Do products really go out of date?

[StopGoQuitStart]

I’m about to start clearing my big bathroom cupboard out and really unsure what to keep/ditch. I really don’t use products much so have lots piled up - mainly moisturisers (face and body), shower gels, eye creams, “special” face packs/sets (like pregnancy set for sleep and stretch marks etc). Most of this will be at least a year if not 2 or 3 years old. Should I just be throwing it away even the unopened stuff? I also got some really nice make up for a wedding about 2 years ago but have hardly used it - is it still okay to keep? Any guidance would be great. Hate being wasteful but also have quite sensitive skin so don’t want to start using old stuff if it could cause me issues.

They really do. My friend had horrendous swelling of her face after using an old face cream. It was like an extreme allergic reaction; she couldn't go out for days.
Obviously it's in the interests of the cosmetic companies to encourage us to throw out and buy again and I'm sure the use by dates could be exceeded but no idea by how much.
I imagine unopened items would be safer as couldn't have been contaminated? I'm sure there's someone here who will know more.
What I'd do is try a patch test maybe on a small area on the inside of my arm and make sure my skin didn't react before putting it on my face.

If they're unopened they last 2-3 years but once opened I'd use within the year for sure especially if it's on your face.

They do.
I find the more natural ones tend to go off quickly but I will use soap and the like long after its expiry

Thank you all. Think I best err on the side of caution then and bin anything opened. Then I’ve sealed products but some are probably over 3 years old now I think about it so suppose time for them to go as well. So annoyed at myself for the waste I had good intentions but just gave up on myself when DC were little so didn’t use them. Wish I’d been more with it a few years ago as could have donated them even.

This really depends on the product. I've read that most skin care items last 3-5 years if unopened and not exposed to extreme temperatures. However, sunscreen and acids don't normally last as long, and so these products will usually have an expiry date on the packaging.

I've bought quite a few beauty products from agera in the past, and like the fact that all of their products have an expiry date printed on the packaging, so I know the date that I need to use by. It is usually a few years away.

I wish that more manufacturers printed an expiry date on the packaging, as you never know how old the product is when you buy it.

If they haven’t changed smell or colour, I’d use them. If I was worried about using them on my face, I’d use them on my hands, chest or body. But that’s just me

I have some stuff thats unopened but about six years old Sleek liquid lipsticks a New Look lip primer Two unopened Rodial mascaras that i got free with Red. I had a third but i used that one and i loved the way it made my lashes look. An old No 7 mascara from before they changed the packaging.

Im going to clear these out

Creams and foundations should be sniffed to check and look for separation, if anything will have gone off it will be these, but foundations in a pump bottle will generally last as the air doesn't really get in. Lipsticks will smell and taste bad and may have a crust or mould. Eyeshadow, blushers and anything powder will literally lady for years and years. I have chanel quads that are 10 years old. Unopened products will be fine as they're are still sealed.

*Unless they are very fresh like Lush products, organic etc.

Does anyone know about fake tan? I have an unopened tube and a pump of St Tropez which is about eighteen months old. I was hoping to use it this summer but on balance perhaps had better not risk it. What a waste of money!

I have fake tan make up that I've had for 5 years. I just shake it well and apply but it ISN'T one that developes. Maybe to a test patch first! 😂

Unopened. Yeah, it'll be fine.

The little logo with the picture of the pot and a number are for after opening.

I wouldn't risk it on my face (unless unopened) but I would on my body.