Does Sunscreen Expire or Does it Basically Last Forever? 

Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of anyone’s skincare regimen, as sun damage simply makes you look less youthful the more it happens. It’s your best defense against UV rays, which is why most households have at least one bottle of it somewhere. The question is – does sunscreen expire? Can you rely on sun lotion that’s been secreted away in a closet for a few years? 

Maybe you’ve got a bottle of sunscreen that’s been sitting at the bottom of your beach bag for a couple of summers. What about that? Stay tuned to find out the answer.

Does Sunscreen Expire? The Definitive Answer 

Here we are with a definitive answer to the question – does sunscreen expire? It’s quite a simple one: yes, it does. It’s not going to go moldy or anything, but it is going to degrade over time and that means that you can no longer depend on the sun protection it provides. It may be easy to spot just by picking up the product, as your mineral sunscreen might:

  • Have changed in texture: It might have become grainy or separated into different layers. This means its formula has likely broken down. 
  • Have an odd or sour smell: Mineral sunscreen should have a neutral or earthy smell. If the odor becomes sour, it’s most likely no longer effective. 
  • Have become clumpy: An effective mineral sunscreen should be a smooth liquid. If your has become clumpy and difficult to spread, it’s most certainly past its best. 
  • Have changed color: A noticeable darkening or yellowing of the sunscreen could indicate that its chemical structure has changed. Once again, it’s not a good idea to use it. 

Another, perhaps more easy way to tell whether your sunscreen has expired is to check the expiry date. If it’s in the past, it’s best that you buy a new one – even if it’s not yet showing any of the symptoms listed above. Most sunscreens only have a shelf-life of between 2-3 years. 

So, Why Does Sunscreen Expire?

Mineral sunscreen contains active ingredients, like zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, which allow them to block UV rays. Over time, these ingredients can break down, especially if they’re exposed to heat, sunlight, or air. When this degradation occurs, you can no longer rely on the protection that’s claimed on the side of the bottle. 

Does Sunscreen Expire? Yes. Replace When In Doubt

Sunscreen does not last forever, and it can sometimes become ineffective before its expiry date has arrived. This can happen if you don’t store the product properly i.e. you leave it open, somewhere hot or in direct sunlight. That’s why you need to be aware of what sunscreen looks like when it’s been affected by these external factors. 

As such, you should pay attention to expiry dates and always check that the sunscreen you’re using has the right color, consistency, and odor. Then and only then can you be 100% sure that you’re being protected. 

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