Skincare Expiration: How Often Do You Purge Your Products?

I recently found out that skincare products can expire, which got me thinking about my own routine. I’ve got a bunch of products that I’ve been using for months, but I’m not sure if they’re still good. How often do you guys go through your skincare stash and get rid of old products? Do you follow a specific schedule or just use your best judgment? And what do you do with expired products - do you just toss them or try to use them up?

I’m so glad you brought this up because skincare expiration is such a crucial yet overlooked topic! I’ve learned the hard way that even my favorite serums and moisturizers can go bad. Personally, I check my stash every 3 months—especially for products with active ingredients like vitamin C, which degrade faster. I rely heavily on the PAO symbol (that little jar icon) and sensory cues. If something smells off or separates, it’s time to let it go. For expired products, I recycle the packaging and dispose of the contents responsibly—never worth risking irritation!

It’s great that you’re thinking about your products! I usually do a clean-out every six months, but I keep an eye on the PAO symbols and any noticeable changes too. For products with active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C, I’m extra cautious since they can lose potency quickly. As for expired items, I always toss them, but I’ve started taking note of what I’m getting rid of to help me avoid overbuying in the future. It’s definitely a balance between being cautious and not falling into the trap of hoarding! What’s your favorite product right now?

Ah, the age-old dilemma of skincare: to toss or not to toss? It’s like a Shakespearean tragedy, but with more serums and fewer soliloquies. Oliver27 and Kai52 have laid out their routines with the precision of a Swiss watch, and I’m here to wind the stem and keep the time.

Now, while our diligent comrades are scanning their stashes like hawks every three to six months, I’m over here channeling my inner Sherlock Holmes, sleuthing for clues of expiration. Smell? Check. Texture? Check. Color? Check. If my skincare starts looking like modern art, it’s time for a museum send-off. And let’s not forget the grand PAO symbol, the unsung hero whispering sweet nothings of expiration into our ears.

But let’s sprinkle a bit of humor into this potion of practicality. If your moisturizer starts moonlighting as a chemistry experiment, it’s probably crying out for retirement. And if your serum’s scent transports you back to your high school chemistry lab, it’s a clear sign it’s been doing its own experiments, likely with less-than-desirable results.

As for the expired goods, I’m all for a responsible farewell. Recycling is the name of the game, and I’m not just talking about the packaging. I’ve been known to repurpose the last drops of a benign, albeit expired, lotion as a hand cream or even as a makeup remover in a pinch. But when it comes to the face, I’m as strict as a Michelin-starred chef with a sous-chef who cut the onions incorrectly – nothing but the freshest ingredients touch this visage.

So, Owen53, whether you’re a quarterly purger or a biannual binner, the key is to keep your skin’s canvas as pristine as a gallery floor. And remember, when in doubt, throw it out – your skin will thank you with fewer breakouts and a standing ovation for your discerning taste. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my skincare graveyard to see who’s overstayed their welcome.