Can I still use last summer's suncream?

[AngelDog]

It's got that little jar sign with '6 months' on. Does that suggest it won't work so well, or is it still worth using? It's for my 15 m.o. (and me) and cost a fortune so I'm loathe to chuck it if it's still usable - but I don't want to put him at risk of burning either.

It's SPF factor 25 from Green People.

Bumping this as I'm interested to know the answer too :)

Nope, you need new every year. The active ingredients decay very quickly so all you'd be doing would be moisturizing your skin

I think it must still be OK as we use up old stuff every year on our "hot" holiday abroad at Easter - we would definitely burn badly if it wasn't still OK.

I always buy new every year and always when it's half price (Tesco at the mo).

If you do go out and get some more and don't want to shell out loads, Asda's stuff is brilliant, and it was the best in Which magazine last year for protection. It's £2 or £3 a bottle, best stuff I've ever used, it's not greasy or sticky and it sinks in very quickly.

ours says 18 months on it so ok to use this year although we need to stock up as we have hardly any left

Thanks for the replies. I think maybe I'll use the old stuff on myself and get some new for DS. I have to get non-chemicaly stuff as he has bad eczema on his face & hands.

If you have unopened bottles of suncream then they are okay until expiry date.

If you have opened them then it's the bin, they will not work as well as they claim and your factor 20 might only be a factor 4 or no better than aqueous cream if it's 3 years old and still going.

My ds has mild eczema and found Ambre Solaire Clear Protect to work well and not agrivate his eczema, also worked for his big brother who was allergic to numerous other hypoallergenic sun lotions.

You should replace every year. Especially if it's been out with you, on holiday with you and may have been left out in the sun.

While you may not burn with old sun cream, there two types of rays and the non-burning, ageing rays may penetrate without you knowing with old sun cream.

It hardly breaks the bank. Boots has their whole soltan range on 2 for 1 at the moment. Two bottles for around £10 then. HArdly an extortionate amount for your skin health is it?