine cabinet that have been lingering there for a long time. As you wonder about the shelf life and safety of using that years-old face cream, you might ask yourself, "Does lotion expire?" We reached out to dermatologists to share everything they know about expired skincare and how to know when it's time to toss.

Does Lotion and Other Skincare Expire?

Due to their high water content, moisturizers and lotion will eventually expire. "Moisturizers often have a higher water content that makes them safe and shelf-stable for a limited amount of time—but, beyond their limit, may be prone to degradation of active or inactive ingredients, growth of bacteria, or change in consistency," says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD,

"Water creates an environment in which microorganisms can grow," says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. "Traditionally, the more water-based a product is, the greater the risk for contamination."

Even if these skincare products contain preservatives to keep them fresher longer, they will still degrade eventually. "Even preservatives lose their optimal function over time," says dermatologist Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD.

What Will Happen If You Use Expired Skincare?

An expired moisturizer may not always hurt or damage skin, but the product won't lock in moisture or hydrate as thoroughly. (In the case of cooling lotions or other specific-use items, they probably won't work as well.)

"Expired skincare products can cause skin irritation, or at worst, in the case of sunscreen, feel exactly like effective sunscreen but without the protection—so you continue to expose yourself to increasing risks of skin cancer and skin aging while falsely assuming you’re safe and protected," says Nazarian.

Products stored in jars or screw-top tubs—ones that require you to dip your fingers in—can accumulate bacteria over time, which can cause the product to be less effective or even unusable, says Camp.

"Dipping your fingers into a skincare product can introduce microorganisms into the product. Preservatives that are used in the manufacturing of skincare products help limit the growth of these microorganisms. However, over time, the stability and efficacy of these preservatives may wane, increasing the risk of contamination," Camp adds.

How to Tell If Skincare Is Still Good

If you suspect your skincare has expired, there are a few ways to tell before tossing it. Nazarian notes that "Skincare that has expired or been stored improperly may change consistency (often becoming runny or watery), may change color, or may have a strange odor. Throw it out if it’s exhibiting any of these signs."

When it comes to body moisturizer, throw away unfinished containers that have been open for more than two years, regardless of their smell or texture. However, if you're using a lotion on a regular basis, odds are you'll need to replenish it before it expires. Sealed and unopened bottles should be good for three years.

"If you are concerned about the shelf-life of a product, check the packaging for an indication about how long the product is stable," says Camp. "Oftentimes there is a number followed by an 'M' to indicate the number of months for which the product should remain stable and effective after opening."

While it may pain you to toss beauty products that check off the aforementioned boxes before the two or three-year mark, not doing so could cause potential harm to your skin.

How to Prevent Skincare From Going Bad

The best way to prevent skincare from going bad faster than it should is to store it properly. According to Nazarian, you should store moisturizers, sunscreens, and all skincare, away from direct sunlight and heat, keeping it always at room temperature.

"Some skincare can extend its shelf life and remain more stable when stored in the fridge, especially some ingredients that help with pigmentation, and these will often state on the label that refrigeration is preferred," says Nazarian. "Otherwise, keep it on the shelf of a room or closet, without steam or direct light."

How to Dispose of Expired Skincare

Because skincare products, like night creams, contain chemicals, it's better to use them up rather than send them to landfills. But of course, it's not always possible to use them up before their expiration dates. So if that's the case, just put it in the trash inside the sealed jar, not down the drain where it could get into waterways.

"To dampen the ecological impact of skincare products on the environment, look for products that promote eco-friendly packaging, are made from renewable materials, and reusable or refillable containers," says Camp, who adds to check any packing for information about how best to dispose of the product.

If you're looking to dispose of empty face lotion containers, some stores—like Nordstrom's—accept beauty product packaging for recycling. But if you're using your favorite lotion or moisturizer regularly, you're probably going to use it up before it expires, anyway.