Can You Use Expired Sunscreen?
Expired sunscreen offers reduced protection and should be replaced. The FDA requires sunscreen to remain stable and effective for at least 3 years from manufacture. After expiration, active ingredients degrade, providing less UV protection than the SPF label indicates. Using expired sunscreen is better than none, but replace it for reliable protection.
Key Takeaways
- Sunscreen works through active ingredients (either chemical UV absorbers or physical blockers like zinc oxide) that degrade over time.
- Physical/mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) may last slightly longer than chemical sunscreens.
- Water-resistant formulas do not last longer than regular sunscreen - the resistance refers to staying on wet skin.
Explanation
Sunscreen works through active ingredients (either chemical UV absorbers or physical blockers like zinc oxide) that degrade over time. Heat, light exposure, and simply aging can break down these compounds. Expired sunscreen may provide partial protection but cannot be trusted to deliver the labeled SPF.
Signs your sunscreen has gone bad include changes in color, consistency (watery or clumpy), smell, or visible separation. Sunscreen stored in hot cars, beach bags, or direct sunlight degrades faster than the printed date suggests. Store sunscreen in cool, dark places to maximize shelf life.
The 3-year rule applies from manufacturing, not purchase date. If there is no expiration date printed, write the purchase date on the bottle and discard after two years. Sunscreen used correctly (applied generously, reapplied every 2 hours) typically gets used up before expiration anyway.
Things to Know
- Physical/mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) may last slightly longer than chemical sunscreens.
- Water-resistant formulas do not last longer than regular sunscreen - the resistance refers to staying on wet skin.
- Spray sunscreens often go bad faster due to propellant degradation.