Quick Answers
Lip gloss typically lasts 12-18 months once opened. Unopened, lip gloss can last 2-3 years past the expiration date. Signs your lip gloss is expired include changes in smell, texture, and performance. To extend the life of lip gloss, store it properly by keeping the cap on, storing in a cool dry place, and not sharing between people.
How Long Does Unopened Lip Gloss Last?
Unopened lip gloss has a very long shelf life compared to opened lip gloss. An unopened lip gloss usually lasts 2-3 years past the expiration date printed on the packaging. Lip gloss expires because the ingredients can start to break down over time, causing texture, scent, and performance changes. As long as the lip gloss stays sealed in an airtight container, it is largely protected from these changes.
The expiration date on lip gloss is an estimate of when it should be used by for best results. Lip gloss can still be safe to use for a while after the expiration date, although the quality may start to go down. If the lip gloss smells or looks off once you do open it, it’s best not to use.
How To Tell If Unopened Lip Gloss Has Gone Bad
With unopened lip gloss, it’s impossible to inspect the product inside like you could with opened lip gloss. However, there are a few signs that your unopened lip gloss may be expired:
- Expired date printed on the container has long passed
- Product has discolored or separated
- Container is damaged, puffed up, or leaking
- Strange odor once opened
If you notice any of these warning signs on an unopened lip gloss, it’s best to discard it even if it seems sealed. Lip gloss is inexpensive and not worth risking irritation or infection.
How Long Does Opened Lip Gloss Last?
Once lip gloss has been opened, its shelf life decreases to 12-18 months. Air exposure, humidity, bacteria from the mouth, and chemical breakdown all start to decrease the quality and safety of the product. This time frame can vary based on the specific ingredients and how the lip gloss is stored.
Here are some general guidelines for how long different kinds of opened lip gloss will last before expiring:
- Regular lip gloss – 12 months
- Lip plumpers – 12 months
- Lip stains – 18 months
- Lip glosses with SPF – 12 months
- Natural/organic lip glosses – 6-12 months
No matter what the formulation is, lip glosses containing shimmer, frost, or pearlizing ingredients tend to expire faster than creamy or clear glosses. The pigments and particles in those lip glosses can more quickly grow bacteria.
How To Tell If Opened Lip Gloss Has Expired
With opened lip glosses, you don’t have to rely solely on the expiration date to know if it has gone bad. Changes in the product itself give clues as to whether the gloss is still ok to wear.
Signs your opened lip gloss has expired include:
- Change in texture – becomes more liquidy, separated, thick, or grainy
- Change in scent – smells rancid, old, or chemical-like
- Change in color – discoloration or fading
- Dries out completely
- Applicator tip feels crusty or sticky
- Causes irritation when applied such as stinging, itching, or redness
If you notice any of these changes in a lip gloss you’ve been using for a while, it’s time to say goodbye. Trying to salvage an expired lip gloss that smells or performs differently can lead to skin irritation, infection, and messiness during application.
How To Make Lip Gloss Last Longer
To help lip glosses stay fresh and usable for as long as possible, be mindful of how you store and handle them. Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of your lip gloss:
1. Keep Lip Gloss Sealed When Not In Use
It’s important to keep lip gloss sealed in between uses to limit air exposure. Oxygen can accelerate the breakdown of ingredients. Be sure the cap is securely tightened to prevent the lip gloss inside from drying out.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Heat and humidity are enemies of lip gloss shelf life. Keep lip glosses in a spot with a relatively stable temperature between 60-80°F. The medicine cabinet, bedroom vanity, or a drawer are good options.
3. Don’t Share Lip Gloss with Others
While it can be tempting to share, you should avoid using the same lip gloss tube as friends or family. Even if you avoid double-dipping, you’ll still transfer bacteria every time you open the tube. This speeds up expiration.
4. Don’t Store Lip Gloss in Extreme Temperatures
High heat can melt lip gloss formulas, while cold temps can cause them to freeze or separate. Avoid keeping lip gloss in places like the car, freezer, or direct sunlight.
5. Check the Expiration Date Before Buying
When purchasing new lip glosses, always check the expiration date printed on the packaging. Buying lip glosses far away from expiration gives you more time to use it up. Shop for replacements once opened tubes are a few months from expiring.
6. Keep Your Lips Clean Before Applying
Dirty lips transfer more bacteria into lip gloss. Get into the habit of gently exfoliating and wiping your lips with a clean towel before applying any lip color. This removes dead skin cells and excess oil that can speed up spoilage.
7. Avoid Adding Saliva to Lip Gloss
Never add saliva directly to lip glosses to alter the consistency or for any other reason. Spitting into lip gloss introduces bacteria, takes away preservatives, and makes it expire faster. Adding water can have a similar effect.
8. Wipe Off Excess Lip Gloss Before Recapping
Take a moment to wipe off any excess gloss from the applicator wand using a tissue before putting the cap back on. This prevents bumping up against the tube rim and contaminating unused product.
9. Don’t Store Lip Gloss in the Bathroom
Bathroom environments tend to be more humid. Exposure to all that moisture in the air can impact the shelf life. Keep lip glosses in bedrooms or on vanities instead.
10. Discard Cheap or Old Lip Gloss
If you have old dollar store lip glosses or glosses where the brand is unknown, it’s best to get rid of them after 6 months. Cheaper formulas often have fewer preservatives.
How To Sanitize Lip Gloss
If you want to try to save a lip gloss that’s on the verge of expiring, sanitization may help extend the life slightly. This can’t reverse changes in smell, taste, or texture, but it can destroy some bacteria.
Here are a couple methods you can try:
Alcohol Wipe
Wipe down the entire lip gloss tube and applicator wand with an alcohol wipe or cotton pad soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Let fully dry before reapplying the cap.
Sephora Lip Gloss Sanitizer Spray
Use a product like the Sephora Collection On the Go Lip Gloss Sanitizer Spray. Mist liberally over the entire surface and let dry. This contains alcohol to disinfect.
When using any sanitizing product, give the lip gloss a test application on your wrist first to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or react poorly.
Can You Repurpose Old Lip Gloss?
If your lip gloss is in the process of expiring but you’re not ready to part with it, consider repurposing it around your home. Some creative ways to use up old lip gloss include:
- Hair serum – Scrunch into ends of hair as a conditioning treatment
- Cheek color – Dab on cheeks over powder for a dewy glow
- Lip scrub – Mix with sugar to exfoliate flaky lips
- Cuticle oil – Softens and conditions dry cuticles
- Tattoo moisturizer – Hydrates new ink and keeps it vibrant
- Mix into body lotion – For a fun shimmery effect
If you plan to repurpose lip gloss, stick to ones in a squeeze tube rather than a wand applicator. And it’s best to refrain from using old lip plumpers or lip glosses that irritation in this way.
Can Expired Lip Gloss Make You Sick?
Wearing lip gloss a few months past its expiration is unlikely to cause major health issues for most people. However, certain individuals may experience adverse reactions from using lip products that are very old or contaminated.
Potential risks of using expired lip gloss include:
- Skin irritation – stinging, redness, itching, dry patches
- Allergic reaction – swelling, rash, hives
- Infection – cold sores, bumps, pimples
- Illness – if expired gloss contains mold or bacteria
To avoid getting sick from lip gloss gone bad, pay attention to any changes in smell, color, or texture. Always do a patch test on your arm before applying makeup that is past its prime. Seek medical care if you have a concerning reaction.
Who Is At Risk?
While anyone can experience adverse effects from expired makeup, the following groups have a higher risk:
- People with sensitive skin
- People who are immunocompromised
- People with allergies or asthma
- Contact lens wearers
- People with chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- People with oral herpes
If you fall into one of these categories, be extra cautious about watching for changes in lip glosses and discarding them promptly at the first signs of expiration.
Lip Gloss Contamination
Bacteria and mold growth are two main ways lip gloss can become contaminated and increase health risks. Some common germs that can take up residence in old lip gloss include:
- Staph
- Strep
- E. coli
- Candida
- Pseudomonas
Discard any lip gloss that smells funky or looks to have mold around the applicator or cap. Don’t take chances with putting contaminated makeup on your lips.
How to Safely Discard Old Lip Gloss
Getting rid of expired lip glosses properly keeps them out of the wrong hands and reduces environmental impact. Here are some smart ways to safely dispose of lip gloss:
1. Empty Contents and Recycle Container
Wipe out excess lip gloss from the tube using a cotton round or paper towel. You can then recycle the empty plastic container where #5 plastics are accepted. This keeps it out of landfills.
2. Mix With Unwanted Powders
If the gloss tube isn’t recyclable, another option is mixing the product with some unwanted powder makeup like eyeshadow or face powder. This makes it less messy to throw away.
3. Use Kitty Litter or Paper Towels
If you want to just toss the lip gloss straight in the trash, use cat litter or paper towels to prevent leaks. Place some in the bottom of the bin, then put the gloss in and cover with more litter or paper towels.
4. Seal Tube and Put in Garbage Bag
For wand applicators, you can also seal the tube with tape and dispose in a tied garbage bag. Wrap gloss in tissue to prevent mess.
5. Check for Local Hazardous Waste Guidelines
In some municipalities, lip gloss is considered hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of properly. Check local guidelines and utilize hazardous waste collection if available.
Conclusion
Knowing how to determine when lip gloss has expired helps avoid mess, waste, and potential health hazards. While the average shelf life of an unopened lip gloss is 2-3 years past the expiration date, once opened that drops to just 12-18 months. Storing lip glosses properly and being vigilant about changes in smell, color, and texture makes it easy to spot when they start to go bad. Discard expired lip gloss to prevent risks and hold onto your favorites longer by keeping caps secured and applicators clean!