Is Expired Makeup Dangerous to Use? Experts Weigh In

Expired makeup happens to the best of us. While we all know that makeup expiration dates are an actual thing, in theory at least, not everyone religiously replaces mascaras or refreshes eyeshadow palettes. But how serious are those expiration dates? And is expired makeup really risky to use?

We tapped the experts for a complete rundown of the situation—from how the product changes once it expires to the squirm-inducing realities of what could happen to your skin if you continue to use it.

Keep reading to learn what happens to expired makeup products, and how they can affect your skin if you use them.

What Happens to Expired Makeup Products?

"First, an expired product will not be as effective as what you would expect from a new product," explains dermatologist Brendan Camp. "They may not have as much lasting time, their consistency may be different, and they may not sit on your skin the same way that a new product does."

While these effects may seem trivial, the degradation of a product's efficacy can be dangerous, especially in the case of sunscreen, or a cosmetic product that contains SPF. Think of it this way: If you're forgoing sunscreen for an SPF-enhanced foundation that expired a month ago, it's likely not be delivering the sun protection you think.

"In addition, over time, the chemical makeup of a skincare product may change and could cause skin reactions," continues Dr. Camp. "For example, contact dermatitis may present with red, itchy, scaly, swollen patches on the skin. Also, bacteria and other microorganisms may eventually contaminate the product, predisposing your skin to infection."

How does that play out for the makeup products that are sitting in your beauty bag right now? Read on for the specifics.

Expired Foundation

"Foundations contain ingredients that can start to separate when they’ve expired," explains esthetician Renée Rouleau. "The oil ingredients (the spreading agents) will always rise to the top, so, if you continue to use it, you may be applying a higher concentration of potentially pore-clogging oil to your skin." This can– as you may have guessed— result in breakouts. "It's a condition called acne cosmetica," Rouleau continues, "which is essentially [acne] caused by a blockage in the pores, resulting in bacteria growth." As a general rule of thumb, it's always best to shake your foundation before applying it, even when it's new.

If you live in humid climates or store your foundation in the bathroom, make sure to pay special attention to the texture of your foundation before applying it to your skin. "If a product is exposed to too much moisture, it may change consistency. Moisture also creates an environment that enables the growth of bacteria and fungi," notes Dr. Camp.

Makeup artist Kelli J. Bartlett offers: "[Foundation] will dry out and get clumpy over time, that's how to tell if it's time to throw it out." Feeling the urge to extend a product's lifecycle by adding a little water? You could be doing yourself more harm than good. "Don't ever introduce water to the products to dilute them because water contains a lot of microbes," warns cosmetic chemist, Ginger King. "You think you save money by using expired products or diluting the products with water but you need to think about your health and [healthcare] costs, which outweigh the price of cosmetics." 

Expired Mascara

"A general rule: It's best to replace [mascara] every three months," Rouleau explains. "If you continue to use it for longer, your mascara is more likely to flake off onto your face (or worse, into your eye) and not deliver your desired result." Rouleau continues, "Your eyelashes are meant to protect your eyes and prevent contaminants and particles from the air and environment from getting in. So when you apply mascara and the wand is dipped back into the tube, anything collected on the lashes (bacteria included) will get in. This is where possible problems can be created." FYI: Touching the mucus membrane of your eye with the wand, which is easy to do, compounds the issue.

Bartlett suggests trying a smell test with your mascara. "You can really tell when it's gone bad because you'll notice a hint of something funky in the smell," she says. "You'll probably also be able to tell by the way the mascara goes onto your eyelashes. If it doesn't last throughout day, it's another sign you need a new tube." Dr. Camp is also a proponent of the smell test, noting: "The smell of a product is a good clue that a product has expired. Products may develop a smell because of the degradation of ingredients or because of contamination."

Expired Powder Blush

Bartlett says: "Expired powders can dry out and become compacted, rendering them unable to work." But the good news is, these products have a lengthy shelf life.

"Dry powders and blushes housed in compact containers can actually last for several years," Rouleau asserts. "Bacteria don't thrive in a dry environment, so it's perfectly fine to keep a blush for three to four years as long as it looks okay and still delivers results. However, I do think the best way to maintain a powder or blush is to use a butter knife to gently scrape the top layer. Oils from your face can travel back to the powder via your brush, leading to a hard film on the surface."

Expired Cream Blush

Bartlett notes: "Expired cream products can irritate your skin, exacerbate rosacea, and clog pores. The same ingredients that give a product 'glow' or moisture can cause big problems when allowed to spoil."

If you notice a cakey consistency, it's probably time to say goodbye. According to Dr. Camp: "Products that are not closed properly can dry out because they are exposed to too much air. This can make them cakey and difficult to apply."

"For cream blushes that require you to use your fingers to dig into the pot, I suggest tossing them once a year," says Rouleau. "This is because bacteria can transfer easily, and you run the risk of adding more bacteria to your skin. Bacteria equals blemishes."

Dr. Camp echoes that, saying, "If you dip your fingers into a skincare product, you introduce microorganisms like bacteria and fungi." He adds that "Normally preservative ingredients prevent [bacteria and fungi] from growing, but over time the efficacy of preservatives may wane. This can be a risk factor for developing a skin infection." And if you're using a "natural" formula sans preservatives, its shelf life lessens to about six months.

"Cream blushes in a stick and multiples are good for up to two years," adds Rouleau, "as long as you are using a tissue soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe down the top [of the product] at least once a month." (Get the complete guide to sanitizing your makeup here.)

Expired Lipstick

"The skin on your lips is the thinnest on the body and susceptible to bacteria," Bartlett says. "Lipstick is full of natural, hydrating ingredients, which, when exposed to air, can dry out. When sources of bacteria or viruses are introduced into lip gloss—from a skin infection or cold sore, for example—the gloss wand can transfer bacteria into the ampule, contaminating the entire product. Long-wearing liners can also dry out and lose their efficacy if exposed to the air."

Generally speaking, lipsticks have a shelf life of one year before you should begin to get wary. Beware of changes in texture when it comes to lip products. "If a product acquires a different color it may be an indication it has expired. Color change may be the result of pigment breakdown or oxidation of the product after repeated exposure to air," explains Dr. Camp.

And don't forget to check the consistency of your favorite lip gloss. "Changes in texture may suggest a product should be replaced. When a product transforms from one that can retain structure to one that is drippy and runny, it indicates that the ingredients have turned," adds Dr. Camp.

Expired Eyeliner

"If irritated, the delicate eye area can become puffy, red, swollen, and even infected," Bartlett warns. "Take note: Redness, irritation, and infection are all side effects of expired eye products. Eyeliners are the biggest culprits when it comes spreading infection, so if your liner begins to lose its color, dry out, or become ineffective, toss it."

In general, liquid eyeliners last for three to six months while gel liners expire after 6 to 12 months. Pencil eyeliners have a bit more staying power, generally expiring after one to two years.

How to Find the Expiration Date

Most cosmetics have an icon of an open jar somewhere on their packaging. That icon will generally have a number, followed by an M. This number refers to the number of months after opening that a product is usable. (In industry terms, this is known as the PAO, or period after opening. It's determined by stability studies on open products.) When all else fails, there is a cosmetic calculator you can refer to online.

See a Dermatologist If You Notice Irritation

"If skin irritation occurs after using [an expired makeup] product, it could mean that a product has expired. It could also mean that your skin has developed a sensitivity to an ingredient. In this situation it is recommended to seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist, who can help you determine the cause of the rash and prescribe appropriate treatment," says Dr. Camp.

The Takeaway

When it comes to cosmetic expiration dates (or any expiration dates for that matter), it's best to err on the side of caution—especially for liquid products which can turn faster. "Products that are more liquid in consistency tend to contain a higher water content. They may expire faster than dry products because moisture enables the growth of bacteria," explains Dr. Camp.

So, is it ever okay to continue using products after their expiration date? Proceed at your own risk as doing so can increase your chances of developing skin sensitivities, breakouts, irritation, or even infections. Most experts agree that no cosmetic product should be used after three years from opening.