Does Sunscreen Expire? Shelf Life and Safety Tips

Sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Applying sunscreen before spending time outdoors can help lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer.

Using sunscreen past its expiration date may not protect your skin from damage, as the product could be less effective.

Sunscreen does expire. An expiration date is the last day a drug maker or manufacturer can guarantee the medication is safe and works as intended (is effective) if properly stored. A manufacturer will typically determine the expiration date by testing the stability of a medication in different environments based on factors like temperature, light exposure, and humidity.

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all over-the-counter (OTC) medications have an expiration date. The exception to this rule is if the drug maker has tested the product and can prove that the medication does not expire for at least three years. If not able to prove this, the FDA recommends an expiration date of three years for sunscreen.

If your sunscreen does not have a specific expiration date listed on the container, you should consider it expired three years from the date you bought it. To remember this, you can write the date you purchased the product on the container.

The FDA recommends you don’t use sunscreen that has passed its expiration date or does not have an expiration date and was bought over three years ago. Using expired sunscreen is likely safe, as long as there are no obvious signs of breakdown or degradation, such as changes in color, consistency, or smell. However, using expired sunscreen may not protect your skin from the sun.

Expired sunscreen may also not work, raising your risk for skin damage and sunburn. If sunscreen is not stored properly, it may also break down before its expiration date or become contaminated with bacteria, causing a rash or redness when applied.

If necessary, using expired sunscreen is better than using no sunscreen, as it may offer some sun protection. If the product looks, feels, or smells different than usual, it is best to throw it out.

Check your sunscreen product’s label to see how long it lasts. You may hear this referred to as a product’s “shelf life.” Shelf life means how long you can expect a medication to look and act as expected.

Sunscreen generally expires after three years. If the product has been exposed to high temperatures, like leaving it in direct sunlight on a hot day, it may not work as effectively.

Mineral vs. Chemical

There are two different types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical. Mineral (also called physical) sunscreen sits on top of your skin, physically blocking UV rays. Mineral sunscreens are commonly made of ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreen soaks into your skin and absorbs UV rays, making them less harmful. Common ingredients in chemical sunscreen include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octocrylene. Apply chemical sunscreen about 15-20 minutes before going outside, as it needs time to absorb into the skin to be effective.

The ingredients found in mineral sunscreen are photostable, meaning they do not break down or react when exposed to heat or light. For this reason, some believe mineral sunscreen is more stable and lasts longer than chemical sunscreen. This may be true if your sunscreen is exposed to heat or light. However, the general expiration of mineral and chemical sunscreens is the same—no more than three years unless tested and proven otherwise.

Do not leave the product in direct sunlight or high heat to keep sunscreen in good condition. Keep your sunscreen in a bag, wrapped in a towel, or stored in the shade if you are outside. Avoid leaving sunscreen in humid places like your car, garage, or bathroom. Also, be sure to clean and close the container each time to avoid unwanted bacterial growth.

First, check the expiration date printed on the bottle. If the date is not listed and you bought it over three years ago, throw the product away.

You may also be able to tell if sunscreen is expired based on how it looks, feels, and smells. If you notice the sunscreen’s color, odor, texture, or consistency has changed, throw it away.

Most sunscreen products are white or off-white. If it’s now yellow or has streaks of color, it may be expired or contaminated. Also, if the product is either more watery or grainy and rough, it may no longer be good to use. If you are unsure how old the sunscreen is, it is best to throw it away.

Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, lowering your risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Sunscreen does expire, making it less effective.

If your sunscreen does not have a specific expiration date listed on the container, you should consider it expired three years from the date you bought it. If you notice any obvious changes to the feel, color, consistency, or smell of your sunscreen, throw it away. Applying expired sunscreen may not protect your skin from damage.

Talk with a healthcare provider if you have questions about expired sunscreen. They can help you decide if the product is safe to use.