Style Skincare How Long Moisturizer and Lotion Last And do they expire? By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 13, 2022 Fact checked by Emily Peterson Fact checked by Emily Peterson Emily Peterson is an experienced fact-checker and editor with Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and French. Our Fact-Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email Most skincare products, even those with natural ingredients like your favorite aromatherapy lotion, contain preservatives to keep them fresher longer. "But even preservatives lose their optimal function over time," says Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD, a New York City dermatologist. So in short, yes: Moisturizer and lotion do expire. When it comes to body moisturizer, throw away unfinished containers that have been open for more than two years. (If you're using a lotion on a regular basis, though, odds are you'll need to replenish it before it expires.) An expired lotion doesn't hurt or damage skin, but the product won't lock in moisture or hydrate as thoroughly. (In the case of cooling lotions or other specific-use items, they probably won't work as well.) Sealed and unopened bottles should be good for three years. If, however, you notice changes in your moisturizer's smell or texture before the two- or three-year mark, toss it. The more active ingredients a lotion contains (like SPF) and the more bacteria introduced (as when you put your fingers into a jar), the less stable the lotion will be and the more quickly it will expire. Check the product's back label to find out how many active ingredients there are. Also, opt for pumps or tubes, which keep germs out effectively, over screw-top tubs that your fingers have to reach into. Finally, if you're not storing the lotion in a cool spot (about 10 degrees lower than normal room temperature), the lotion will probably spoil faster than usual. Lotion vs. Body Cream Because skincare products, like night creams, contain chemicals, it's better to use them up rather than send them to landfills. But if you have a stash of lotion from holiday and gifting occasions in the past, do a smell and touch check before you apply it. If it smells different than expected or has a strange texture, you're better off tossing it. Just put in the trash inside the sealed jar, not down the drain where it could get into waterways. (Side note: If you're looking to dispose of empty face lotion containers, some stores—like Nordstrom's—accept beauty product packaging for recycling.) But if you're using your favorite lotion or moisturizer regularly, you're probably going to use it up before it expires, anyway. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit