How long can the expiry dates on beauty products be exceeded?

ebony

Due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, I stopped using my acnefree severe set with main component BP 2.5/ 10%. Now I noticed the date on them is March 2012. Can these still be used? And if yes, for how long? Thanx

Right Brain

If the products are only a couple of months out of date and there are no apparent signs of deterioration (in other words the products look and smell okay) they're probably fine to use. Maybe for another few months?

ebony

Oh, ok, thanks for the tip. I checked and the products still look and smell ok.

alchemist

BP = Benzoyl Peroxide? Benzoyl Peroxide is very temperature sensitive and degrades rapidly rapidly at any temperature much above room temperature. Because of this expiry dates on these products are a lot more acurate than a typical best before on a cosmetic. It's also hard to pick up by look or smell, and what you'll be left with is a less effective product.

The products without Benzoyl Peroxide will likely to be fine. (I've still got some retained Baby Wash and Shampoo that's now almost 15 years old that look and smell OK and I'm still happy use)

Right Brain

Thanks Alchemist. I was assuming the products were stored at ambient conditions. Excellent clarification.

ebony

This is absolutely right because I noticed that I don't get the same amount of dryness I used to get when I first purchased the products. Then I believed maybe my skin had simply adjusted to the products. But then they help to curb my breakouts. Question is, is it dangerous to continue using?

alchemist

The main decompostion product of benzoyl peroxide is benzoic acid.
But personally I'd err on the side of caution, no point using it if it's not going to be effective.

ChemWizard

What about Hydrogen Peroxide formulations?
They decompose at above room temp and pH below 3.5..Is there a formulation trick to stabilize such products?

Right Brain

Try www. chemistscorner.com for expert help with formulation issues.

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