It’s easy to forget that beauty and personal care products don’t last forever. From moisturizers and serums to shampoos and sunscreens, every product has a shelf life—and using it beyond that can do more harm than good.
So, what do expiry dates really mean? How do you find them? And what happens if you ignore them?
Let’s break it down.
Do Beauty Products Expire?
Yes, they do. While not all products display a clear expiry date, they do have a "Period After Opening (PAO)" symbol, typically shown as a jar icon with a number (e.g., 6M, 12M, 24M). This refers to how many months the product is good for after opening.
Other products, like sunscreens or medicated creams, often have a hard expiry date printed on the packaging—and that date matters.
Why Do Expiry Dates Matter?
Once a product passes its shelf life:
- Preservatives lose effectiveness, increasing the risk of bacteria and mold
- Active ingredients break down, making the product less effective
- Texture, smell, and color can change, leading to skin irritation or allergic reactions
This is especially important for products used near sensitive areas (like eyes or lips), or those that contain active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol, or acids.
How to Read Expiry Symbols
- Jar Icon (PAO): Indicates shelf life after opening (e.g., 12M = 12 months)
- Hourglass or Calendar Date: Fixed expiry date (common on sunscreen, supplements, and pharmacy products)
- Batch Code: Can be used to trace manufacturing date (especially for imported products)
Tips to Maximize Product Shelf Life
- Store products in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
- Always close caps tightly after use
- Avoid dipping fingers directly into jars—use a spatula or clean hands
- Pay attention to changes in smell, color, or texture
When to Toss It:
- If it smells off or looks different than when purchased
- If it separates or feels different on your skin
- If it's been open longer than the labeled PAO
- If you experience any irritation or breakouts after use
Final Thoughts
Using expired beauty and personal care products might seem harmless, but over time it can lead to irritation, breakouts, or even infections. Your skin deserves better.
At PharmaC, we take product safety seriously. Every item we stock is stored under optimal conditions and delivered fresh. With our platform, you can shop confidently—knowing your beauty and wellness essentials are always up to date.
