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                Resources for Consumers on Cosmetics

Resources for Consumers on Cosmetics

                        Cosmetics & Pregnancy
          Cosmetics FAQs Home
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          Resources for Consumers on Cosmetics
          Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Shelf LifeResources for Consumers on Cosmetics Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Shelf Life
  
  	
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What is the shelf life of cosmetics?

The shelf life for eye-area cosmetics is more limited than for other products. Because of repeated microbial exposure during use by the consumer and the risk of eye infections, some industry experts recommend replacing mascara 3 months after purchase. If mascara becomes dry, discard it. Do not add water or, even worse, saliva to moisten it, because that will introduce bacteria into the product. If you have an eye infection, consult a physician immediately, stop using all eye-area cosmetics, and discard those you were using when the infection occurred.

Among other cosmetics that are likely to have an unusually short shelf life are certain "all natural" products that may contain plant-derived substances conducive to microbial growth. It also is important for consumers and manufacturers to consider the increased risk of contamination in products that contain non-traditional preservatives, or no preservatives at all.

Consumers should be aware that expiration dates are simply "rules of thumb," and that a product's safety may expire long before the expiration date if the product has not been properly stored. Cosmetics that have been improperly stored - for example, exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, or opened and examined by consumers prior to final sale - may deteriorate substantially before the expiration date. On the other hand, products stored under ideal conditions may be acceptable long after the expiration date has been reached.

Sharing makeup increases the risk of contamination. "Testers" commonly found at department store cosmetic counters are even more likely to become contaminated than the same products in an individual's home. If you feel you must test a cosmetic before purchasing it, apply it with a new, unused applicator, such as a fresh cotton swab.

To learn more, see Shelf Life/Expiration Date.

**More resources:**

FDA's Cosmetics main page
	Labeling & Label Claims
	Potential Contaminants
	Products & Ingredients
	Product Testing
	Recalls & Alerts
	Resources for Consumers

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      02/25/2022
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 CosmeticsResources for Consumers on Cosmetics

          
                        Cosmetics & Pregnancy
          Cosmetics FAQs
 
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