FDA Cosmetics Q&A: Shelf Life
Cosmetics Q&A: Shelf Life
What is the shelf life of cosmetics?
The shelf life for eye-area cosmetics is more limited than
for other products. Because of repeated microbial exposure
during use by the consumer and the risk of eye infections, some
industry experts recommend replacing mascara 3 months after
purchase. If mascara becomes dry, discard it. Do not add water
or, even worse, saliva to moisten it, because that will
introduce bacteria into the product. If you have an eye
infection, consult a physician immediately, stop using all
eye-area cosmetics, and discard those you were using when the
infection occurred.
Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually
short shelf life are certain "all natural" products that may
contain plant-derived substances conducive to microbial growth.
It also is important for consumers and manufacturers to consider
the increased risk of contamination in products that contain
non-traditional preservatives, or no preservatives at all.
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.
Sharing makeup increases the risk of contamination. "Testers"
commonly found at department store cosmetic counters are even
more likely to become contaminated than the same products in an
individual's home. If you feel you must test a cosmetic before
purchasing it, apply it with a new, unused applicator, such as a
fresh cotton swab.
Source: Excerpted from
Shelf Life/Expiration Date
Information above copied with permission of the
FDA.gov website
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