Do cosmetics expire?

Yes, you should check the packaging. According to European regulations, you can find two types of indications:

• Expiration date. On the packaging of some products, you will see the text "Exp" or "Cad," an expiration date expressed in month and year (usually indicated next to an hourglass symbol). This date indicates the total shelf life of the unopened product. It usually appears on products whose stability does not exceed 30 months, because their ingredients lose effectiveness or decompose over time, or because the product does not contain preservatives and is therefore more susceptible to microorganisms. It is not recommended to use the product after the expiration date.
• Shelf life. On the packaging of most creams and makeup, you will see a symbol of an open jar with a number and an "M." This is called the PAO symbol (Period After Opening) and indicates how many months the product has a shelf life once opened. For example, if you see "6M," it means that six months after opening, the product will have deteriorated significantly due to exposure to air, light, and microorganisms. It may change in texture or smell, or its effectiveness may decrease. It is recommended to write the date of first opening on the packaging.

A product can have both indicators. For example, a product may have a broad expiration date of one or two years (the product is stable when the container is sealed) and also have a PAO (Period After Opening) of six months, since it begins to deteriorate after first opening.

In any case, you should store the containers properly, in cool, dry places: expiration and PAO dates apply to products stored correctly. If you notice that the product's texture or smell has changed significantly, whether it is expired or not, it is best to discard it.