Does Sunscreen Expire?
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Lesezeit 7 min
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Lesezeit 7 min
As a dermatologist in Miami, one of the most common questions I receive from patients is, "Does sunblock expire?" You see, many of us here in Miami have sunscreen in our car, pool bag, beach bag and purse that we may find months later and wonder if the sunscreen is still good. If it is expired, can we still use it? What are the risks of using expired SPF?
These are valid concerns, as using expired sunscreen can lead to reduced effectiveness and potential skin issues. In this blog post, we'll dive into the topic of sunscreen expiration, including when sunscreen expires, how long sunscreen lasts, what happens when you use expired sunscreen.
Table of Contents
Sunscreen expire. They expire faster when opened or when exposed to heat and sun. SPF expirations dates apply to unopened sunscreen stored away from sun and heat.
All sunscreens have an expiration date code on them. The expiration date sunscreen code helps consumers determine the shelf life of their sunscreen products. The FDA regulates sunscreen labeling to ensure the expiration date is clearly displayed and easy to find, typically on the bottom of the container or directly on the packaging. Expiration dates may be presented in a coded format, with letters and numbers indicating the manufacture date and lot number.
The FDA requires all sunscreen products to display an expiration date unless stability testing shows the product remains stable for at least three years. The expiration date must be displayed clearly, using a format like "EXP" or "Expiration Date" followed by the month and year.'
If a sunscreen product does not have an expiration date printed on the packaging, it typically means that the manufacturer has conducted stability testing showing that the product remains stable and effective for at least three years from the date of manufacture when unopened.
If a product doesn't have an expiration date, it must include a "period after opening" (PAO) symbol indicating how long the product remains stable after opening.
It's important to note that this three-year stability applies only to unopened products.
Unopened sunscreens need to be discarded within 3 years or by the expiration date on the product- whichever comes first. The sunscreen shelf life frame depends upon the ingredients in the formulation.
Sunscreen does have an expiration date, and it's essential to pay attention to it. Most sunscreens are designed to remain stable and effective for up to three years from the date of manufacture. However, this can vary depending on the specific product and storage conditions. If you keep your sunscreen in a cool, dry place like the refrigerator, it may last up to two years once opened. But if you store it in your car or pool bag, where it's exposed to heat, it may lose its effectiveness sooner.
Once a sunscreen is opened, it should be used within 12 months, to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety. However, this time is shorter if the opened sunscreen was exposed to sunlight or heat. This is why you should not keep SPF in your car or boat unless you replace it often. I tell my patients to use sunscreen within a month of opening it if possible.
Don't use expired sunscreen. There are many side effects that can occur- and you will not get the same level of sun protection.
Using expired sunscreen can have several consequences:
Certain sunscreen ingredients can become photoallergens when exposed to heat and sunlight for extended periods. These include:
Is your sunscreen expired and you need a new one? We can help! Shop our collection of bestselling sunscreens and dermatologist favorites.
The FDA regulates sunscreen as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, requiring manufacturers to conduct stability testing to determine the product's shelf life. This testing involves exposing the sunscreen to various temperatures and conditions to see how long it remains effective. Most sunscreens are tested at temperatures between 40°F and 100°F.
To ensure your sunscreen lasts as long as possible, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in your car or pool bag, where it can be exposed to high temperatures. You can also keep sunscreen in the refrigerator to make it last longer.
Sunscreen should be an every day part of your daily skin care routine. We can help you design the perfect custom skin care routine. All you need to do is find out which of the 16 Baumann Skin Types you are, and then we help you build a dermatologist recommended skincare routine that includes a daily sunscreen.
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Some skeptics argue that sunscreen expiration dates are merely a marketing ploy designed to encourage consumers to buy more products. However, this claim is not supported by scientific evidence or FDA regulations. Sunscreen expiration dates are based on stability testing conducted by manufacturers to ensure the product remains safe and effective over time. The FDA requires sunscreen manufacturers to provide evidence that their products remain stable and maintain their labeled SPF level for at least three years. If a sunscreen does not have an expiration date, it must be labeled with a statement indicating that it is stable for at least three years. The active ingredients in sunscreen, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, can degrade over time, particularly when exposed to heat, humidity, and light. This degradation can lead to reduced effectiveness and potential skin irritation. Therefore, sunscreen expiration dates are not a hoax but rather a crucial piece of information that helps consumers make informed decisions about the safety and efficacy of their sun protection products.
Yes, you are more likely to burn if you use expired sunscreen. The active ingredients in sunscreen can break down over time, reducing their ability to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This means that even if you apply expired sunscreen, you may not be getting the level of protection indicated on the label, increasing your risk of sunburn.
Zinc oxide, a common ingredient in physical sunscreens, is generally more stable than chemical sunscreen ingredients. However, it can still expire and become less effective over time. When zinc oxide expires, it may become thicker and more difficult to apply evenly on the skin, leading to patchy protection.
Chemical sunscreens, which use ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, are more prone to expiration than physical sunscreens. These ingredients can break down more quickly when exposed to heat and UV light, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential skin irritation.
Most sunscreens last 3 years if unopened. If it is less than 3 years, the expiration date is required to be on the label.
Old and expired sunscreens can break down into allergens that can give you a rash. In some cases the rash will only occur in sun exposed areas. This is called a photoallergy.
If your only option for SPF is an expired sunscreen, then use it. It is better to have an expired sunscreen than no sunscreen at all.