Most of us are guilty of hoarding bathroom products, and it is not uncommon to find that some of these products have stayed way past their shelf life. But how do you know when to throw out your beauty and personal care products?.

Not many people are aware that most beauty and personal care products come with an expiration date. Even when the product appears fine, it might have become rancid, ineffective, or possibly harmful to your skin.

This article will help you understand how long some commonly used bathroom products last and when it is time to discard them.

Shampoos and Conditioners

Shampoos and conditioners are some of the products that people tend to hoard the most. However, they are one of the easiest to determine when they expire.

Most shampoo and conditioner bottles have a “Period After Opening” (PAO) label that indicates the number of months you should use the product after opening it. The typical period is twenty-four months.

However, if you find that your shampoo or conditioner has taken on a strange odor, changed color, or become thicker or thinner than when you initially purchased it, it is time to toss it out.

Body Lotions

Body lotions are another commonly hoarded bathroom product that people keep using long after they have expired. Like shampoos and conditioners, body lotions come with a PAO label.

On average, body lotion typically lasts for twelve months, but it may expire sooner if not stored under favorable conditions.

If you notice a change in color, an off-putting odor, or the product has become lumpy, it is time to dispose of it immediately. Also, if the lotion separates and the consistency has changed from the original state, it is better to toss it.

Sunscreens

Sunscreen is incredibly vital, especially during the summer months. The PAO for sunscreen is typically between six and twelve months.

However, the shelf life depends on how long you have owned and stored the sunscreen and how well the product’s container is closed.

Pay attention to the sunscreen’s consistency and color. If you notice any separation, lumpiness, or color changes, it is time to toss it out and purchase a new bottle for protection.

Makeup

Makeup products like lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners, and foundations also have an expiration date. Most makeup products have a PAO on their labels, and it ranges from six months to two years.

The following are some telltale signs that your makeup has passed its shelf life:.

The consistency has changed.
It has a repelling smell.
The appearance has changed, such as unexpected transparency, clumps, and discoloration.
The texture has become chalky, oily, or dry and flaky.

It is crucial to ditch expired makeup because they can harbor bacteria, cause breakouts, skin reactions, and eye infections.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another product that some folks tend to use until the last drop. While toothpaste can last almost forever, it is essential to determine when it has expired. Luckily, toothpaste usually has an expiration date on it.

Some toothpaste can last up to two years after its manufacturing date.

However, depending on the type of toothpaste, you might notice that it got drier and harder than usual. In such situations, it’s better to throw it out and purchase a new one.

Razors

Razors are another item that we often overlook in terms of expiration dates. Even though razors do not have a PAO label, it is vital to replace them often.

After several uses, the blades begin to dull, causing razor burns and ingrown hairs, making it time to replace them.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your razor blades after four to six weeks of regular use.

Perfumes and Body Sprays

Perfumes and body sprays can last for several years, but they can go bad, especially when exposed to sunlight or high temperatures. When perfume has expired, it might develop a sour smell and change hue.

It’s crucial to store your perfumes and body sprays in a cool, dry place, preferably in a dark cabinet, to prolong their lives. This will help you avoid unnecessary waste and ensure that you always smell great when you step out.

Conclusion

Determining when to throw out your bathroom products isn’t an exact science for all products. However, it is essential to pay attention to the product’s PAO label, a change in consistency, the smell, and any discoloration.

Using expired personal care and beauty products could lead to skin irritation, rashes, infection, and even potentially more severe health conditions.

Always remember that using products that are past their prime can do more harm than good. Discard your expired items and remember to replace them with the new ones when necessary.