Could checking cosmetic dates help you save money?

freshstash27

Have you ever thrown away cosmetics because you couldn’t remember how old they were? Would checking the production date help you decide what to keep and avoid unnecessary replacements?

The date alone can’t tell you whether a product is still usable—storage and time since opening matter too. Have you used a batch code checker, and did it help?

Pollycat

I'm curious why a new member would join MSE to ask this.

Glad

Hello and welcome to MSE 😊

I've never used a batch code checker myself, but I can see how it might be useful, particularly for products that have been sitting unopened in a drawer for ages.

I tend to go by the little open-jar symbol on the packaging, which tells you how many months the product should be used within after opening. The trouble is remembering when you actually opened it!

I think writing the opening date on the packaging would probably be more useful for me. A batch code might tell you when something was manufactured, but it doesn't necessarily tell you whether it's still safe to use.

I'd be particularly careful with things like mascara and other eye products, though. Saving a few pounds isn't worth risking an eye infection.

Devongardener

Well I have to confess that I don’t give any thought about sell by dates for cosmetics, they get used up however old they are. I have sensitive skin but have never had a bad reaction. As long as lids and tops are kept on it’s not a problem.
Although I wear makeup daily, I only use small amounts so new items last for a long time, and I certainly won’t be discarding expensive products.