3 Tips to Check if Your Sunscreen Has Expired

Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, but how long does sunscreen last? And how can you tell if your sunscreen has expired?

The shelf life of sunscreen is often overlooked, even though it directly affects your skin’s protection. Over time, sunscreen loses its effectiveness. Using expired sunscreen can be the difference between staying protected or getting sunburned. At the same time, we don’t want to waste perfectly good sunscreen—it’s better for the planet to use up what we have!

In this blog, we’ll share 3 simple tips to check if your sunscreen is still effective. That way, you can enjoy the summer with full protection!

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Why Is the Shelf Life of Sunscreen So Important?

The shelf life of sunscreen directly affects how well it protects your skin from harmful sun exposure. If you use expired sunscreen, it may no longer provide the promised SPF protection, increasing your risk of sunburn, premature aging, pigmentation spots, and even skin cancer.

By paying attention to the expiration date of your sunscreen, you ensure your skin remains fully protected. Before heading out into the sun, take a moment to check if your sunscreen is still effective. Here are 3 key tips to help you determine that.

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1. How Long Does Sunscreen Last? – Check the Packaging!

Start by checking the packaging of your sunscreen. It often provides the answer to how long is this sunscreen good for?

• Look for the expiration date, usually printed on the tube or bottle. This indicates how long the sunscreen remains effective if unopened.
  Tip: Sometimes the date is embossed on the top edge of the tube—hold it up to the light for better visibility.

• Look for an open jar symbol with a number inside, such as 12M or 24M. This indicates how many months the sunscreen remains effective after opening. If you opened your sunscreen last summer and the packaging says 12M, there’s a chance its effectiveness has decreased for this season.

The shelf life of sunscreen varies by brand and product. Some sunscreens remain effective for up to three years, while others may lose their potency after just one year. If your sunscreen is older than the indicated shelf life, it’s time to replace it. You can no longer trust it to protect your skin properly.

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2. Unopened Sunscreen? – Check the Hourglass Icon

Some sunscreens feature an hourglass icon on the packaging. This symbol indicates the shelf life of the product when unopened. It tells you that the sunscreen should be used within a certain period after production, regardless of whether it has been opened.

Tip: Keep this in mind when buying multiple bottles at once. Even unopened, sunscreen can degrade over time due to heat or direct sunlight exposure. Store your sunscreen in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality and effectiveness.

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3. Has Your Sunscreen Changed?

Check for changes in color, smell, or texture. If your sunscreen has developed an unusual odor, changed color, or has a strange consistency (clumpy or watery), it's likely expired and no longer provides the protection you need.

The shelf life of sunscreen isn’t just determined by time—it also depends on how it has been stored. Exposure to heat or sunlight can alter the formula, reducing its SPF effectiveness.

Using expired sunscreen can result in sunburn and skin damage, even if you apply it generously. That’s why, in addition to checking the expiration date, you should always examine the product itself.

Not Sure if Your Sunscreen Has Expired? Better Safe Than Sorry!

If you’re unsure whether your sunscreen is still effective, it’s best to play it safe. Expired sunscreen may no longer protect your skin properly, increasing your risk of sunburn and UV damage. It’s always better to buy a new bottle than to take a chance with an old one.

• Tip: Write the purchase date on the packaging with a permanent marker or label. This way, at the start of each summer, you can quickly check whether your sunscreen is still good to use.

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What Should You Do with Old Sunscreen?

If your sunscreen has expired and the bottle is still full, it unfortunately needs to go in the general waste bin. Do not pour sunscreen down the drain, as oily skincare products can cause issues in the sewage system.

Empty sunscreen bottles can be recycled in the plastic waste (PMD) bin.

How can you avoid waste?

• Buy smaller bottles throughout the season so you can use them up completely.
• Remember that UV exposure happens year-round! Applying sunscreen even outside of summer can benefit your skin.

Want to know more about proper waste disposal? Check your local rules and regulations!

Still Looking for Your Sunscreen for This Summer?

If you’re in need of a new sunscreen, check out our Derma Sun and Sol de Ibiza products. Both offer excellent protection while being gentle on your skin and the environment.

Just had to throw away your old sunscreen? Opt for a smaller size, like the 100ml sunscreen from Derma, so you can finish it this summer and reduce waste.

If you order now, that way, you’re always prepared for a sunny day!

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