Are expired cosmetics harmful?
Clearly: we don't want to be wasteful and it takes a lot for us to throw half-full cream containers and tubes in the trash. However, excessive frugality in this case can have unpleasant consequences and backfire. Expired beauty and care products can cause skin irritation, pimples, stains or rashes and even allergies.
Particular caution is required with self-tanning products because of the ingredient dihydroxyacetone, which can release carcinogenic substances if exposed to too much heat . The same applies to
Sun protection with the synthetic UV filter octocrylene, which is contained in many conventional sun creams. It is also suspected of having a carcinogenic effect if stored for too long. With natural sunscreen this danger does not exist.
Even if it doesn't seem particularly sustainable at first glance: When it comes to cosmetics, you should turn a blind eye for the sake of your skin and say goodbye to expired products. When it comes to food, we also tend when in doubt, prefer not to take any risks - so why should we make an exception for our skin?
As so often, less is more. Because the same thing happens with cosmetics as in our wardrobe: In the end, we always reach for our favorite jeans, which we know are comfortable and conjure up a firm bottom. It's better to buy less and pay more attention to the quality. Nevertheless, it sometimes happens that you simply cannot get used to a high-quality care product because it does not suit your (skin) needs. Then just keep giving it away before it ekes out a solitary existence in the bathroom cabinet until its sell-by date. It would be a shame!
How do I recognize expired cosmetics?
The signs that your conditioner may have expired manifest themselves in different ways and depend on the composition of the product. Depending on the ingredients they consist of, beauty products can change significantly in terms of colour, texture and smell . A rancid smell or an unnatural discoloration are other unmistakable signs. Then only one thing helps: Hands off and put it in the trash can. The only question that remains is: which ones?
👆 An exception is our Shea Cream, which can change its consistency due to heat without affecting the quality . Nevertheless, it should be protected from heat and sunlight so that it does not crystallize when it hardens again. This is also the reason why we stopped selling Shea Cream during the summer months.
And goodbye - dispose of expired cosmetics
Have you cleaned up properly and finally want to get rid of a few "closet keepers" that are ready for the garbage can? Then pay close attention, here comes our little cosmetic disposal guide:
-
Very important: First clean the packaging of all product residue. These belong in the residual waste, NOT flushed down the toilet!
-
Separate the packaging according to the type of material: plastic packaging in the yellow bag, glass jars in the used glass container (sorted according to clear or colored glass).
-
Watch out for hazardous waste: Nail polish or hairspray cans fall into this category and can be taken to a recycling center free be disposed of.
📝 You can read more about zero-waste cosmetics and reusable systems in skin care very soon on our blog!
Hygiene is the top priority
Regardless of the expiry date of the cosmetics, your own diligence is required when it comes to creams, lotions and the like. to be able to use it safely for as long as possible. A hygienic handling of tubes and jars is therefore the be-all and end-all to prevent unwanted germs from getting mixed in or the cosmetics from drying out. So that your care products do not become unusable prematurely, you should avoid these four mistakesr as far as possible:
Don'ts
-
Do not reach into the crucible with unwashed fingers.
-
Leave products unopened.
-
Do not expose products to sunlight or heating.
-
Avoid skin contact when using pipettes.
The last point may surprise you, as advertising often shows how a serum is applied directly to the skin with a pipette. This may look aesthetic, but it is not hygienic. If the pipette comes into contact with the skin, bacteria can get into the product, which lead to the contamination mentioned above and thus make it unusable. Therefore, follow these 4 tips to enjoy your cosmetics for as long as possible:
Do
-
Remove the product only with washed hands or ideally with a clean spatula.
-
Close cosmetics airtight after each use.
-
Store the products in a cool, dry and dark place.
-
For pipettes, put the product in the palm of your hand before applying it to the skin.