Have you ever thought about the expiration date on your makeup? If you are like me, I didn’t really think about it much before. I had heard some things, especially about changing out mascara, a number of years ago, but didn’t really look into makeup expiration and the reasons behind it. A friend of mine posted about the nasty things that will start growing in your makeup after it’s expiration, some even before! So this prompted me to look at my makeup and think about how old it might be, and I found a lot I should have thrown away years ago!
Found these pictures from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3209876/The-dangers-lurking-inside-makeup-bags-Lab-tests-reveal-barely-date-cosmetics-making-sick-bacteria-cause-meningitis.html
The pictures are from research done in the UK with 4 different women’s makeup, one product was still within the expiration date. These women were shocked, most thought it wasn’t a big deal to continue to use expired products, but each one stated they would be throwing all their expired makeup away now and in the future. Here are some of the things that have been found to grow happily in old makeup:
- Eubaterium – this causes bacterial vaginosis.
- Aeromonas – one of the causes of gastroenteritis and wound infections.
- Enterobacter – causes urinary and respiratory tract infections mainly in hospitalized patients with compromised immune systems.
- Propionibacterium – one of the main causes of acne and other skin disorders.
- Enterococcus faecalis – the main cause of meningitis, especially dangerous to young children and pregnant women.
I had no idea how much bacteria grows in old makeup, but it makes sense since we are dipping and re-dipping and applying onto our skin. Bacteria from our bodies and our environment easily get into makeup products, and once there are too many, the preservative system cannot keep up any more and the bacteria takes over. Gross!
One very important thing I keep reading every where is that ALL mascaras, no matter the brand, should be replaced every 3 months. The mascara tube is the most hospitable place for bacteria to take up residence with a passion. PLEASE check your makeup expiration dates, and throw mascara away after 3 months and everything else right at the expiration date! You definitely don’t want to be putting spoiled makeup on your face and getting any awful diseases, or acne and other skin disorders. Mothers of very young children (5 and under especially) should be extra cautious as should anyone with immune disorders.
This is a great article on why you should replace your mascara every 3 months. Link
So I did a video of my makeup de-clutter and clear out of old, expired makeup for you! Would love to hear about your makeup clear out if you choose to do one. It’s a great time of year to start fresh, keeping only the makeup that is not expired and throwing the rest away. It feels so good to know you are taking care of yourself and your family!
As far as Crunchi makeup expiration dates from opening are:
- New Mascara, & Clear Brow Gel – 3 months
Highliner eyeliner – 6 months - Skincare – check the number on each container, they are most 9 months, soaps much longer.
- All other makeup – 1 year
I’m labeling my mascara especially and also keeping a list of products and dates of my other items to check every so often. If you have any good ideas for keeping track of your makeup dates, would love to hear them!
Blessings,
