Sunscreen shelf-life: can you safely use last year's sunscreen?

Expiration

Sunscreen creams, sprays and sticks all come with an expiration date. Just as with your food, this date is usually on the pack of the product. Usually the shelf life of sunscreen is indicated with 12M. Which means it’s safe to use the product up until 12 months after opening. Note: the product needs to be well-closed and stored in a dry and dark place at room temperature! Keep in mind that if your sunscreen got very warm, the SPF might have gotten lower.

Naïf sun protection has (when closed) a shelf life of 36 months, when opened you can safely use it for 12 months. Does this mean you need to throw out your sunscreen after a year? Not necessary, but it is important to note that you’re not as well protected then. Make sure that, when using an ‘older’ sunscreen, you apply it more often, because the SPF is not as good. The same goes for after sun: 36 months closed, 12 months when opened. But, with after sun, it is important to buy a new product after a year, because an open tube or bottle can contain bacteria and you’d rather not put those on the already sensitive or red skin.

In doubt? Smell it

Not sure if your sunscreen is still good to go? Just smell it! Does it smell differently than when you first used it, you might want to stay away from it. You can also check of the product still looks good. Watery or lumpy? Better get rid of it and get a new one.

Storing sunscreen

Make sure to keep your sunscreen in a cool place. The bathroom might be your first thought, but keep in mind that the bathroom has a lot of temperature changes, so it’s not ideal. Rather go for a drawer in your bedroom or a closed cupboard. Some might think the perfect spot is the refrigerator, and it’s definitely an option, but not necessary!