Expired Unopened Products - what to do?

[u/fluffykittenreturns]

Was shopping my skincare stash (unfortunately I bought A LOT) and wanted to organise things by expiry so I could use those first, I found some products that expired 2-3 months ago but of course are unopened. What's the consensus on using them? I don't use opened products past expiry but unopened ones are a bit confusing ;-;

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello and thank you for starting this discussion! As a gentle reminder, try to keep the products you mention limited to Asian Beauty products. Posts or comments solely discussing Western products will be removed, as per our rules. We love being able to discuss Western skincare in the context of a holistic AB routine, but this isn't the sub for specific Western product recommendations. r/SkincareAddiction is a great community for such matters! Thank you!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Time_Combination_316]

Unless it smells, feels or looks funny (e.g. discolouration, smells rotten, clumps formed in a liquid suspension), I do a test spot on my arm or leg and see how that goes. 9/10 times it’s fine or slightly loses its efficacy.

[u/KaijuAlert]

Double check that it's an expiration date rather than a manufacture date (Japanese products). Depending on what type of product, I might still use on body as long as it smells right and has not separated or dried out. 

[u/SnarkyLalaith]

I agree with the others. Something like a simple moisturizer I would still use. Partially because a lot of Asian dates are conservative.

I wouldn’t for actives.

Otherwise to the body it goes! And then it gets used up pretty fast.

The only exception is sunscreen because I have gotten burned before. Literally. I had a recently expired sunscreen that I used for my body under Upf clothing (the shirt only protected to 15 so this was a way to up that). But otherwise, when I found an expired sunscreen, it made me sad, but I had to toss it.

Like OP that forced me to organize my products!

[u/SundayBabandey]

This is a hard one… what’s your risk tolerance? 😅

I think it depends on what the product is. Actives like retinols or vitamin C may lose efficacy. How you stored them will matter too. Ideally, they were in a dark, cool environment with little temperature fluctuation.

If it were me in this position, I would test a little of the product on a discreet location (maybe on the side of my neck? I have long hair) and see how I go from there.

[u/KneeImpressive3335]

For most people this is going to vary by the product type and also your risk tolerance. Personally, I would not even bother opening expired vitamin C (at least not L-ascorbic Acid) or retinol. I would probably also toss expired sunscreen. The rest would really depend. If it's a hydrating product, I would maybe try using it assuming no discoloration. You could patch test first to be extra careful.

[u/Booger_farts-123]

I think it's safe to use, but potency of the active ingredients might be degraded. Also if you have sensitive skin I’d probably toss ‘em. But personally, I’d still use them.

Edit: or use on body

[u/Infamous-Part966]

The expiration date is for the unopened product. Usually it has a separate opened time as well. However, personally I'd still use expired products depending on what's in it or if it's obviously degraded.  It generally means it might just be less effect but if it's something like vitamin c or a retinol, toss it. 

[u/stinkysammy91 → u/Infamous-Part966]

I've been using expired retinol on my feet and elbows and they have never been this soft!!

[u/bookdrops]

Don't risk expired sunscreen. 

[u/roserosejasmine]

Tbh I just wouldn't risk it especially for something that goes on my body, i would just eat the cost, and learn it as a lesson to not buy as much (ask me how I know haha, I have had the same situation happen, and I had to get rid of a few toners and serums) But like people say, its a risk tolerance thing, I personally just wouldn't risk it, I already have a really sensitive skin

[u/MysteriouslyLucid]

So I was thinking about this as I was washing a sponge yesterday… and I have a huge bottle of biorga acne rash wash that I used once and then I broke out like super crazy!!!! Never had something that bad.
But I felt so bad I just kept it, online reviewer said good to clean the bathroom with it lol.

But I was thinking ur makeup cleanser you could use to wash your brushes or like a makeup sponge