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You reach into the back of your cabinet or rummage through your beach bag and find a bottle of sunscreen from last summer — or was it two summers ago?
But before you start applying it, there’s one thing you need to get in the habit of checking: the product’s expiration date. Yes, that date really does matter.
The biggest problem with using expired sunscreen is that it won’t provide the stated SPF, or sun protection factor, which can lead to sunburns and increase your risk for sun damage and skin cancer, dermatologist Dr. Joyce Park — founder of Skin Refinery and content creator @teawithmd — told HuffPost. So it’s better to be safe than sorry and toss any expired product.
“Sunscreen ingredients break down over time, so after the expiration date, we really don’t know how effective that sunscreen is at protecting your skin from UV rays,” she said. “This renders the sunscreen essentially useless.”
This is true of both chemical sunscreens and mineral ones (here’s an explainer on the differences between the two if you’re curious). The filters used in chemical sunscreens (like avobenzone and octinoxate) “tend to oxidize and lose efficacy over time,” dermatologist Dr. Shasa Hu, associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, told HuffPost.
While the filters in mineral sunscreens — such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — don’t have the same issue, other ingredients in these formulas still go bad, reducing the product’s ability to properly protect your skin.
For those with very sensitive skin, using expired sunscreen could lead to skin allergies or irritant dermatitis, Hu noted.
That said, in a pinch, using expired sunscreen is better than not using any at all.
“If you’re stuck in a situation where you have no other option other than using an expired bottle, then please go ahead and choose that over having no protection at all,” Hu said. “Most people will not react adversely to expired sunscreen. To compensate for lowered efficacy, apply more and reapply more frequently.”
LeoPatrizi via Getty Images
How To Check If Sunscreen Is Expired
Most sunscreens have a shelf life of about three years. The expiration date can typically be found on the top edge of a tube, the bottom of a bottle or aerosol can, or somewhere on the label.
But not every sunscreen will have an expiration date printed on it. If there’s no date, it “should be considered expired three years after purchase,” per the Food and Drug Administration.
Consider writing the month and year of purchase in permanent marker on the sunscreen container when you buy it. That way, you don’t need to rely on your memory to know when it expires. This also comes in handy if the expiration date on the label gets smudged and hard to read over time.
Other signs a sunscreen has gone bad include a funky smell (which may be a sign of bacterial contamination), clumping, separation or “significant pilling when applied on the skin,” Hu said. If you notice any of these changes, it’s time to throw it away.
Opening the sunscreen should not speed up the expiration process, according to Consumer Reports testing. As long as it’s been stored at room temperature, “it will maintain its level of protection if it is still in that three-year window,” Susan Booth — the project leader for sunscreen testing at Consumer Reports — told the publication. “We have retested sunscreen samples from previous years’ testing after storing them in our lab and found no differences in performance.”
That said, even if the SPF remains intact, “handling of the sunscreen container with dirty hands, or frequent opening and closing can expose the sunscreen to bacteria,” dermatologist Erin Gilbert told Allure.
Sunscreen that’s been exposed to heat or sunlight “will likely lead to faster product degradation,” Hu said. So if it’s been sitting in your car, for example, you will probably need to toss it sooner.
If you’re headed outdoors, remember to keep sunscreen in the shade, inside a bag or wrapped in a towel. In your home, the best place to store sunscreen is an area that’s cool, dry and dark. So a humid bathroom probably isn’t the ideal spot — but your bedroom or a closet might be.
Want a recommendation for a great mineral sunscreen? Dermatologists suggest the ones below.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Dermstore
Elta MD UV Clear broad spectrum (SPF 46)
According to Camp, this sunscreen is technically a mineral and chemical sunscreen because it is formulated with both zinc and octinoxate. It also has skin care-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E. It’s great for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Sephora
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops mineral milk sunscreen (SPF 30)
Sephora
Supergoop Mineral Sheer screen (SPF 30)
“This is a 100% mineral sunscreen product that offers SPF 30 protection,” Camp said. “The labeling also includes information about protection from UVA radiation, PA (protection grade of UVA), which many sunscreens do not report.” It also shields the skin from blue light. It’s completely sheer so you don’t have to worry about a white cast and has a lightweight finish that won’t weigh your skin down.
Violet Grey
Dr. Loretta Universal Glow sunscreen (SPF 40)
A personal favorite, this Dr. Loretta sunscreen is ideal for anyone who wants a mineral sunscreen but with a lightweight, silky smooth finish you typically only get from chemical SPFs. Zinc, antioxidants and botanical extracts provide protection from sun damage while also helping to improve the look of fine lines, dark spots and other signs of aging, leaving skin soft, smooth and nourished. I’ve found that it layers beautifully with other skin care products as well as makeup, doesn’t pill and gives skin the perfect amount of glow without feeling oily.
Target
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face mineral sunscreen (SPF 50)
“This lightweight, non-greasy product provides SPF 50 protection and contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient,” Camp said. It’s specially formulated with antioxidants to be water-resistant, is naturally sourced and dries down quickly without leaving a greasy finish.
Sephora
Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense broad spectrum (SPF 30)
Made with pure zinc oxide, botanicals and antioxidants like bisabolol, willow bark and resveratrol, this sheer sunscreen can help to blur the appearance pores and reduce shine, evening out skin tone and helping calm redness or irritation. It’s perfect for someone who prefers a silky matte finish.
Amazon
CeraVe hydrating mineral sunscreen (SPF 50)
Camp recommended this CeraVe classic, saying that “This facial SPF sunscreen contains zinc and titanium to protect skin from the sun, as well as ceramides to preserve the health of the skin barrier.” It’s a great combination of both skin care and sun protection.
Sephora
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen mineral broad spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Want to go a little fancy? This gorgeous sunscreen from luxury skin care brand Tatcha is made with zinc oxide and red algae extracts that protect the skin from harmful rays, blue light and pollution. It also contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and even out skin tone and texture, and silk extracts to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and act as a smooth primer for makeup. It leaves skin feeling silky-smooth and soft.
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 mineral sunscreen
You can’t go wrong with SkinCeuticals products — they’re all about skin health and radiance. This tinted mineral sunscreen not only provides broad spectrum protection, but it gives skin a radiant, even glow without leaving a white cast or oily residue. It’s lightweight and water-resistant, making it perfect for a day at the beach.
Ilia Beauty
Ilia Super Serum skin tint (SPF 40)
Talk about a multi-tasking product! This serum provides coverage and drenches the skin in nourishing ingredients like a regular serums do, all while protecting the skin from sun damage. It has a dewy finish and can help to mitigate dryness, acne, redness, wrinkles and more. It’s a great option for those who want a bit more coverage but have sensitive skin.
Amazon
Malin + Goetz mineral sunscreen (SPF 30)
For an ultra-clean, soft finish, try Malin + Goetz’s mineral sunscreen. It has a water-resistant formula that is instantly absorbed and provides trustworthy sun protection. I was reticent about the relatively low amount of SPF, but my partner recently took it with her to Australia for a few weeks and came back with zero sun damage.
Dermstore
La Roche Posay Anthelios Mineral ultra light sunscreen (SPF 50)
I love this water-resistant French pharmacy staple and find myself loading up on it every summer. It’s packed with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and specially formulated for sensitive skin like mine. It’s one of the few SPFs that won’t clog my pores and cause breakouts. It doesn’t leave a white cast on my olive-toned skin, though it might on more melanated complexions. It has a soft matte finish and is full of skin-nourishing antioxidants.
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