Sunscreen generally expires about 2 to 3 years after its manufacturing date, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The FDA requires that sunscreens remain effective for at least three years and be labeled with an expiration date unless stability testing shows a longer shelf life. Most sunscreens sold include an expiration date on the bottle or packaging to inform consumers of this timeframe. Once a sunscreen expires, it may no longer provide adequate protection against UV rays, putting your skin at risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin damage. In addition to the expiration date, exposure to heat and sunlight can degrade sunscreen faster, so storing it in a cool place is recommended. A sunscreen that has changed in color, texture (such as becoming grainy or runny), or smell may also be expired or losing effectiveness. After opening, many sunscreens last for about 6 to 12 months, with some product packaging including an open jar symbol to indicate this. Using sunscreen within this timeframe is important to maintain its UV protection capabilities. In summary:
- Sunscreens typically expire 2 to 3 years after manufacture.
- Check the printed expiration date on the bottle.
- After opening, sunscreen is usually effective for 6 to 12 months.
- Discard sunscreen if its look, smell, or texture changes or if it’s past the expiration date.
- Store sunscreen in a cool, shaded place to prolong its effectiveness.
Using expired sunscreen is not recommended as it may increase the risk of sunburn and skin damage since it might not effectively block UV rays anymore.
