Lipsticks are an essential item in every woman’s makeup kit. Whether you’re going for a bold red or a nude matte, a good lipstick can elevate your look instantly. But what happens when you find that favorite tube hiding in the bottom of your purse and realize — it expired months ago?
Can lipstick be used after expiry date?
This is a common question for makeup lovers and beauty-conscious consumers, especially those who shop online from platforms like SUNDORIKA, one of Bangladesh’s top e-commerce sites for skincare and women’s products. In this detailed blog post, we will uncover the truth about expired lipsticks, the potential health risks, how to check if your lipstick has gone bad, and what you should do with old makeup.
🧴 What Is the Shelf Life of a Lipstick?
Most lipsticks come with a shelf life of 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the brand, formulation, and storage conditions.
📅 Understanding Expiry Date on Lipsticks
- Manufacturers usually print either a manufacturing date (MFG) or a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol, such as “12M” or “24M,” indicating the number of months the product remains safe after opening.
- The PAO symbol is often a small jar icon with a number and letter — e.g., “18M” means 18 months after opening.
So even if the lipstick hasn’t hit the printed expiry date, once opened, it starts degrading over time.
🚫 Can You Use Lipstick After Expiry Date?
The Short Answer: It’s not recommended.
Expired lipstick can harbor bacteria, mold, and chemical degradation, which can lead to skin irritation, lip infections, or even allergic reactions. Let’s explore this in detail:
💄 1. Ingredient Breakdown
Over time, the oils and waxes in lipstick begin to separate or oxidize, causing:
- Foul smell
- Uneven texture
- Rancid taste
🦠 2. Bacterial Contamination
Using lipstick directly on your lips introduces bacteria from your mouth or environment. After expiry, the preservative system weakens, making it easier for bacteria to multiply. This can lead to:
- Cold sores
- Rashes
- Lip blisters
🧪 3. Loss of Efficacy
Expired lipstick won’t apply smoothly and may not deliver the color payoff or moisture you expect. It may also:
- Crack or crumble
- Feel dry or sticky
- Change color
🔬 How to Tell If Your Lipstick Has Expired
Even if you’ve lost the box or can’t find the expiration label, here are some key signs your lipstick has gone bad:
🔍 Visual Changes
- Color has changed slightly or dramatically
- Formation of white spots, mold, or separation
- The tube looks crusty or dry
👃 Unusual Smell
- A strong crayon-like, waxy, or rancid odor is a clear indicator
💋 Poor Application
- Applies unevenly
- Feels gritty or sticky
- Doesn’t last as long
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to stop using it immediately.
🧴 Can You Extend the Life of Lipstick?
While you can’t reverse expiry, you can take steps to keep your lipstick fresh and safe for longer:
✅ Tips to Extend Lipstick Shelf Life
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place:
Keep lipstick away from heat and direct sunlight — ideally below 25°C. - Avoid Sharing Lipsticks:
This helps prevent bacterial contamination. - Use with Clean Lips:
Avoid using lipstick after eating or when lips are dirty or cracked. - Wipe Regularly:
Use a tissue or makeup wipe to clean the surface every few weeks. - Close the Cap Tightly:
Exposure to air dries it out faster and causes faster oxidation.
🧼 How to Safely Dispose of Expired Lipsticks
Don’t toss old lipstick into your bathroom bin without thinking. Old cosmetics can have chemical residues harmful to the environment.
♻️ Eco-Friendly Disposal Tips
🛒 Shopping for Lipsticks Online? Choose Safe & Trusted Platforms Like SUNDORIKA
If you’re replacing expired lipstick, it’s best to shop from reliable platforms like SUNDORIKA. We offer a wide range of authentic, date-labeled, and quality-checked beauty products to keep your skin and lips safe and radiant.
💖 Benefits of Buying Lipstick from Sundorika
- ✅ 100% genuine products
- ✅ Clearly marked expiry and MFG dates
- ✅ Regular discounts and bundle deals
- ✅ Fast delivery all over Bangladesh
- ✅ Top-rated customer service and product reviews
Explore our lipstick collections from brands like:
- Maybelline New York
- L.A. Girl
- Focallure
- MAC
- Wet n Wild
- Nior
⚠️ Common Myths About Expired Lipstick
Let’s bust some myths so you can make informed choices:
❌ Myth 1: “It still looks okay, so it’s safe to use.”
False. Lipstick can look fine but still harbor invisible bacteria or degraded chemicals.
❌ Myth 2: “Natural/Organic lipsticks don’t expire.”
Actually, these expire faster, since they often lack synthetic preservatives.
❌ Myth 3: “You can microwave or freeze expired lipstick to ‘reset’ it.”
This doesn’t kill all bacteria and may ruin the formula.
🩺 Health Risks of Using Expired Lipstick
Ignoring expiry dates might feel like saving money, but it can cost you more in medical bills. Here are real risks:
- Dermatitis: Red, itchy, inflamed skin around the lips.
- Angular Cheilitis: Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth.
- Allergic Reactions: Swelling, itching, or burning sensation.
- Bacterial Infections: Especially if you have dry/cracked lips.
If you experience any unusual symptoms, stop use immediately and consult a dermatologist.
👩⚕️ Expert Tip: Use a Lipstick Log
Keep track of your makeup purchase dates in a notebook or app. Mark the “opened” date and set reminders for replacement. For example:
| Product | Opened On | Replace By |
|---|---|---|
| Focallure Matte Lipstick | Jan 2025 | July 2026 |
| Maybelline SuperStay | March 2025 | Sept 2026 |
🧴 SUNDORIKA Recommends: Top Safe Lipstick Alternatives
Looking for long-lasting, skin-safe, and affordable lipsticks to replace your expired ones? Here are some bestsellers at Sundorika:
💄 Focallure Waterproof Matte Lipstick
Price: ৳299.00
- Smudge-proof, rich pigments, long wear
- Available in 12+ shades
- Vegan & cruelty-free
💄 Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte
Price: ৳649.00
- Highly pigmented with nourishing honey nectar
- Smooth glide, non-drying formula
💄 L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Lipstick
Price: ৳550.00
- Intense payoff with a comfortable finish
- Suitable for daily and party wear
📌 Final Thoughts: Should You Use Expired Lipstick?
No — expired lipstick is not worth the risk.
Even if it smells fine or looks okay, it could contain bacteria or degraded chemicals that harm your skin.
Instead, prioritize your safety and beauty by:
- Replacing old products timely
- Buying from trusted e-commerce platforms like SUNDORIKA
- Staying aware of storage conditions and usage habits
🔎 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use lipstick after 2 years?
Only if it’s unopened and stored properly. Once opened, avoid using beyond the 18–24 month window.
❓ Can expired lipstick cause cold sores?
Yes. Bacteria and viruses like HSV-1 can grow in old lipstick and cause outbreaks.
❓ How do lipstick be used after expiry date?
Look for MFG or PAO symbols on the tube or outer box. Some brands also offer batch code checkers online.
