Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen Shelf Life

Let's explore the truth behind sunscreen expiration and what you need to know to make sure your skin is protected all summer long.

Sunscreen Shelf Life: The Importance of Checking the Expiration Dates

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all sunscreens to have an expiration date label when sold, usually within three years of manufacture. Although some sunscreens may have the "best if used by" label, this does not refer to the expiration date. It is important to keep in mind that the expiration dates are an estimate, and sunscreens can expire before or after the date on the label. Expiration dates are essential because the active ingredients within sunscreens can break down and lose their effectiveness over time due to exposure to sunlight and heat.

Fun fact, all of our mineral sunscreen's at EEZYSUN have a 3 year expiry date.

How to Determine if Your Sunscreen Is Expired

So how can you tell if your sunscreen is expired? The first thing to look for is the expiration date on the label. If the date has passed, then it's time to toss the sunscreen. Another thing to keep in mind is the texture and the scent of the sunscreen. If the sunscreen has separated, changed texture, or has a strange odor, these are signs that the product is no longer effective and should be discarded.

The Consequences of Using Expired Sunscreen

Using expired sunscreen can have grave consequences for your skin, such as sunburn and skin cancer. Moreover, using expired sunscreen can cause allergic reactions, rashes, and skin irritation. Sunscreens that have lost their effectiveness will not protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays, leaving the skin at risk of sun damage. It is always advisable to apply fresh sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

Proper Storage to Preserve Sunscreen Shelf Life

To ensure that your sunscreen remains effective throughout its shelf life, it is essential to store it correctly. Sunscreens should be stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. Excessive heat from being left inside the car or exposed to high temperatures can break down chemical ingredients and degrade the product's efficiency. Properly stored sunscreens can maintain their effectiveness even after the expiration date.

Don't Risk Your Skin

Protecting your skin is crucial all year round, but as we are well into the summer season, it's essential to ensure that your sunscreen is still viable. While it takes a few seconds to apply sunscreen to your skin, those few seconds can save your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. By understanding the importance of sunscreen shelf life, checking expiration labels, and storing sunscreens correctly, you can stay protected and enjoy your time outdoors without putting your skin at risk.