Witch hazel is a popular natural ingredient used in many skin care products. Dickinson’s witch hazel in particular is a common drugstore find. But does Dickinson’s witch hazel expire? Let’s take a closer look at the shelf life and expiration of this product.
What is Dickinson’s witch hazel?
Dickinson’s witch hazel is a brand of skin care products that contain witch hazel extract as the main ingredient. Witch hazel is a natural astringent made from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel shrub. It contains tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, and other compounds that give it soothing and antioxidant properties.
Dickinson’s offers witch hazel in several forms including toners, cleansing towelettes, and medicated pore perfectors. Their witch hazel products are alcohol-free and gentler on the skin than many generic witch hazel products.
Does witch hazel expire?
In general, witch hazel itself does not expire. The base witch hazel extract has an indefinite shelf life due to its high alcohol content which acts as a natural preservative. As long as it is stored properly, pure witch hazel will remain effective no matter how old it is.
However, once witch hazel is formulated into commercial skin care products, it will have a finite shelf life. The addition of water and other ingredients means a product containing witch hazel can eventually expire.
Does Dickinson’s witch hazel expire?
Yes, Dickinson’s witch hazel products do have expiration dates and limited shelf lives. Here are some guidelines on how long Dickinson’s witch hazel lasts before expiring:
- Dickinson’s Cleansing Towelettes – 12 months from manufacture date
- Dickinson’s Hydrating Toner – 18 months from manufacture date
- Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner – 18 months from manufacture date
- Dickinson’s Medicated Pore Perfecting Toner – 18 months from manufacture date
As you can see, the shelf life varies slightly between Dickinson’s different witch hazel offerings based on the specific formulations. But in general, an unopened bottle of Dickinson’s witch hazel toner or cleanser will stay fresh for around 18 months.
How to tell if Dickinson’s witch hazel has expired
Watch for these signs that your Dickinson’s witch hazel may be past its prime:
- The expiration date printed on the bottle has passed
- The product has discolored and darkened considerably
- The witch hazel has an rancid or odd smell
- The product separates, leaving sediment at the bottom of the bottle
- The toner no longer feels soothing when applied to skin
- You experience increased skin irritation or breakouts when using the product
If your Dickinson’s witch hazel shows any of those indications, it’s unfortunately time to replace it with a fresh bottle.
How to make Dickinson’s witch hazel last longer
Here are some tips for getting the most longevity out of your Dickinson’s witch hazel:
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat
- Make sure the bottle is properly sealed after each use
- Do not mix witch hazel with other products or decant it into other containers
- Avoid contaminating the bottle by not touching the rim to your face or fingers
- Use clean facial cotton pads or balls each time rather than reusing dirty ones
With proper storage and handling, an unopened bottle of Dickinson’s witch hazel can maintain effectiveness for up to 18 months past the manufacture date.
Is it safe to use Dickinson’s witch hazel past its expiration date?
It’s generally not recommended to use witch hazel far past its expiration date. While witch hazel itself doesn’t go “bad” in the same way as food or medications, once formulated into a bottled product it can deteriorate in quality and potency over time.
Using expired Dickinson’s witch hazel may provide reduced benefits for your skin. More concerning – contamination and separations in old product can potentially cause skin irritation, inflammation, breakouts, and other issues you’re trying to avoid by using witch hazel toner in the first place!
To avoid bad reactions, stick to Dickinson’s witch hazel within 6 months past its expiration date at maximum. Discontinue use immediately if you notice any changes to the product or experience unusual effects on your skin.
How to dispose of expired Dickinson’s witch hazel properly
When your Dickinson’s witch hazel has surpassed its shelf life, make sure to dispose of it properly:
- Do not pour down the drain, as witch hazel can be toxic to aquatic life
- Place the bottle in your normal household trash
- If the container is glass, wrap it in newspaper or paper towels before throwing away to prevent breaking
- For large volumes, look up your local hazardous waste disposal to find out dates and locations for proper disposal
Bottom line
So does Dickinson’s witch hazel expire? The short answer is yes, it has a typical shelf life around 18 months. However, with proper storage and handling, the product can maintain potency for up to 6 months past its expiry date. Be alert for changes in smell, texture, and performance, and discard promptly once it seems to be past its prime.
With just a little vigilance about expiration dates, Dickinson’s high-quality witch hazel can continue working its skin soothing magic while reducing the need for unnecessary replacement and waste!
