Mosituriser/Cleanser - Life expectancy?

ForOurFuture

First Thread ... so of course it is a question ... do moisturisers & cleansers have a use by date once used/opened? I was also wondering about make up?

The reason I ask is because I am having a declutter and have come across some stuff that I had started to use (possibly over a year ago) and then forgot I had got it! (Well I am a woman and not to mention a mum so what do you expect ).

As we are now on a budget I don't really want to throw it out but on the otherhand I'm not sure I want to run the risk of any reaction to it either (might be a tad embarressing ).

Would be grateful for any advice you may have ... x

elisebutt65

They usually have a little symbol on the label showing an open jar with a figure next to it - this tells you how long they should be kept once opened - Boots stuff is usually 12 months.

TBH - Once it's opened I wouldn't keep it past 6 months anyway

luckylukey

Sounds a bit grim but what I do with mositurisor when I am unsure of how old it is, I use it as a lotion on my feet! Its rich obviously for your face, so when I have a pedicure I use old mositourisor (and I cant spell!). Better than throwing it away.

FTB83

elisebutt65 wrote:

They usually have a little symbol on the label showing an open jar with a figure next to it - this tells you how long they should be kept once opened - Boots stuff is usually 12 months.

TBH - Once it's opened I wouldn't keep it past 6 months anyway

Wicked, thanks for that! My boyfriend asked me a while ago what that 'little pot with the 12 in it' is, and I hadn't a clue! :T

wigginsmum

I used to work in the industry, and shelflife was 6-12 months on most opened products.

wendym

Slightly OT:
I was told by someone in the business that you can safely get 3 years out of any unopened products, provided they have been kept cool and dark.
This morning I opened my last calming concealer by Bodyshop, discontinued over 4 years ago, and it's fine.

saving-grace

If it hasn't separated and if it smells fine, I personally would use it. Maybe try a little behind your ear first and wait 24 hours and if there's no reaction try a little on your face.
If in any doubt use it as hand cream or throw it out.
I get bored with face creams etc so chop and change so I too have come across part used jars tucked away- but I do then use them up as I hate waste!

ScoobieGirl

saving-grace wrote:

If it hasn't separated and if it smells fine, I personally would use it. I get bored with face creams etc so chop and change so I too have come across part used jars tucked away- but I do then use them up as I hate waste!

Yup, same here. I have used half open jars 3 years old with no icky side effects.

bargainqueen_2

Same here, and things that are less creamy (like powder eyeshadows etc) especially. I have been known to use my eyeshadow after 7 years. But then I'm stingy AND I rarely wear make up

finc

If you decide not to use it on your skin you can use moisturiser/hand cream in home made playdoh instead of cream of tartar. It makes it smell nice and makes it more pliable (sp?).

ForOurFuture

Thanks very much for responding to my query. I have looked at the containers for the symbol ... and yep it is there '24' so looks like I saved them in time. Brilliant idea to try it behind the ear and also to use on my feet - it's funny what you just don't think about!!