You know that half-used moisturiser sitting at the back of your shelf? The one you opened months ago, or maybe last year, and can’t quite remember when?
It might still be fine. But it might also be time to let it go.
Skincare products don’t last forever. Just like food, they can change over time, especially after they have been opened. Ingredients can become less effective, preservatives can begin to break down, and bacteria or fungi may find their way inside. That doesn’t mean you need to panic and throw away everything in your bathroom. It simply means that learning a few small signs can help you use your products more safely.
The first place to look is the packaging.
You may notice a tiny picture of an open jar with something like “6M,” “12M,” or “24M” written inside it. This is called the Period After Opening symbol, or PAO. The letter “M” stands for months, so 12M means that the product should usually be used within 12 months of opening.
The tricky part is that most of us don’t remember exactly when we opened something. A new cleanser becomes part of our routine, the box goes in the recycling, and months later we’re left staring at the bottle trying to work out how old it is.
That’s why writing down the opening date, or tracking it in BeauTeen’s My Shelf, can be so helpful. You don’t need to rely on memory, and you can get a gentle reminder when a product may be reaching the end of its recommended use period.
An expiry date is slightly different from a PAO symbol. An expiry date gives you a specific date, while PAO tells you how long the product is intended to last after it has been opened. If a product has both, follow whichever limit comes first. Always read the label too, because storage instructions and recommendations can vary from one product to another.
But dates and symbols aren’t the only things that matter. Your products can sometimes tell you when something is wrong.
If a cream suddenly smells unusual, a serum changes colour, or a product that was once smooth becomes lumpy or separated, don’t ignore it. A strange texture, unexpected dryness, or visible material inside the container can all be signs that the product is no longer in good condition. If you’re unsure how old it is and something seems different, replacing it is usually safer than experimenting with your skin.
Be especially careful with products used around your eyes. Applicators such as mascara wands go back into the container after touching your lashes, which makes good hygiene and timely replacement particularly important. Never add water or saliva to a dried-out product to make it last longer, and don’t share eye makeup with friends, even if it feels harmless.
Sunscreen deserves extra attention too. An old sunscreen may not provide the protection shown on its label. Check for an expiry date and avoid using it once that date has passed. If you cannot work out how old it is, or if the smell, colour, or texture has changed, it is better to replace it. Sun protection is too important to leave to guesswork.
Where you keep your products can also affect how long they stay in good condition. Heat, sunlight, air, and moisture can cause ingredients and preservatives to break down more quickly. That means a sunny windowsill, a hot car, or a steamy shower ledge may not be the best home for your skincare.
Try keeping products somewhere cool and dry, with their lids closed properly. Wash your hands before applying products from a jar, or use a clean spatula if one is provided. Keep applicators and container openings clean, and avoid leaving bottles open for longer than necessary. These small habits can make a real difference.
Ready for a quick shelf check?
Take five minutes and gather the skincare and beauty products you use most often. Look for an expiry date or open-jar symbol on each one. Think about when you opened it, then check for changes in its smell, colour, or texture. Wipe down any messy containers and put the products you use regularly somewhere easy to reach.
You might discover a forgotten face mask, two nearly empty moisturisers, or a sunscreen that has travelled through several summers. There’s no need to feel guilty about any of it. Keeping track of products is a habit, and habits take time to build.
You can use My Shelf in BeauTeen to keep your skincare, makeup, and other beauty products organised in one place. Add what you own, record when you opened it, track its PAO or expiry date, and let BeauTeen remind you before it may be time for a replacement. It can help you stay organised, waste less, and avoid using something long after you have forgotten when it was opened.
Remember, having a big collection isn’t what makes a skincare routine good. A few products that suit your skin, are stored properly, and are safe to use are more than enough.
Healthy skincare isn’t only about what you use. It’s also about knowing when it’s time to let something go.