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Do ingredients in drugs like Retin A really "expire", or do they get more potent over time?
  • JanelleK
    I have a tube of Retin A that is due to expire in about 3 weeks. I know I will not be able to finish the whole tube by then, and will be forced to use it after the expiry date. I've heard people say that drugs can often get more potent over time, so the expiry date is just "something the manufacturers have to slap on." Is this true? I know people will say to get another tube, but it is quite expensive, and I would like to know if it is worth using after the expiry date, or are the drug companies telling the truth when they put the expiry dates on?
    Thank you!
  • BrainHeartBeauty
    I work in pharmacy and the pharmacists have told me that for most products you realistically have at least 6 months after the labelled expiry to use it at decent potency. Yes, expiry dates are necessary, but the date on the box is the date to which the company can guarantee the products is at the specified concentration. Using it after that date isn't going to hurt you (in most cases, I'm sure there are exceptions).

    It's not like the chemicals have little watches and sit there counting down to the expiry date then suddenly become useless! :P
  • Right BrainRight Brain
    I agree that extending the expiration period a little bit is probably fine. But at some point active ingredients can degrade which causes a couple of problems. For example, using an expired sunscreen where the UV absorber has crystalized or separated out from the rest of the product could result in more sunburn. In your Retin-A example, using it after it expires may not HURT you but it may also not provide the benefits you're looking for.
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