What is the Shelf Life of Personal Products?
Personal products, including skincare, cosmetics, and hygiene products are essential to our daily routines. When we find the right type and brand of personal products based on our preferences and skin or hair condition, they are considered an investment, and we would want to make the most out of every drop. But did you know that personal products, like any other products, have a shelf life, after which they should not be used anymore? Personal products expire, and needless to say, using expired products can have negative effects on our health.
In this blog, we are here to help you understand how long personal products last and how to properly dispose of them.
Look for the PAO symbol
The shelf life of personal products depends on the type of product and how you store it. Some products, like liquid eyeliner and mascara, have a shorter shelf life. Shower essentials like shampoo and soap usually last for years. As a general rule of thumb, look at the “best before” date or the “period after opening” (PAO) symbol on the personal care product’s packaging to see how long the product will last after opening.
Cosmetics
Makeup products, such as foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow, typically have a shelf life of 6-12 months. Cosmetics usually contain organic materials that can deteriorate after some time, especially when exposed and applied to your skin multiple times. Over time, they will change in texture, colour, and odour. Expired cosmetics can also harbour harmful bacteria that increase the risk of skin infections and other health concerns. Make sure to dispose of expired makeup products properly and not share them with others for hygiene purposes.
Skincare Products
Skincare products, like moisturisers, toners, serums, and creams, can last up to two years if stored properly. These items contain active ingredients that can lose their effectiveness over time and won't have the desired effect to improve your skin's appearance and texture. Make sure to keep your skincare products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to help extend their shelf life and effectiveness. Always clean your hands when applying skincare products. We also recommend that you use applicators to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Personal Hygiene Items
Your toothpaste, shampoo, and soap can last years after you've opened them if you store them properly. These products contain preservatives that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria so they can remain fresh for longer periods. However, personal hygiene items can still expire, so make sure to check the label for the best-before date or the PAO symbol. Expired personal hygiene products can lose their effectiveness and may not provide the desired level of protection or cleaning power.
Proper Disposal of Expired Personal Products
Many products can be recycled or can be thrown in the trash like any other regular products. On the other hand, some products should not be just thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet as they can be harmful to people and the environment. Some items have specific disposal instructions, so make sure to always check labels. It may indicate whether the product can be recycled, composted, or needs to be disposed of in a specific way. In many cases, you may also need to make sure to empty the container as much as possible before throwing it away. For recyclable items, check with your local recycling program to see which products are accepted in your area.
In conclusion, understanding the shelf life of your personal products is important to ensure good health and hygiene. Expired products are prone to collect harmful bacteria, can lose their effectiveness, and lead to health problems. It is also possible to extend the shelf life of your personal products by storing them properly. The products we have in our online shop are properly stored, are in their original packaging, and have clear use-by dates and PAO symbols.
Knowing your personal products’ shelf life also helps you to know when it’s time to stock up on a fresh batch. In addition, it also helps you avoid buying new ones if you still have a lot at home – better to use them up before they expire and go to waste! Have unused products that are still within their shelf life? Consider donating them to a local shelter or charity. Here at The Hair Hive, we are proudly a part of the Sustainable Salons Network across Australia and New Zealand.
