Shelf life of lipstick: in a closed container and after opening

What do GOSTs say?

As for any product, product, mechanism, etc. There are production and transportation standards - GOSTs.

In this article you can learn how to decipher a product barcode.

Cosmetic products for lips are included in one category and, accordingly, have the same GOST numbers :

1. GOST R52342-2005;
2. GOST 31649-2012.

In this case, these mysterious numbers and letters indicate that in most cases, the shelf life of lipstick and lip gloss is set directly by the cosmetic company , based on the formula, composition and operating conditions.

What does it depend on?

The shelf life of lipstick or lip gloss depends on the components used in its composition. For example, if castor oil , which is resistant to oxidation, is added to a solid lipstick base, then the shelf life of the cosmetic product increases.

The more human-safe antioxidants a lipstick or gloss contains, the longer it will last. Preservatives added to cosmetics serve the same purposes.

The types of cosmetics also matter: lipstick will last slightly longer than lip gloss .

Naturally, unopened lipstick has a longer shelf life than one that has already been used.

Important factors are also:

• application methods;
• storage conditions;
• maintaining hygiene (lipstick lent to a friend will “live” less than one that was used by only one person).

What and how is lipstick made from? About this in the video:

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How long can it be stored sealed and opened?

Many consumers sometimes get lost and don’t understand where exactly they should look for the treasured numbers.

Typically, the deadlines are indicated on the image of an open jar drawn on the packaging of the cosmetic product.

Of course, shelf life depends on the manufacturing company, but there are also standard shelf life indicators.

These numbers will help you roughly understand when you should get rid of your favorite lipstick (times before/after opening the package are indicated):

• classic sticks - 3 years/1 year;
• lip gloss (liquid formula) - 36 months/8-14 months;
• lipstick in pencil form - 36 months/1.5 years;
• lip tints - 3 years/1 year;
• lacquered lipsticks - 36 months/1 year;
• balms and hygienic lipsticks - 36 months/1 year;
• liquid matte lipsticks - 3 years/1.5 years.

Here you can find a list of products that cannot be returned without a valid reason.

Can I use an expired product?

Applying expired cosmetic products to the skin is strictly prohibited. During storage, oxidation constantly occurs and pathogenic microorganisms multiply. This reduces the characteristics that are significant for the consumer: brightness, durability, pleasant aroma, and threatens real dermatological diseases. For example, the development of allergies, cracks, damage to the top layer of skin.

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Guarantees from famous cosmetic companies

Some cosmetic companies indicate their own shelf life for lipsticks (not surprising, since they, in fact, make them):

1. Avon (Avon) and Oriflame - 24 months;
2. Dior - 1.5 years from the date of manufacture;
3. Maybelline have a standard term of 3 years;
4. Most L'Oreal are 3 years;
5. Pupa - 2 years from the date of manufacture;
6. Nyx - 24 months.

According to most manufacturers, you should use up lipstick within 12 months.

How to tell if your lipstick has gone bad

Lipstick contains various fats that give off an unpleasant odor when decomposed.

Dry and cracked lip product is also not suitable for use. This also applies to this type of soggy cosmetics.

Expired lipstick should be thrown into the trash without any regret.

There are other signs of expired lip product:

• change in color or taste;
• the appearance of a rancid, old smell;
• formation of light plaque;
• formation of condensation from fat droplets.

You can tell that a hygienic lipstick has already expired if the product is not applied evenly to the lips, forms clumps, or curls up. A dry or too viscous composition also cannot be considered high quality.

Storage rules

Standard storage of any type of lipstick is limited to room temperature and low humidity .

Naturally, a cosmetic product cannot be stored where there is direct sunlight or where there are heaters.

Applicators for liquid lipsticks or glosses cannot be used with other products, they cannot be washed or washed (detergents can adversely affect the formula, and residual water can ruin the product).

Makeup artist answers questions

Girls always have a lot of questions about how to use cosmetics, how to store them, when to use them, and when is the best time to replace them with a new product. Below, our makeup artists have given answers to questions that are definitely worth paying attention to.

Is it possible to store cosmetics in the bathroom?

The bathroom is not a safe place to store any type of cosmetics, because there are sudden temperature changes, which compromise the integrity and appearance of the products themselves.

How dangerous are spoiled products?

The expiration date of lipstick is not set just like that, but shows the limited period of its use. If you actively use the product after the expiration date, consequences such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, herpes and others may occur.

How to properly store cosmetics?

It is best to store cosmetics in a closed space, avoiding direct sunlight and excessive heat. Some cosmetologists advise storing lipstick in the refrigerator, but this principle should always be followed.

How does the product behave over time?

Any contact means are obviously a breeding ground for germs . There is nothing scary or supernatural about this, especially if you follow hygiene measures.

But long-term storage of used lipstick will eventually lead to the fact that a huge number of microbes , which will be difficult to destroy.

At best, using such a product will lead to allergies, at worst - to herpes.

The product itself will oxidize , which will render it unusable. The pigment will fade, the consistency itself will lose its oiliness and creaminess, and an unpleasant odor will appear.

How long can the lipstick be used after opening?

If the integrity of the packaging is compromised, microbes begin to penetrate inside, and the environment also has a negative impact. It’s good if you can use disposable applicators to capture the required amount of cosmetic product.

However, most formulations are presented in hard sticks that are applied over the lips, or have a soft brush that allows you to apply the product evenly. But first you need to put it in a common jar. At the moment the brush is immersed or the lipstick comes into contact with the skin, a kind of “contamination” of the cosmetics occurs, which negatively affects its composition and quality.

Most of the products presented in stores today should be used within a year after opening the original packaging and breaking the seal. Some manufacturers set shorter periods, for example, 10 months or six months.

Signs of delay

The appearance of a characteristic musty, old smell signals that it is time to throw out the lipstick.

The appearance of cosmetics may also indicate that it has deteriorated:

1. the stick has dried out , cracked or, on the contrary, has started to leak;
2. pigment clumps , white coating or drops of liquid appeared on the surface of the product.

From this article you will learn how much time a consumer has to return goods to the store.

How to choose

The quality of any cosmetic product is of great importance. Therefore, you should purchase goods of this kind from official suppliers, and trust only time-tested manufacturers who pay great attention to the quality of their products.

The appearance of the lipstick packaging is no less important. It should not be deformed or damaged, and all information about the product should be clearly visible.

Special testers, which are always available in cosmetics stores, will help you choose the right color shade, texture and aroma.

The core of hard lipstick should have a dense, uniform structure. A high-quality product will not melt even in a warm room. And its smell should not be “stunning”. It is usually a barely noticeable, light aroma.

When applying the product to the lips, a uniform layer without lumps should form.

Durability is another important indicator of quality. Lipstick should remain on the lips for 10 - 12 hours.

It is not recommended to buy cosmetics in stalls or stores that do not specialize in selling such products. In this case, there will be no guarantee of quality, and the storage conditions of the lipstick may be seriously violated.

Is there a deadline?

Like other cosmetics, lipsticks and lip glosses contain various chemicals. Over time, some are able to enter into chemical reactions with oxygen or oxidize. Therefore, the product becomes unusable due to drying or spoilage.

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Many manufacturers increase the shelf life of lipstick by adding components that are resistant to oxidation. But there are current standards for this product. Moreover, manufacturers cannot violate them.

Is it dangerous to use expired?

Many people believe that there is nothing wrong with using expired lipstick, but this opinion is extremely erroneous . In addition to reducing its decorative functions and benefits, such a product can pose a threat to health.

The abundance of microbes on old lipstick can lead to infections of the skin of the lips, and expired components can cause allergic reactions.

One of the most unpleasant consequences of using expired decorative lip products is the development of cheilitis , an allergic disease characterized by lip fissures, detachment of the upper epidermis and redness of the lip border.

Lipstick, lip gloss and other types of decorative lip cosmetics are those cosmetics whose expiration dates must be strictly observed.

Since lipstick is applied to the border of the mucous membrane, and a considerable amount of it involuntarily gets inside , you should only use the products within their expiration date.

How to check the authenticity and expiration date of cosmetics? Find out about it in the video:

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Lipsticks and lip glosses are popular cosmetics. They are applied daily, remain on the face for up to 10–12 hours, and some of them enter the body.

Therefore, it is important that the quality is high and the shelf life is valid.

Labeling of cosmetics

Relatively recently, a new international labeling for perfumery and cosmetic products was introduced. In the photo you can see the open cap of the tube and the number, and next to it the letter “M”, for example, 12M - the period of use after opening is twelve months.

To enlarge the image click on the picture

The manufacturer may indicate a code on the packaging that determines the batch number and production date. The expiration date may not be indicated if it is more than 30 months (according to the European Cosmetics Directive, etc.), in this case the expiration date after opening the product is indicated. If the expiration date is less than 30 months, then the expiration date is indicated, for example, Exp 06/2020 — use until June 2021 (Expiry translated from English as “expire”). In German you can find the phrase “Verwendbar bis” - use before, although this applies primarily to medicines.

Cosmetic hygiene

According to statistics, women suffer from eyelid diseases more often than men. Wearing makeup inevitably puts you in contact with your eyelids and eyelashes, so having bacteria on your fingers or makeup brushes greatly increases the risk of infection in the delicate eye area. To prevent this from happening:

We suggest you read: How to clean the seams between tiles

What is the expiration date for lipsticks and glosses?

New cosmetics must be stored according to the listed rules, then they will retain their original qualities for 3 years.

When packaging loses its seal, chemical elements react to the environment. Exposure to oxygen inevitably leads to oxidation, a gradual loss of quality. Once opened, it can be used for 6 to 12 months. Then the original characteristics are lost, and the product can cause harm.

It is believed that low temperatures protect any product from spoilage and increase the permissible period of use. Indeed, if you store the product in the refrigerator, the shelf life will extend up to 1.5 times.

Changes in properties due to temperature changes are a little-known feature of such products. Lipstick left in the cold for some time will instantly become unusable at room temperature. Therefore, you will have to keep it there constantly.

Oxidation and multiplying microbes lead to spoilage over time: color, smell, texture change. If the exact time of opening the flask is unknown, suitability can be determined by external signs:

1. Any product has an oily, fatty base. When it decomposes, an unpleasant odor will appear.
2. A spoiled product may dry out, crack, or leak. There is no need to try to restore the structure yourself by diluting it with any liquid. You need to get rid of such cosmetics immediately.
3. Changed taste, color.
4. White plaque.
5. Drops of liquid on the surface, lumps.

All these discrepancies signal that the product is damaged and cannot be used.

Many people believe that only food can go bad. In fact, this also happens with decorative cosmetics, be it foundation, mascara, eye shadow or lipstick. Each of these products is a combination of certain chemicals that over time react with air and begin to oxidize. For example, decorative lip makeup products dry out or deteriorate after prolonged contact with the environment.