The Hidden Risks of Expired Makeup – And How to Keep Your Products Fresh

Did you know your favourite mascara or lipstick could be expired - and potentially doing more harm than good?

Using old makeup isn’t just a little gross - it can actually be harmful to your skin and overall health. At The VSpot, where clean, safe beauty is our priority, we think it’s time to give makeup expiry dates the attention they deserve. And if you’re using natural or PFAS-free products like Sappho New Paradigm, it’s especially important to know when it’s time to toss and replace.

Key Summary

• Makeup expires, and using it past its prime can lead to skin irritation, infections, or breakouts.
  
  
• Natural and clean beauty products may have shorter shelf lives due to the lack of synthetic preservatives.
  
  
• Look for the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol or batch dates to determine expiry.
  
  
• Store your makeup properly to extend its lifespan.
  
  
• When in doubt - throw it out! Your skin and safety come first.
  
  

1. Why Makeup Expiry Matters – Especially for Clean Beauty Products

Conventional makeup is often packed with synthetic preservatives designed to make it last forever (sometimes literally - hello, PFAS 👋). But in clean beauty - especially formulas like Sappho New Paradigm - products are made with botanical ingredients and low-tox alternatives.

That means:

• Shorter shelf lives
  
  
• More risk of microbial growth after opening (water-free products are less susceptible)
  
  
• Greater need to store them properly and watch for signs of expiry
  
  

Clean beauty is better for your skin, but it does require a little more attention - and that starts with checking your expiry dates.

2. How to Read Makeup Expiry Dates and PAO Symbols

Most products don’t list a specific "expiry date" like food, but they often feature a PAO (Period After Opening) symbol - a small jar icon with a number (e.g. “6M”, “12M”).

Here’s how to read it:

• 6M = 6 months after opening
  
  
• 12M = 12 months
  
  
• The clock starts ticking from the first time you open and use the product.
  
  

Tip: Use a permanent marker to write the open date on the product - especially if you rotate between a few.

Some products may also include a batch number or manufacture date. If you're unsure, check the brand’s website or reach out to the retailer (like us!) for help deciphering it.

3. The Health Risks of Using Expired Makeup

Why does expiry matter so much? Because old makeup can lead to:

• Bacterial growth (especially in mascara and liquid eyeliner)
  
  
• Eye infections like styes or conjunctivitis
  
  
• Skin irritation or breakouts
  
  
• Reduced effectiveness of the ingredients
  

And remember - even if it smells fine or looks okay, that doesn’t mean it’s still safe. Just like expired food, it’s not worth the risk.

4. Shelf Life Guide: How Long Each Type of Product Lasts

Here's a general guide to help you know when it's time to say goodbye:

💡 Tip: Clean beauty formulas, like Sappho’s, often have shorter shelf lives due to fewer preservatives. Use them regularly and store them properly for best results.

5. Tips to Extend the Life of Your Natural and PFAS-Free Makeup

You can’t stop time - but you can make your products last longer with a few smart habits:

• Store in a cool, dry place - not your steamy bathroom cabinet
  
  
• Always close caps tightly to avoid air and moisture exposure
  
  
• Use clean hands or tools to apply (especially with jars or palettes)
  
  
• Don’t share makeup, especially mascara or lip products
  
  
• Avoid water contamination - no spritzing directly into powder compacts
  

Clean storage and good hygiene can stretch your product’s life while keeping your skin safe.

6. When in Doubt, Throw It Out – The V Spot’s Advice

If your makeup has changed in smell, texture, colour, or just doesn’t feel right on your skin anymore, it’s probably expired. Trust your instincts.

At The V Spot, we believe in beauty that’s clean, safe, and effective - not just trendy. That’s why we carefully curate our products, including PFAS-free, low-tox ranges like Sappho New Paradigm, with both performance and your well-being in mind.

And yes - keeping an eye on expiry dates is part of self-care. ✨

FAQs

Do clean beauty products expire faster than conventional ones?
Yes - because they often use fewer preservatives and no synthetic stabilisers. Always check labels and store them properly.

Is expired makeup harmful to your skin?
It can be. Expired products can grow bacteria, cause breakouts or even lead to infections, especially around the eyes.

How can I tell if my makeup has gone bad?
Changes in smell, texture, colour, or how it performs on your skin are key signs. If in doubt - toss it out.

What should I do with expired makeup?
Avoid throwing it in the regular bin if possible - many areas offer beauty recycling programs. The V Spot offers a “Recycle and Save”program through Terracycle. Not only do you save the environment by participating in this return program. You can save 20% off your next order! Details here. 

Makeup expiry might not be glamorous, but it’s crucial to your skin’s health - especially if you’re investing in high-quality, clean formulations. Check your products, clean out your stash, and treat your skin to fresh, safe beauty.

And when you're ready to replenish your favourites with PFAS-free, ethical alternatives, we’ve got you covered at The V Spot.